SANParks.org Forums

Hi everyone!
Every time that I'm near KNP, I smell a scent. I think it's a type of tree. Especially in Skukuza. Does someone perhaps know what tree it is, or if it is anything else?
It's not a very "attractive" smell, but I love it, because it reminds me of all the times I've visited KNP.
Since I was 5 years old, I've remembered that smell.

isn't it creosote?

Are you not perhaps talking about the Potato Bush? Don't laugh - some people don't like the "smell", but it smells like potatoes boiling, just stronger. Very noticeable in winter. My favourite bushveld smell.

Let me tell you EXACTLY what it smells like. Please excuse my tenses - I'm Afrikaans not English.
When you rub your joints against each other, and you smell that - that's what it smells like.

That's the best I can describe the smell.

It could also be the Sausage Tree ...really distinctive Bushveld smell

Hi Bok and welcome
Is this a year round smell or do you usually visit during certain months of the year?

I agree with Woodlin with regards to the patato bush. The other familiar smell is that of the thatch roofs.

Is it not the wild sage bush?

Wild sage is extremely sweet smelling, not really like rubbing your joints together (depends on if they're perfuemd though).

I suppose the smell of rubbing your joints together will also depend on how often you bath

It's a year round smell... I smell it the strongest when I'm in the parking of the reception at Skukuza. In front of the 3 heads.

Jip I would also go for patato bush. It's one of the most distinctive smells in Kruger

The creosote smell of the thatch...reminds me more of kerosene.....

and I can't figure out the "rubbing joints" together smell at all...

I kept thinking it was everyone braaiing potatoes when we were driving parallel to the Skukuza fence

I also adore the smell of the Wild Aniseed, we were told that SANpark anti-poaching people use it to disguise their smell in the bush and it does a fantastic job, they catch them every time I guess when you spend that amount of time in the bush you become so in-tune with the smells, you could smell a human.

When we entered Skukuza and drove past the reception on Sunday I could clearly smell the Potato bush.