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Sorry BH. The rat pack will think of you in Jan

Greetings,

I've got some friends out from abroad and I've managed to get a few nights at Satara this coming weekend and would really appreciate some updated info if possible.

Firstly my initial idea is as follows as time is rather limited:

Day 1:
Enter through Croc Bridge (I'll be at the gate by around 7:30am) and then take the S28 to L/Sabie, H10 to Tshokwane and then H1-3 to Satara. It's approx 127km which is well workable and gives us the chance to see some different aspects of the park as well. If time permits in the late afternoon we will tackle the S100.
Day 2:
This is where it gets difficult H6 / S41 / H90 or H1-4 / S127 / S39 / H7.
Either of these drives should take the majority of the morning, hoping to be back at camp for lunch, a swim and a snooze before tackling the S100 again before sunset.
Day 3
Time is an issue so we need to head down the H7 and exit at Orpen.

There are so many options and I'm really torn on which roads to tackle.

So here are my questions;

1. Is the timing workable?
2. If anyone is in the Satara area or has just returned from there, please advise whether any particular roads are more productive at the moment. I know animals have legs and move but certain roads can be more productive for game viewing depending on the thickness of the bush, availability of water etc. and as I don't have time to work all the roads this time I would really appreciate some updated info.
3. What has the rainfall been like over the past month or so? Is the bush thick?
4. Any other usefull suggestions or comments.

Thanks
DGK

Hi there. We were in Satara area early Oct. If I were to choose again I would take the H1-4, S90, S41 option. The S127 road surface is quite bad. We saw much more game on these roads than the S39, which is also a favourite of mine. Another suggestion would be to take the H1-4 up to the S91 9(or S89), past Balule, S90 to Gudzani and then either the S90 (which we did and finished at around 11h00, including 2 lion sightings.)or S41, S100 depending on time. You can also think of visiting Olifants, but that might be a bit far. BTW the S100 was teeming with game and predators, that is if you can handle the traffic. A good idea would be to start or finish after (or before) the crowds. . The first part of the H1-4 was burnt, so it should be almost emerald green by now after the rains.
See my trip report "Breeding Kruger Junkies"

As always its still right place, right time though.
Good luck and enjoy.

Hi there everybody

Has anyone been to the Satara area lately? If so can anyone inform me of what condition the sand/gravel roads are in?

Last time we were there the roads were a little corrugated and as we have a normal vehicle and not a 4x4 or 4x2 or high rise vehicle the car bounced around badly!(it didn't stop us but my parents want to know as it is there car going through the punishment) Thanks any info will be much appreciated!

Hi Mike1916We have just spent 5 days at Satara (and about 760km in that area). Maybe I can give you some info.S100 has become very busy particularly for the afternoon drive. But early morning 4:30 drive is fine. But we did not see much - even on the night drive that took that route. First mornig we saw two male lions briefly (about 5kms before the Shibotwana water hole). Thereafter we only saw the one male every day in more or less thesame area - but sleeping (even on the night drive -sleeping)  only to lift his head once in a while - wives probably feeding him well. Road was graded while we were there - good.The S41 between S100 turn off and the S90 turn off realy was worth while. We had two lion sightings (near) and my longed for first Impala new born. Road not too bad ( my SO hates bad roads and was ok with this one).I enjoyed the sightings on the Trichard road (4 rhinos, ellies, and abundant game) and also not too bad - actually quite good particularly the last 10 kms as you get to the H1-3.The H6 as always has plenty of game and we saw some very interesting hyhena activity.....
and some some other adorables.The Sweni road was not good - very corrugated most of the way. But great sightings.The S36 not so good but from the Ngwenyeni Dam very good - just graded.Didnt see much though - but it was a mid morning.Orpen road saw a great cheetah sighting near the t-junction with the S39 which also has been recently graded.S90 is also resonable As is the roads to the Timbavati picnic spot. The S39 is one of my favourites and gave us a wonderfull lion sighting near Palm Springs also the road is fine.Wonderfull cheetah sighting on the H1-3 near Mahena water hole but didnt get to see the great Tshokwane pride - only some left over bones.Saw more cheetahs near Lower Sabie (H10). Actually saw far more than mentioned over the 5 days but cant go into so much detail.But really it was very very hot but not busy at all. Can reccomend the wors and pap at Tshokwane for breakfast. Satara itself - fantastic as always!Good luck and hope you have a great time!

Thanks Painter that info really helps a lot