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I would suggest that you buy 2 bags of wood in Hoedspruit @ La Bamba, that way you will save on expenses inside KNP. Generally wood is a bit cheaper just outside KNP.

BUT

remember that when you buy wood inside KNP, you are helping conservation, as a part of the revenue generated out of purchasing wood, is ploughed back into KNP

this year we are entering via Phalaborwa gate and want to pick up some cheap pots/pans etc so we can cook for ourselves during our 2 weeks there (we come out from the UK, so bringing that sort of stuff is a bit of a nightmare!) - does anyone know if there is a good, cheap shop between the airport and the gate, or can we get them in the Letaba shop? (our first night stop) thanks!

Rather buy in Phalaborwa.
Firstly a much better, bigger & cheaper variety.
Secondly you'll probably find the shop 2 km's from the gate into Kruger.
Buying at Letaba will not be an option.
Limited options (if any!!!) and definitely prices sky high!!!

There is a Spar on route into Kruger at Phalaborwa, and they will stock the essentials you need to get buy for two weeks.
Yes, it wont be the selection you are used to at Harrods.....but all the same, it will be better than Letaba (not knocking them, they just geared up for day to day stuff).
If you need more specific articles, i suggest going into Phalaborwa central town, which really is no mission whats so ever, if you need. Enjoy!

One warning about some ATM's is that either they accept only RSA debit/credit cards or/and they limit how much cash you can get at one go.
My advice would be to use an ATM at OR Tambo as you are passing through (altho IIRC you have a quite short connection time?), rather than depending on the ATM at Phalaborwa — or the one at Letaba.
I think that the only ATM in KNP that allows you to withdraw a substantial amount of cash is the one at Skukuza (which also has a bank branch).

Also, as you may not realise, being IIRC a first-time overseas visitor, petrol purchases must be paid in cash, petrol stations do not accept credit cards . So you will need to have a reasonable amount of cash just to cover your petrol needs.

Braai wood is available in all the restcamps and some of the bush camps. Make sure you check the bag of wood before you buy it as some bags only contain very large pieces of wood which will take hours to burn.

Checkers is on the left as you drive through Hazyview from Nelsprui.
Go through a couple of traffic lights past the turn to Phabeni gate and at the next four way stop turn down past the garage, turn immediately left carry on straight and you will see the Checkers in a small centre, and the Checkers is on the right in this centre.

Otherwise the Pick n Pay is on the road to Phabeni gate, turn into the big shopping centre, the turn off is only a very short way down that road and you will see the Pick n Pay plus other shops directly in front of you.
Its quite a good one.

The Pick and Pay centre has a brand new, very reasonable and well stocked liqour store where you can get everything you need.

I would say that right now, there is no contest. The Pick and Pay centre has an upgraded banking section, most of the essential stores for every kind of shopping (clicks for toiletries, CNA for reading matter) and it is bright and airy.

I also often buy a freshly grilled chicken at Pick and Pay, with fresh rolls and salads for my first night when I am often tired and don't want the hassle of cooking.
The price of their chicken used to be R28.. its excellent value for money.

Pick 'n Pay Hazyview

Telephone number:(031) 737 6010
Fax number:(031) 737 6019
E-mail address: fhazyview@pnp.co.za

Trading hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

Checkers Hazyview
Address: Shop 12, Simunye Centre, Main Rd, Hazyview, 1242
Tel: +27(13) 737-9200
Fax: +27(13) 737-6154

Spar Hazyview
No record of such a shop on the Spar website (well, not that I could find).

Hope that helps, TXD! Have a fabulous time! Looking forward to your trip report.

Is it safe to leave your luggage in the car while in the shop? Obviously a rental stands out, is it a target? Pay someone to watch the car or is there security around? Probably ignorant question, but have never been before...
42 more days....

Many places have car guards, but I never leave anything of value in view of passersby.
That includes binocs, cameras, notepads... and so the list goes on.

Query... is there a Spar / KwikSpar in Komatipoort?

We're leaving really early on Friday AM, and will need to buy bread and rolls before entering CB gate (KNP Shop bread products are shocking). I am NOT getting off the N4 (e.g. in Nelspruit), so a Spar / similar right next to the road in Komati would be ideal.

Otherwise we have to purchase on Thursday evening in Tshwane?

Perks, there is a nice big Spar in Komatipoort, recently rebuilt and opened after being burnt down late last year.
You will see it easily just as you enter the town on your right.

Hi everyone
have been reading this thread, I know where the riverside mall is in Nelspruit, have shopped there are on many occasions. But where is the Crossings? I know where the big game store is on the junction, have they built a new shopping centre there? Also, how long does it take from Nelspruit to the Malelane Gate?
regards
Lorraine

Crossings is opposite the Game at the N4 junction.
There is a Spar and a Woolies food store there.
If you did not know about it you may not know that Riverside expanded and now has a Checkers too as well as the Pick and Pay.

Allow about an hour to Malelane gate.
Incidentally you may also not know that there is a big shopping centre at Malelane too - First set of robots has Pick and Pay on the right, but if you go left you get to the Inkwazi centre with Spar and several other stores.

The junction I referred to is the N4/R40 junction.
If coming from the Jhb side there is a slip road before the junction into Crossings, but if you miss it just turn left and then left again.
There is a Pick and Pay opposite next to Game, but that centre is SO awkward to find your way into and out of again that I still get it wrong, and I live in the area!!!!!

If you are looking for extra camping bits and bobs then try Nelpsruit Caravans at the junction before the above one (turn right from Jhb direction and then right again and follow down towards the N4 again and it is at the bottom).
Also Outdoor Warehouse - Turn up R40, keep going to the BP garage, turn right, right again and then right again and go past the car service workshop and OW is on the right.
Trappers Trading is further up the R40 on the right at Value Mall (good Fruit and VEg City there too).
And Riverside has a Cape Union Mart - but choice there is limited I find.