SANParks.org Forums

Riwels, a very warm welcome to you

I agree with Eco Junkie. I often go alone, camping or using the permanent tents. I love it and have never had a problem.

The only issue I have is pitching my tent, but there are invariably people ready and willing to help. On occasion I have asked for help at reception and they have found someone to "pitch" in.

Hi Riwels

it is the best way to experience kruger and yes you will be safe, also the camping community always help each other thats what makes it such an experience. I myself go alone to and enjoy it alot.

Hi. I am from the US and have traveled in Kruger alone several times. The only time I got into trouble was with a vervet monkey. They know females are more vulnerable and will/can be more agressive if you are alone. Be careful eating outside when they are around and do not get cocky and shew them off your porch or anything like that. I take a childs water squirt gun as a defence. They hate water.

My other advise is not to stop on the road for strangers; especially further north in the park around Punda Maria. Just be alert as you would anywhere else you are traveling alone. Take the necessary precautions and you will have a wonderful and safe stay.

I like staying in a hut on the perimeter of the camp so I can have my privacy and see the wildlife from my hut. Other than that I have been all over the park and enjoyed every minute alone.

If you click on my name it should take you to my blog and website where I write about my solo Africa travels in Kruger and more.

Dana

I'm just over twenty .... and travel alone..., the last one : 3 months in Kgalagadi and Kruger. No problem at all, nor in the South, nor in the North... only few at Lower Sabie with a BIG BABOON

Now that sounds like a really fine idea.

Unfortunately, I am already travelling for the most of Autumn and Winter as well as working at the FIFA WC. I am never available in Summer.

Some time back I wanted to start a thread regarding camping alone in the Kruger. I then realised that the topic had already been done. What I did not realise is how many people, especially women, who actually do this.

I spent three weeks camping solo last year in November, the first time I had ever gone off on my own anywhere. I can't even begin to explain what a special time that was in my life.

I am also one of you solo ladies and must say how surprised I am to hear how many of us there are.

My husband and I can only take leave at different times and can you believe, that he got bored of going to Kruger!!! He enjoys 4X4ing and I unfortunately, don't. I was sad at first but then made the decision to go alone, rather than never go again. KRUGER IS IN MY BLOOD!!!

I have been travelling to Kruger, from the KZN south coast for about 7 years now. I unfortunately can only get away once a year, so try to make the most out of my KNP trip as I can. I stay for 12 nights (sleeps ) each trip. I don't camp but stay either in the bungalows or in the Safari tents (when at Lower Sabie).

I must add tho' that the longer I do this on my own, the more I love it and can't imagine doing it with anyone else again. I go where I want, when I want and for however long I want. This may sound selfish but the rest of my year is dictated to by others (and Im mostly okay with that) so this is why I make my Kruger time, MY time!

I also love my photography and even tho' I'm very average at it and don't have a larny camera , I love it and what better place to take photos than our Kruger.

Having said that... I would love to meet up with anyone, during my trips, just to say "hi", have a chat and to share sightings etc.

I PREFER to be on my own (staying and travelling) in the KNP. For me that is the best .

Just came back from my first "alone-trip" to the Kruger. 8 fantastic days! Cant wait to do it again... ASAP! Hopefully before December when we will be there for another 8 days.

NOW JUST TELL ME: WHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYY is Lower Sabie the only camp with one-(wo)man huts?

Come on Sanparks: Think of us prefering to do this on our own, but that are too lazy to do the campig thing and too poor to do the fancy bungalows! PRETTY PLEASE build some more of these huts in the other camps as well. Judging from the availability of these (or rather lack of availability!!!!) these huts are very popular, so it will be a worthwhile investment for the other camps!

Hey everybody , i`m Peter from Switzerland. Till End of August rent a Car and stay for 7 Nights in the Krugerpark alone. This is my first Trip to the Kruger. Normaly was my Trips every Year in Uganda,Ruanda, Kenia and Tansania. My first camp is Pretoriuskop ,after Letaba , Shingwedzi and the last Camp is Punda Maria. I will early in the Morning , when the Doors is open; driving , and comme back , bevor the Doors cloosing .Every Days eating in the Bush . I see the Park have Picknick Areas. Because , meaby i will waiting on a Waterhole or on the Street . Can i stopping , where i want , and eating in the Car?
Or is problem stoping for longer Time on the Street ect.? Greetings

I have spend many trips in KNP alone. No problem.

Just pack enough water, whatever you prefer and something to eat if you going to travel less traveled roads. One never knows. But thats my standard anyway as having photography in mind, I never know how long I will be at a sighting.

And me being shellfish now, I dont have to worry about a girlfriend that want to leave a sighting, or one that slept late now alone in camp.

I have met many people, thats the Kruger way. In the evenings it can get lonely, I keep myself busy with editing photos, braaing, and just enjoy the peace and calm of nature.

So no problem.

Just as a matter of interest, if you ever go and visit the Kgalagadi. Nosop and some of the other camps you sigh out in the morning, saying what direction you going. But these are small camps, not like KNP. In the mornings we were about 5 vehicles, and by day 2 I made friends with all of them.

As Elephants, have had a few times in the earlier visits that I was worried. Ask a ranger to point out the signs of a E in musk. Usually if you leave them alone they will just walk by, but try to give them distance.

The biggest problem traveling alone is missing sightings. It is impossible to look both sides. You will just tire yourself out. So accept that. For me taking photos, I concentrate more on the light, shooting into the sun is difficult.

Have a good time, all the singles.

I'll be taking a trip to the Kruger in July on my own, travelling from Johannesburg after flying in from Canada. Will the trip to the park be relatively safe for me (I have no fears about the park itself) ? Also, I was wanting to camp and not wanting to have to bring all the equipment on the plane with me - does anyone know if there is a place near the park where one can rent a tent and other camping equipment?

I forgot to mention that I am a woman in my fifties.

Alto, I travel on my own for years and never I felt not safe
and more... I even can't really speak a good English

Hi Alto,
Saraf gave great advice.
Like Anne-Marie, I travel alone to the park as my SO is not as keen as I am, but then I'm a total addict.
I have driven from Joburg but prefer to fly into KMIA. From Joburg its a long drive after an international flight.
I'm afraid I've no idea about hiring camping gear but have you considered huts and safari tents? The safari tents that use communal facilities are very comfortable and great value.
I'm back in Kruger next week for my third solo trip in 2 years. [I'm in my 60's] Remember your yellow ribbon and you meet like minded people and ENJOY!