SANParks.org Forums

Hiya to all,

I just hope this is right forum
Since days, I spent a huge part of my precious life time in front of the computer trying to check out ALL what could be necessary to know for our trip mid of September - I tell you, my butt just is quadratic!

OK, hotel reservation is done (a private lodge) in Hazyview, papers are OK, and then I discover: Woman, the South Africans are driving on the wrong side! Man. How to handle this?? I'm the driver in our partnership (except my big son but, he's not driving in SA), it will be me fighting ourselves through the SA traffic jungles! Will I succeed?

Can't wait to be there, we were reading all available info, every bit on the internet, and there's A LOT to read, wow!

After spending so many hours "in the Kruger", I'm sure to drive blind folded through it, yes M'am! Now we know distances, gates' entrance hours, received tons of hotel info's by email: We just have to go and enjoy.

Hope to see someone from the forums at the spot there, our schedule is Sept. 10 - 20, 2006. After this, going on to Namibia etc.

Can't sleep at night, always dreaming of animals, having wonderful walking trips, listening to African nights' sounds...

Cya
Christel

Sure is! We now know where to find your tripreport when you are back!

Which spot is that? In the When will I see yellow ribbons in Kruger? you can see who is where, and if you give Dinkybird a PM she can add your schedule. (She won't bite.)
Go and have a great vacation!

Well- enjoy!
But please don't forget to sit your "quadratic" butt back down again to submit your report and photos!
Wishing you fantastic sightings!

Driving wrong- sided isnt all that bad
Gearbox on the wrong side and all the turnoffs are on the wrong side of the road.

Worst part is when you are back in europe you might get into the passenger seat and try to drive away

All you have to do is mind the taxi's they are bad drivers and will swing in before u at any time they feel like it,but otherwise go and hav some fun!
If i can give some advice don't enter the Numbi gate as you have to go through Bosbokrandt and that started to be a very dangerous area, they throw your car with rocks and stuff but do enter through Phabeni its a nice gate and nearest to Hazyview!

Why are you not staying in Kruger Park itself?
Your going to have a very nice time,i was there begin July and the Park is beatiful,wish i could come with you..........

Will be waiting for all the reports!!

If you hire a Toyota Hilux no-one will worry where you drive!

I think you mean Orpen gate via Bosbokrandt, Leopard Lover,
Numbi Gate is fine, we enter through there often, but yes I agree Phabeni would be the closest from Hazyview.

I am sure you are going to have a great holiday Christelsabine, enjoy and come back and tell us all about it.
Best wishes.

Elsa sorry i got confused!we got lost this July trying to find Orpen and we only knew the Road through Bosbokrandt and when we were stopping in Sabie some people told us not to go through Bosbokrandt!that it is dangerous!

My bad!!!!!!but still keep lookout for the taxi's!
There's 2 lovely restaurants that you must try out while staying in Hazyview!in my next report i'll post something about it

Many thx @ everybody, so many good infos

Regarding staying in a lodge outside the park I just have to say, that after my husband's heart attack from which he still is recovering a bit, he needs some comfort around him and the chance, just to stay in the accomodation, f.e. if it's too hot, if he's feeling weak or so..... He surely will not participate in every day or night trip/walk. So, if there's a TV near to him - he might just want to relax while I'll go and enjoy another day in Kruger - and after coming back, will show him all what he missed that day

Oh! You are Evil!

And that for somebody recovering from a heart attack

What's about that "dangerous" thing, throwing stones?? Why Bosbokrandt ?

Could it be a risk for me to travel alone (w/o my man at my side) around or into the park??

To learn from first hand experiences is really priceless, I think

Yes, you will succeed.
It's easy to remember to drive on the "wrong" side because everything else is the wrong way round. You sit on the wrong side and the gearbox is on the wrong side...

But once I drove a car (Toyato Hilux) that had the window wiper and the Blinklicht (indicator?) swapped around. That was really difficult because using the Blinklicht is something you do automatically. Each time I turned, I put on the window wiper.

Hope you have a great time Christel

Phabeni Rocks

Christel, voilence and crime are at a high rate in SA, but just be curios and let the people know you are aware of them!

Croc Bridge gate had a armed robbery in their shop 3 weeks ago!but you will be safe in Kruger just take caution around yourself if you drive back from Kruger to your hotel!there are many taxi's and busses not in good condition that speed by you and can be dangerous!Just don't get lost and stick to the roads you know!

In my opinion use Phabeni gate its the safest i think!If i can assist you in finding accomodation thats near the Park then the Protea Hotel is 250m from the Kruger Park Gate, is very nice and the best bet!

I wish your husband all the best hope he gets well soon and your going to have a wonderful holiday so don't stress to much