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I have scrawled all over my giant Kruger map and highlighted the roads recommended by Gomag.co.za. I have read a lot about these two roads on the east and west of Tshokwane, and they look scenic, quiet and promising in terms of sightings. What experience(s) have you had on either of these roads in winter? I will be there in August.

Graham, I have not had much joy with the S34 in winter. I have found it very dry and quiet. I prefer the Vutomi road, which is currently closed.

I have not done the S35. I see on my map that the S35 goes though open savannah grassland on basalt. This does tend to attract grazers, you might have luck there.

I have not done the S34 in winter, but in early (Nov) and late (March) summer. Personally I have not been particularly lucky on that road. I did drive the S35 (Lindanda Road) in winter - and once again, we did not see much to write home about.

Graham the S35 is open grassland. You will not generally have an abundance of game there.
But ADW has seen the Vutumi pride there all to himself. A mite or two has seen cheetah there before. And in March I saw a MASSIVE herd of zebra there! A good 1000!
But, it is not the best option you have. Is this when you are coming down from Olifants?

The S34 is more a leopard road. Also have not had great sightings there

@Cheetah - yes this is the day after my Timbavati S39 route. I am working out nice, quiet roads to explore during our leisurely meander to LS from OL!

Based on all the comments thus far it seems that I must hope Vutomi road has reopened by then as there don't seem to be mant winter water sources around the east of Tshokwane

The H1-3 is the most productive road going Southwards to Tsokwane. Going down the S37 and S35 I grow tired of the mundane scenery. If you want to take the dirt roads down, I would recommend going down the West the S36. With some luck you might see Sable there!

Don't discard any road in Kruger for being dull . Any thing can happen at any time

We took a "quiet " drive down the S34 last September , and were lucky enough to come onto a pride of 13 lions , consisting of 2 males , 4 females , and 7 cubs --- and they were in hunting mode

And the best is that we had it all to ourselves 20 meters away , because everyone else were driving down Vutomi and seeing nothing

Lovely photo of a lioness Okie -

Thank you Norms

Here are the males . Just look at that black-maned one

If there is time, perhaps it will be possible to drive S33 (if open), S34, S35 and S36!

@Okie - those lion photos in winter look amazing - enough to convince me - how lucky you must have felt to have them all to yourself?

Generally is there water in Orpen dam in August? The gravel loop nearby looks stunning!!