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I can't make up my mind so maybe the Forum can help. I camped in Satara in Feb and loved it, mostly because there was hardly any people and it was so peaceful and quiet. LOVED IT.

I am going for another trip in June on my own this time for 2 weeks, will be flying. I cannot decide whether I should camp or stay in Safari Tents. Cost is not the main issue here, luckily. The issue being:
- I am flying and can only take bare essentials so comfort will be lacking, especially for winter.
- Satara camping is very full (I already have a provisional booking though) and am worried about too many people (= noise and being on "top of oneanother"). Privacy and peace is my main aim when being in KNP, for a lot of people it isn't.

I love Satara area & vegetation but am not sure if camping in winter will be as much fun for me than in summer.

So the option is camping in Satara, Punda & LowerSabie or staying at Safari tents in other areas (LowerSabie, Tamboti, Letaba).

Any advice on what to do ?


Nicole

Hi,

The nights can get a little chilli, but I doubt that it will be freezing cold!

I would still go camping in Satara but would also spend a few nights at Tamboti, its a beautifull camp and not far from Satara.

The safari tents in Lower Sabie are superb, a little more private than Letaba and offer stunning views of the river, Lower Sabie has some of the best game viewing available in Kruger but can get very busy over the holidays.

I would spend some time camping in Satara and some time in the Safari Tents in Lower Sabie or Tamboti as well, a few days in Punda Maria would be nice.

Enjoy the trip!

Before I give my verdict I would like to ask where you come from because climates are different?

GO for the Lower Sabie safari tents, Nicole !
Being there was our first 'camping' experience (in July) and we LOVED it

I agree with Matthys. Safari Tents at Lower Sabie IF you are lucky to get accom available

Just keep on looking EVERY DAY - just maybe you get lucky

Thanks for feedback. Still undecided, oh no

Sheenaugh-Lee: I am coming from CT. I have been to KNP in June before and know it does get freezing at night but warms up nicely during the day. Bearable in a Safari Tent because one has extra blankets if needed. I can't take extra blankets and all the comfort items along on the plane due to restricted luggage.

NJVermaak: I don't really want to camp AND stay in Safari tents as it would be "a waste" to fly all the camping stuff up just for 6 nights of camping ? It would be worth it for 2 weeks though (which I will be going beginning of June). Lower Sabie Safari tents are already booked provisionally too - I must pay this weekend so need to make up my mind !

I am worried about the cold at night in my little tent and limited clothing due to luggage allowance. I also wonder whether Satara is "cramped" when campsite full to capacity. I do prefer Satara area to Lower Sabie, although just being in KNP is obviously wonderful, never mind where one stays. Although I love Tamboti Tents, the long drive on the tar road is not my favourite drive, especially for longer than 2 days ....

oi, decisions decisions .....

Considering your preferences mentioned I would go for the safari tents as I believe Satara camping becomes so crowded you may return from an excursion and find someone has pitched a tent so close to yours that they use your tent pegs to anchor their tent .

Read here :

viewtopic.php?f=48&t=66480

Nicole -

a little bit of (maybe not so good ) advice. Make a booking of accom which is now acceptable for you, although not really PLAN A. Then: visit the AVAILABILITY of Lower Sabie EVERY DAY, even more than once a day if you can. This worked for me during the past 5 years. A few weeks before the time, accom becomes available - why? I don't know. The Safari Tents are VERY POPULAR and June is a very busy month. If one of them does not become available, you can always have a look at the HUTS at LS. Although not the view of the tents - they are warm, have electricity and are very affordable. You will have to pay a moderation fee, but if you are upgrading, sometimes it is not very much.

Remember that Croc Bridge also have very nice Safari Tents ( unfortunately also very popular).

I always make my bookings via telephone and if I want to change, I do it via telephone. I really do not know whether the above-mentioned advice will be possible if you make your booking online. The satellite office in Johannesburg is a wonderful office and very telephone friendly

Please let us know what happens
Leana

You have been given good advice
Safari tents or camping, you well be very cold in whichever So that does not factor into the reckoning

Why not try something different this time? Then you can always camp in Satara again ... perhaps in quiet summer months again

CB and LS is very popular, but game viewing is second to none there Tamboti is tops in terms of bush feel!!! And not far from the open grasslands you have grown to love Shingwedzi also has tented accom, and the game viewing is better than Letaba in my opinion Three camps, each in its own region of Kruger, is a trip that cannot go wrong!! A bit of everything And something new

Cheetah2111 has also given VERY GOOD advice... and he knows what he is speaking about.

Especially after the good rains the previous months, the area around TAMBOTI (and yes speaking of a bush feeling ) will be a feast for the eye.

Now we have you completely confused

Happy planning

Leana

oi .....

Cheetah2111: Letaba is nice for me as it is not far from Satara grasslands. Obviously Balule would be better but no availablity at moment, although I managed to get one night at the end

Think I must stick with Safari Tents and postpone camping to a less busy & warmer time .... although I have no idea which is a quiet month in KNP apart from Feb.

So it would be safari tents at Lower Sabie, Tamboti & Letaba - all booked. Punda is full for the dates I would be looking at but if I can still squeeze it in it would be nice to see again. Shing unfortunately only opens on 15.6 and then I will depart ....

A hut is out of the question, then I might as well stay at home .... the night sounds are half of the reason why I visit KNP

Thanks all for your help

Safari Tents are the best

Keep on looking ... for availability

NicoleCT (from BBCT) it is a no brainer.

Stay in the safari tents in Croc Bridge (7 or and Tamboti.

I have done it a few times, not in June, but they are both great areas in the park for viewing.