SANParks.org Forums

Dusg123 - Hi there

I am glad that you found the CAMP MAPS - it is really very helpful To have a view on the river or bush from a perimeter unit is always a special bonus. Personally I feel crowded when staying in something else, but it is not always possible to find a unit with a view. I am really sad that there is no LST2U at LS available.

You must enjoy the Metsi-Metsi trail and all the other camps - you made a good choice. You can also consider Orpen which is a very small camp or Tamboti which is a tented camp in the bush, situated 2km from Orpen. Tamboti has no shop or restaurant. But usually a wonderful bush experience and good sightings.

Read the topic about malaria which SARAF has given - excellent advice

Happy planning

Leana

KTP: Dec/Jan 2013
Kruger: May 2013

Thanks again for the kind advice and suggestions. I read through the malaria thread (not all 81 pages, though... I read through the first 5 and the last 5 pages), and it seems that some anti-malarial meds get better reviews than others. I'll talk to my doctor well before leaving, and I'll tell my dad to see his doctor for a prescription, too. It looks like Malarone gets good reviews, so I'll talk about that with my doctor to see if it is appropriate for me.

I haven't finished my bookings yet (rental car, bungalows, etc.), but I will do so very soon. I'm actually waiting on official confirmation that I'm cleared for vacation, but I've been promised that that is coming on Monday.

Yes, it looks like things are coming along. This forum is a godsend. A colleague at work got me started on the national parks in South Africa, which led me to use my google-fu to come here. I am indeed excited (and getting more excited by the day as I get further along in the planning).

MELARONE is good and usually with no side effects.

Have a wondeful trip and keep us informed ...


Leana

I was reading more about the Wild Card program. It seems that my dad and I will save money if we choose to purchase a Wild Card rather than pay the daily conservation fee. Daily conservation fees per person, per day, for international visitors is R192, according to the website. 10 days for two people = R3840. An International All Parks Cluster "Couples" Wild Card would be R2195, according to the website, which equals a savings of R1645.

Am I interpreting that correctly or is there something that I am missing?

I think you are interpreting it correctly - but you can send an email to the WILD CARD people (see above, just next to the INTERACT (FORUMS). It seems like a lot of money, but I can assure you it is money well spent.

But I am sure you will receive a confirmation from another 'Mite' in no time

Leana

Hi George, with a Wild Card you'll break even after 6 nights in Kruger.

Hi George and a very warm welcome.

Your itinerary sounds wonderful. I really think that you and your dad are going to enjoy the trails. March is generaly still a fairly hot month, but don't take heat for granted. There are often drives to where you might start walking, or sundowner drives in an open vehicle. Make sure that you have some extra covering in case the weather turns.

Just to confuse you further -have a look at OLifants -it is a very beautiful camp with stunning views and easy striking distance to Letaba! By the way a good cap or wide brimmed hat should be fine -the lighter the better

As long as a father and son can be "a couple" and I think you can - it says any two people, then defintely you must buy a Wild Card. Your maths is quite correct.

Thank you again for the many kind suggestions. Several forumites have given me the advice to book an LST2U tent at Lower Sabie if at all possible. Someone even sent me a PM to suggest that I arrange my entire schedule around getting LST2U if there is any availability, at all. Well, not one to argue with the voices of experience, I found a two-day opening and snapped it up, rearranging my schedule accordingly and adding an extra day as a result (a sacrifice I am willing to make).

Other than that, Lonehill_Birders did suggest that I think about the drive from Skukuza to Letaba after the wilderness trail, but I did more research and it appears that the wilderness trail technically ends the night before (the walking part at least); the final day is just for the return to camp, and that happens fairly early. As a result, I think I should have plenty of time to get to Letaba from Skukuza that day. Fearing that LST2U would slip through my hands if I delayed, I booked online and now have confirmed reservations:

Day 1:
Arrive at KMIA
Skukuza bush camp (LB2K)
Day 2:
Metsi-Metsi Trail begins
Day 3:
Metsi-Metsi Trail
Day 4:
Metsi-Metsi Trail
Day 5:
Metsi-Metsi Trail
Letaba camp (BG2U)
Bush Braai at night
Day 6:
Letaba camp
Night drive
Day 7:
Letaba camp
Day 8:
Lower Sabie camp (LST2U)
Day 9:
Lower Sabie camp
Bush Braai at night
Day 10:
Satara camp (BD2V)
Day 11:
Satara camp
Day 12:
Return to KMIA airport

Yip we planned our 3 week November trip around the availability of Lower Sabie's BD3U cottages for 4 nights. Your itinerary sounds really good. I think on the trail you maybe go on a final sunrise drive but if you mention the drive to Letaba to the guides, I'm sure they'll be accommodating. Just keep an eye on the time on the drive up but you should be OK.

Itinerary looking better and better!

I live in America and regularly rent/hire a vehicle at the airport for Kruger. Our first trip I brought an International Drvers license, but none of the car rental places required or asked for it. As long as you have a valid license that is in english, you should be OK.
We purchase food outside the gates and also replentish supplies at the camp shops, as has been said meat seems to be good and there is generally enough to be found that you wont go hungry.
As for Malaria - I take Malarone, and have no problems with it - My SO can't take it as it makes her very ill.

Some views from my Lower Sabie stay.





these were taken in June.

Hi there

Seems as if a lot of us enjoy the LT2U's at LS. Happy that you were able to make a booking there.

You will not be sorry

Leana

KTP: Dec/Jan
Kruger: May 2013 LS 6 nights