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Hi Yvonne, depends what you like. You get less but you also get more. No shop, no restaurant or cafeteria, no petrol, so you have to take all your own food and drink with you and do your own cooking, but the bushveld camps are smaller, not so many people, and the bush is right there, as if you are out in it. There is less light pollution so more chance of star watching, and most bushveld camps are on quiet back roads with less traffic. I have only stayed at Talamati and there were drives and bush walks from there at that time. The chalets there were very comfortable.

Why not also consider Tamboti tented camp near Orpen which is similar - away from the crowds - but not as expensive. Lionspoon and Meandering Mouse have both posted trip reports recently having stayed at Tamboti.

Hope you enjoy your visit. Remember, too, that Feb is probably going to be quite hot and I think some of the more eco-friendly camps don't have electricity for aircons.

Sue

Hi Giraffe,

long time no hear I am quite sure you miss out a lot when not staying in a bushveld camp. The main difference is that there is no shop or restaurant and only up to 15 chalets/bungalows which is making the whole camp far more quietier and less frequented. Sometimes in case of Biyamiti the roads which are leading to the camps are "private" roads which are only open for those who will stay in the camp.

In many bushveld camps there will also be a nice walk to strech the lengs a bit and they do also have at least one hide inside camp and sometimes also two. All bungalows will have the complete kitchen with all utensils as well as a private braai. Most of the chalets are for 4 or more people in the bushveld camps and that is also the different in the price as you will have far more space.

I would recommend that you just try one or two stays in different bushveld camps during your forthcoming trip (Biyamiti is highly recommendable and is also one of the cheaper bushveld camps).

BTW we will also be in Kruger in February so please fly your YR high maybe we will meet each other on the roads

Happy planning

Hi Yvonne, AS chirinda said it depends on what you like most.
I've stayed in most main camps in KNP and also stayed a couple of nights at Talamati, which I now consider my favourite camp in KNP.
Beautiful units, spacious and very very quite compared to main camps. You only have a small reception area with public telephone and that's it. Fantastic for a couple, or more nights, looking for peace and a very relaxing holiday.
The difference in price is mainly due to the difference between the two accommodations. Talamati units are proper fully furbished houses with large kitchen, lounge, bedroom, bathroom and enormous veranda with BBQ, and you only have 15 units. You have to bring everything, including fire wood, with you and nearest shop in Satara.

HI Giraffe

I like both types, but my preference is for the bushveld camp. The accomodation at some of the camps is truly spacious. I love the intimacy and the peace.

Having said that, because I often travel alone, the convenience of the restcamp is also appreciated.

Excellent Giraffe, I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy your stay at the bushcamps.
Fly your yellow ribbon and hope you meet other fellow formites during your trip.