SANParks.org Forums

sorry about that John .... sure you'll have a wonderful time though. We always take one of those polarfleece blankets with for each of us - they are cheap, light yet really really warm and are great for using round the fire at night, in the car in the early mornings and can also be stuffed inside your sleeping bags for extra warmth....

Have a stunning time in August - sure the weather will have sorted itself out by then

There are communal freezers at Maroela, Tsendze, Malelane and Balule.

There are two at Balule Josh, but they don't really freeze well. It helps if your meat is already frozen and vaccum packed.

Hi Gunner. I recently bought a Campmaster 3-man popup. Its super convenient. I haven't used it in bad weather though.

Cons: There's very little space inside, smaller than a 2-man backpacking tent I've found. Its also very oval, not rectangular, which makes fitting in an inflatable mattress an issue. My Intex queen stretched the tent, and based on my measurements an Intex Double would also not fit. I've subsequently bough a First Ascent self-inflating mat (Ultra Lite I think). I'm yet to use this combination though (expecting it to be better). Even with two such mats, space will be tight inside.

For stays less than 3/4 nights, SO and I now prefer the pop-up (for convenience) though we're still building up experience with it. If I remember correctly, I corresponded with another mite months ago and they recommended it.

I bought mine on sale (R400) so it was cheap enough to experiment with.

Hey there Joshilewis, thanks for the advice

Im actually planning on buying the same tent, Campmaster 3man pop-up. Its on special @ Makro for R499. Iv'e never camped before, so i think this tent wont be too bad for a first timer, taking in mind there's no set up needed Mind you we are 3 bros so there might be some squabbling going on in the 3men sleeper

Another question, Do i need a mattress or will the sleeping bags do with a thick duvet underneath?

I wouldn't buy the tent if there's 3 of you. My SO and I are quite cosy inside with just the two of us. Remember, tents are measured with sleeping bags, not the actual amount of space a person takes.

Personally I think a mattress is worth it. The Intex range is pretty affordable, depending on where you buy.

I think 360 Degrees/Natural Instincts (Outdoor and Sportsmans Warehouse brand) have a bigger pop-up tent, but I've never used one and its a lot more expensive

Agree Josh, think you could pick up a 5 man tent for a few bob more which would be better suited to 3 persons if that makes sense. Gives a bit of space to keep stuff in tent with you.

We've been camping using tents for the past 25 years and we really enjoy it. In our experience it is neccesary to have space - especially in rainy wheather. When we were 2-3 persons - use a 5 man tent. 4-5 persons - use two 5 man tents!

A higher roof also makes it more comfortable to get dressed, etc.

Just my tuppence worth - when camping in winter we use layers of newspaper under the bed for insulation. We do this whether it is in the ground tent or the roof-top tent.
Its painful to pack it up - but well worth the added insulation on freezing nights.

for sure. I don't know if sleeping bags are necessary, just take a normal sheet and duvet etc from home. Thats what we do.

That tent has a 3x3m inner, so you should have plenty of space for mattresses etc. It fits my queen with ample space

Hi Francois!

For a first time camping trip to Kruger and if there are children I would go for Berg en Dal or Letaba.

Go through "Campsites in Kruger - the EJ report" under KNP Camps and Roads - do not know how to post a link.

I would agree first time camping maybe somewhere like Letaba or Berg-en-Dal, or even Satara. Best to be somewhere you can get things you have forgotten, and where you have alternatives for food etc......and where it is fairly easy to get in and out of camp spaces while you get used to moving the caravan about. But then.......anywhere and everywhere!!!!!

Could someone perhaps answer these two questions please:-

1. If we have booked a camp-site for two people, can we add another 2 people to the booking at a later stage as they haven't confirmed yet?

2. Are we allowed 2 two-man tents on one camp-site?

I understand that an additional amount is payable for an extra car and people.

Thanks for any advice!

All camp sites can accomodate up to six people. The rate is for the first two, adding on will be possible at an additional fee.
Enjoy your camping Satara is just great, do not forget to take a heavier hammer as the soil is quite hard

Just to confirm, one camp site is allowed up to 2 tents, or caravan and side tent. Up to 6 people per site, with base rate allowing 2 people. One car per site. Extra for another car or the extra 4 people.