SANParks.org Forums

We are due to visit next September.
We hope to go from top to bottom,how does this idea sound for starters?
2 nights Punda Maria
2 nights Mopani
3 nights Oliphants
2 nights Satara
3 nights Lower Sabi
2 nights Berg-en-Dal

We will be mainly self-catering, with 2/3 nights off -so which camps have the best restaurants?
I would really appreciate any advice as to camps and route.

Welcome to the forum Brewersfriend . Hope you will find this forum helpful and informative

You intend to visit 14 nights which is great , but a lot of moving around . I would curtail the number of camps say to 4 maximum 5 only .
I love the north and may be prejudiced towards that region ,and as such would suggest :
Punda 2 nights ,
Shingwedzi 3 nights.
Satara 4 nights ,
Lower Sabie 3 .
Berg-en-Dal 2 nights .

Enjoy

Your itinerary sounds good even if you have to drive a bit (but then that's what one tends to do in the Kruger), and if you've got the bookings in the bag, it's probably best to stick with them. I'd recommend that you don't get too excited about eating out at any of the camps as the restaurants are nothing to write home about. Rather enjoy your evenings around the campfire.
Also, if you are planning to go on a night drive, then Satara will be your best bet for cats.
At Punda - do a day trip up to Pafuri to enjoy the riverine vegetation and if you're keen on birds
At Mopani - be sure to visit Mooiplaas waterhole at sunset
Olifants and Lower Sabie have wonderful viewing decks at their restaurants
Berg-en-Dal is good for wild dogs (also visit Matjulu waterhole)
Hope that helps!

Hi Brewersfriend.

I agree with Okie. Try to stay in fewer camps but for more nights. Shingwedzi is fantastic for covering the north of KNP. Letaba is also a good camp to visit. Satara is fantastic for lions. We're not so keen on Lower Sabie -it's a bit crowded but enjoy Berg-en-dal.

We tend to spend 3 nights in our camps which gives us time to explore the area before moving on. The main camps are good for starters but hopefully you will be hooked and want to return, in which case the bush camps are a must. Talamati is our favourite.

U

Hi Brewersfriend what a great opportunity. I am going to go with Okie's suggestion. It really is good and sound.

September is still very dry and north of Olifants will not offer the best sightings, unless you are an avid birder. Both Shingwetzi and Punda have enough eco -diversity and river drives to keep you pretty busy.

I have gone ahead and booked the following, with a few changes because of lack of avialability.
2 Punda Maria
2 Shingwedezi
2 Oliphants
3 Satara
2 Lower Sabie( with room change)
1 Skukuza
1 Berg-en-Dal

I was amazed how full some of the camps were 10 months ahead especially Lower Sabie.
Do camps get booked by Agents and then dump unsold rooms later?

Lower Sabie always gets booked up as soon as bookings come on line.

From your itinerary you will cover the park from end to end so make the most of each section. You will see that the north is less busy than the south.

Also make the most of cooking and eating around the campfire.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

U

Hi Brewersfriend

I am going with the majority here ... fewer camps would be better, if it is possible Especially those one night stays at the end. Next September is a long time away. Keep an eye on availability opening up as cancellations take place. Those camps you miss out on this time around, you can try stay in next time around


Yes! Satara and Lower Sabi




During September, the Park is dry. When deciding on routes, go for those with water sources. Even if the rivers are dry, the vegetation is rich in those areas and will attract game

I agree w.r.t the one night stays at the end.
I would ditch Skukuza and stay at Berg en Dal for 2 nights.
Maybe even change Lower Sabie for Croc Bridge?

Overall, you will find as many opinions as there are posters..we all have our favourites. Personally I would tend to stay longer in the north. While it could be quite dry there (I was there this year), it could also be extremely wet in the south during September (like this year). Have you considered changing one of the camps in the north for one of the bush camps? Maybe Sirheni instead of Shingwedzi? Or Shimuwini in stead of Olifants?
Apart from Lower Sabie, the availability of accommodation seems to be good for most of the camps, so you could really choose to do whatever you want to!