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Hi alya. I understand that you're worried, but South Africa doesn't get nearly as cold as Switzerland. If you look at the climate statistics for Skukuza here, you will see that from 1961 to 1990, the average daily maximum was 28C and average daily minimum was 10C. You can also check the long-range forecast for May here.

We don't make use of central heating in South Africa like for example Europe and the US do since it simply doesn't get that cold here. The blankets that will be provided in the hut/bungalow will be more than sufficient to keep you warm. I would say you'll be perfectly all right in a tent too, as long as you have a warm sleeping bag. During our South African winter school holidays (June/July when it is even colder than in May), thousands of people camp in KNP.

http://www.weathersa.co.za/

Forecast: Friday, 14 April 2006

Min: 10°C Max: 26°C
Weather: Partly cloudy.
Wind: light westerly but light south-westerly in the afternoon.
Sunrise: 06:23 Sunset: 17:53
Moonrise: 18:15 Moonset: 06:53
Moonphase: Full Moon

Hi Bananna check this for the current weather at Skukuza:
http://english.wunderground.com/global/ ... 68296.html
It has an seven day forecast.
So check later for the weather for August 28 and beyond
Have a nice trip,
Regards Cees

You are right about the rain Bert. The impies have not yet started giving birth, but I believe it is going to happen in the next few weeks.
The bush has very quickly turned green this year. Most trees are covered in vibrant green new leaves. The grass however still needs to change. It is amazing the difference compare to what the bush looked like last year this time.
I believe this is also going to be a terribly hot summer…is already very hot and VERY humid.

HI Nightjar

We've been several times in December - sometimes unbelievably hut and humid (accompanied by a plague of insects), and at other times cool and rainy. Usually you long for some rain because of the heat (our record = 42.5 degree C). Our best drive ever was out of Lower Sabie in Dec after a couple of days of rain. Started off in rain but clear by the afternoon - saw sidestriped jackal; hyaena kill baby impie and two blackbacked jackal who had just taked down a baby impie as well. All in one drive!

If you don't have aircon, a tip is to take some kind of spraybottle, fill with water, keep cold and spray all over yourself. You may get odd looks but it works a dream!

Look at http://www.weathersa.co.za/

Have a look at this site. If you register there you can get longer forecasts. Nelspruit has a minimum of 12°C and max of 33°C degrees today.

I'll be moving this post to the weathertopic soon. Maybe you should read the FAQ (Frequently asked questions), there is lots more info and links in there.

Have a look on the BBC website Calia. It's over here: www.bbc.co.uk - Skukuza, South Africa

Flaxy, have a look at the KNP climate page. There is a nice PDF showing average temps.

I've been stalking this forum as a guest for a month or so getting together all my info together for a trip to Kruger in 2008. I visited South Africa in early 2003 on an organised tour at age 22. As part of the tour I had three nights in Sabi Sands. I have matured slightly and now have a very keen animal-loving girlfriend of three years to bring along with me. I have a few questions so instead of scattering them through various threads I thought I would start a new one.

This is a rather big list and I would very much appreciate any assistance people may have. It will be an expensive trip for us from Sydney and we will use all of our annual holiday allowance. It might also help some other people considering Kruger with their research because there is a lot of information to sift through and I couldn't find some information I was looking for easily.

Thanks in advance for your help, it took me a while to write this!

When are the best months to do a south to north and back again?
I am thinking next year mid-August to mid-September, or mid-October to mid-November. I don't really want to see the park stone dry, so I'm leaning towards the October-November option where we might see some average river flow, some signs of spring and some babies for the girlfriend (maybe she'll get the point). I would like to miss the school holidays too which is why I'm leaning away from a mid-September to mid-October option. I will also try and avoid the larger camps on weekends.

What do you think of the following itinerary?
What do you think are the best rooms in each category?
What activities (drives, walks, braais) do you recommend at some places?

Two nights Berg-en-Dal - BA3U (23-28, 30-31)
Three nights Biyamiti - NC02-2V (8, 5, 4, 3)
Three nights Skukuza - BD2 (85-96)
Two nights Tamboti - LST3 (40, 39, 38)
Two nights Olifants - BBD2V (9, 1-7, 10-13)
Two nights Mopani - FB4 (49, 45, 43)
Two nights Punda Maria - ST2 (2, 3)
Two nights Shingwedzi - BD2 (?)
Two nights Letaba - BD3U (59-64, 17-19, 33-37)
Three nights Satara - BD2V (166-168, 161, 179)
Three nights Lower Sabi - LST2U (20, 16, 21)
Two nights Crocodile Bridge - BD3 (?)

Regarding the best bungalows, cottages and tents, I've listed the ones that I could find on the forum. Please note that I am not sure if the room numbers I've mentioned correspond with the type I will book.

Regarding the activities, I have read sunset drives are the best drives and morning walks can be interesting. I was thinking sunset drives at Berg-en-Dal, Biyamiti, Lower Sabi and Tamboti (can you do a sunset drive here?). A night drive at Letaba (or Satara?). Morning walks at Biyamiti, Olifants and Lower Sabi. Are the bush braais recommended? If yes, which camp would you recommend one at?

How do you cater for 28 days of food (and wine)?
Should we buy enough for say a week and then leave the park for supplies? Or are the shops decent enough to buy okay quality meat, fruit and vegetables? Looking at my proposed itinerary I think it is only practical to do an outside run at Tamboti. Is it expensive to eat often in restaurants?

What is your per day or per person budget whilst in the park?
Roughly, for a couple including fuel, food and drink and some activities.

What type of car?
I had a look on AutoEurope. Car hire is the most expensive cost by the looks of it. I am undecided on what to hire and we are both licensed for automatic only. The cheapest inclusive options at AutoEurope (excluding compact class) for 28 days are a Ford Focus at US$2,183 and a BMW 320 at US$2,613. No excess makes the Ford US$2,541 and the BMW US$2,718. Is paying the extra for no excess worth it if we have travel insurance plus will be paying for as much as we can with an American Express Gold which gives limited travel insurance?

Are there particular must drives or visits around each place I will stay?
I've read about or heard the following mentioned. The H3 and S114 near Berg-en-Dal; the Biyamiti road and the S25 near Biyamiti; the H1-1, Transport Dam, Lake Panic and the loop around the Sabi and Sand rivers near Skukuza; the H7, S39, S100 and S145 near Tamboti and Satara; the H1-5, Engelhand Dam, the H9 and H14 near Letaba and Olifants; the Red Rocks Loop, Kanniedood Dam, the S56 and Shongololo Loop near Mopani and Shingwedzi; up to Pafuri and Crooks Corner including Luvuvhu River Drive from Punda Maria; the H10 stopping at Orpen Dam for Lebombo view, the H4-1 along Sabi river near Lower Sabi; and, the S28 and S130 near Crocodile Bridge.

I obviously do not want to plan the roads I travel too much so I do not put us under pressure, but if there are a few 'must do' drives, then I would of course like to include them.

What sort of camera equipment do you recommend?
I currently play with a Canon 400D and have two Canon lens, a 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS and a 70-300mm 4-5.6 IS. Anything I should think about trying to add? I'm take photos merely for fun and would consider myself a beginner. I don't know much about birds, but after reading the forum I've developed an interest I would like to try learn about and photograph them.

Are there any Kruger guidebooks and animal or birding books that you recommend I buy before I go to research and use while I am there?
I don't mind spending the cash for this as I think it will enhance the trip and help me know when I see something other than the common animals and birds.

Welcome Richardlion! You are going to have an awesome time on this forum You had asked so many questions, that I had to print out your msg

Herewith my advise.

Best months to visit..
I would suggest you go Aug to Sept...reason...you will have both worlds..dry and the start of the rain and thunderstorms. Also, apart from the private school, you wont have the masses with government school holidays.

What do you think of the following itinerary?
I like it, but would not stay at Skukuza for 3 nights, if you have to then make it 1, I would change that to PKop, as said many times on this forum, that is my fav camp...so many roads, dams, etc...but do include Skuk as you can drive to Lake Panic and sit there the whole day Your bungalows look great...I would not put too much emphasis on location, each one has its own advantages...yes, maybe some are better, but as long as you in Kruger and get the camps you prefer, its great. I would however change Tamboti to a luxury tent..a bit scary walking to the ablutions in the middle of the night.

Which activities?
I do agree with what you are looking at...yes you can do a sunset/night drive from Tamboti, they come from Orpen to pick you up. A morning walk is great, you will love it..it give you a whole new perspective on being in the Park...on foot...I always enjoy a night drive at Satara, Do a morning walk at Olifants..The bush braais are awesome...sitting in the middle of the bush with the fire roaring...do it!

Catering for 28 days?
the shops are well stocked, no need to leave the park..you will pay a bit more, and might not find exactly what you're looking for..The restaurants are great and not too expensive...you can have a buffet dinner at most camps for about R120 pp...gives you the opportunity to eat something different. Many times they have some kind of venison on the menu as well.

What is your p day pp budget?
Depens on how much you drink.....I have almost a case of beer during the 16 - 18 hrs I'm awake... I would say budget on about R300-500 per day...including all food, drinks, fuel and activities...you not going to go on a drive/walk every day...so I would say during your 28 days, you will probably do 2 walks, 4 drives, 1 bush braai (maybe 2), but then it depends on what you eat...I tend to spend a lot on food and beers...

What type of car?
I would rather look at a higher car than what you have suggested...why go for a BMW?....look at a Nissan Xtrail or even a Reanult..., but spending money is a problem, then do the ford focus or look at a corolla..the grass might still be high in some places and the extra height will definately help.

Particular drives?
Any road in KNP is good...remember, right place, right time is what counts....
No matter how much you plan your roads, it will change....it all depens on what you saw the previous day...just go with your gut and drive the road you think is best.

Camera equipment?
I just bought myself a Canon 40d, and am still very new to photography but have been told by the experts that a 500mm lens is required for birds...I still think that what you have is sufficient..and am sure you are going to take awesome pics and put it in your trip report.

Kruger guidebooks?
The first thing you do is buy a map at the gate...(Most of them do have pics of the more common animals/birds) I also have the Sasol guide on birds...animals of KNP, a field guide to Antelope of Southern Africa...its always nice to identify a buck or bird you see....

Whatever you decide...have a great time..and I look forward to your final decision.

Hi RichardLion and welcome,

Firstly, your itinerary sound wonderful, something we would also like to do one of these days.

I do agree with the sentiments of a night or 2 at P/kop but have no problem with Skukuza personally, sure its a big camp, but there are lots of attributes to that, they have the biggest well stocked shop, lovely new viewing deck and restuarant/bar area overlooking the river, the Selati train restaurant, which is very well worth a visit.
Plus there is the interesting musuem, nice to spend some of the hottest hours of the day in, with a wealth of historical info. etc etc. So essentially your choice but at least stay 1 or 2 nights.
Very productive game viewing area as well, can get hectic during the peak time but out of season not that bad.

I would agree on Oct/Nov, with the bias more toward Nov. if you want to see the some of the babies (for your girlfriend) and of course a lot of the Summer migrants, birds, the beautiful Woodland Kingfisher being one of our more vocal varieties.
You could get some rain in the form of thundershowers then but that often helps cool things down somewhat and is very welcome.

I would advocate you buying a largish cooler box, maybe one of the polystyrene types, plus some of those freezer blocks and buying as much meat/veg, at one of the big supermarkets outside the park, plus your basic groceries, long life milk etc.
Meat and fresh veg are the main things that are sometimes a bit difficult to come by, most of the others one can get reasonably readily.
The only gates where you could leave the park to shop close by are Croc Bridge, Malelane and Phalaborwa, not Orpen (Tamboti)

Car Hire.
I would have a look at some of the other companies as well, sure you could get some competitive rates on say a Corolla or the like, even in Auto.
A higher vehicle is nice but not strictly essential IMO.

You sound like you have done your homework on some of the routes to drive, but as everyone has said, expect the unexpected any time any where in Kruger.

Your camera sounds perfect and you should be able to get some awesome pics.

Agree, a map book as you enter is essential, plus any other bird/mammal books you can get.
They won't go to waste as I am sure you will be back for many more Kruger and other visits.

Please do not hesitate to ask any other questions as they arise, thats what we are here for.
We love talking about our favourite place on earth.

Quite a few questions here.... But I see you got quite a few answers as well, so let's tackle a few of the others.


Pafuri picknicspot! You have 2 nights in Punda Maria, so no problem there, and you listed it. Say hello to Frank from all of us. Also try to do the Flycatcher trail inside Punda, a tiny little walk, but fun to do.
And you did not list any of the hides? Lake Panic (near Skukuza) has been mentioned, but don't forget i.e. Matambeni hide, and the rest on the S62 (above Letaba). And Elephant Hall in Letaba should not be missed!


That should be a good start. The little lens will do you great for landscapes and panoramas, the long one is mostly long enough. It will not fit a Canon 1.4 though. So if you want to get a Kelko extender, but mind that any extender will bring out the "faults" in a lens. Try one before you go, and see if you will use it.

Other thing, you mention only 1 body. I have not been to Ozzieland, but I think you have a lot of dust there as well. Dust and cameras don't really mix, so you don't want to change lenses. So see if you can borrow or hire a second body.
Another reason for that: I borrowed a 350D from Bert (Thanks again Bert!). It was broken down so I had it repaired first. Some screws had come loose due to shaking and damaged one of the circuitboards. That shaking happened in Kruger, the consumerversions of the cameras are not really build for this. You can guess what happened, it broke down again! The 30D was in perfect condition though, so I could continue taking photos, whereas with only one body.......


At Letaba there is an ATM, and other camps have mini-ATM's.


Completely true! I have used a Corolla, a Tazz and a ??? Forgot the make, but similar, and they are fine. Yes, at some sightings you may be a little too low. No matter, search and find the next...


Bring a jumper! I'm just back and Kruger was really cold and rainy!


All should do them.

And the next:

Don't! See the top of this post.

Hi there,

I would really appreciate if someone who is currently in the park or who has just returned could let me know what the weather is like at the moment.

I'm coming over from Oz and am struggling to see on any weather websites what it is currently like in the park. Looking back on trip reports from this time last year it seemed as though there was a major hot spell, does it look as though this March will also be a scorcher?

Would much appreciate any input!

Hi mike

Haven't been there recently but here's a report for the last 24 hours. Search for Skukuza or Punda Maria.

http://www.weathersa.co.za/Climate/DailyWxFull.jsp