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SonGodin and Leopard74 - reckon that trailers could also have a problem even if they are off-road trailers. Personally, would try to off-hook at Balule and then check-in........not the "right" thing to do but then...........what are we to do?

Even if they do open the bridge for public, that bit of sand will vanish with the first water coming down the Olifants.

Dear All,

It is with much regret that I inform you that the Balule Bridge is not going to be completed before December holidays and probably only by March 2013. I am not going to dwell into reasons for this. A decision will be taken tomorrow whether the (temporary) gravel coffer crossing will be opened for public use or not. For Balule guests, please keep in mind that check-in can also be done at Satara.

With regards.

JOEP (joep.stevens@sanparks.org)

Thanks Joep!

Really do hope that the Gravel Crossing will be opened for public as we will be reliant on the Olifants Shop every afternoon.

I"d suggest you phone Olifants Camp reception: Balule guests have to check in there and they will know first hand what's happening.

Leopard74,

I noticed that your signature change. I was hoping you will organise a nice spot for me or is it still Satara for Balule

Hi Son godin,

Yes, we switched Balule for Satara.... but it has nothing to do with the bridge though, my parents were complaining about the 'Power' situation. It's going to complicate our grocery purchases and we don't want to leave the park for a butchery etc.

Hopefully this time next year I will be fully equiped with 12v fridge and equipment...

I am VERY dissapointed as it would've been our first time at Balule.

If you ask me they are more concerned about not being able to operate a fan..

Hi leopard74

Thank you for cancelling your reservation at Baluble I seem to be the lucky one to take your place by phoning reservations at Groenkloof at precisely the right time

Once again, thank you very much!!!

Dear All,

Just to confirm that unfortunately Balule bridge will not be accessible for guests until it is completed by about March 2013. Keep in mind, check-in for Balule can also be done at Satara or Olifants camps.

Thank you.

JOEP (joep.stevens@sanparks.org)

I love Balule and will be there for New Year's Eve and would drive to the moon and back to get there if I had to.

Hi Leopard74,

Why didn't you simply put your meat etc. in the fridge / freezers available at Balule??

I've just returned from my visit to Balule. Water was flowing over the temporary sand structure, that was built for construction vehicle to travel over the the bridge on 28 Dec. On the 31 Dec the area had a good rainfall during the night which might have soften the sand even more.

I am not sure if the temporary sand bridge will last much longer and recommend people not to use the bridge at all. Some people are still removing the baracading and crossed it while we were there.

Another point is that guest visiting Balule needs to be aware of the closing of the bridge by the reservation office prior to their visit.

Some guests arrived at ~ 8 pm on the 31 Dec at the camp. They were escort by SANParks to the camp due to the late arrival. At 6pm we notice a vehicle at the Olifants side of the bridge but had to drive on and could not cross. Coming from Olifants there are no warnings that the bridge is closed and guest might feel that they have enough time to book in after 5 pm at Olifants and can still arrive at camp on time. With the detour 21 km it will not be possible. Therefore book-in times need to change to no later than 5 pm and a route need to be provided.

Hey Son godin, sorry i didn't get to see you. I planned on coming around on the evening of the 31st but the heavy storm stopped that idea as I was trying to braai in the rain instead. Talking of people arriving late, at 6:15pm on the 31st one of the couples in the huts realised Balule did not have a shop and they didn't have food so he whizzed off to get food. He only arrived back at 8pm I assume escorted by a staff member. So it wasn't because of the closed bridge.

Hi Toddy,

The weather was really bad and we were also restricted to the tent. Our stand was the second one from the corner on the hutted side. We passed you at the bateleur sighting in a Pathfinder then. Only met Mrs Wild dog during our stay at Balule

I hope the guy that arrived late received a heavy fine for not respecting gate times. How can one leave camp at 15 minutes before gate closing time to get food knowingly that the closest camp is 30 km away. That means he had to speed to get to Olifants in time and wonder what he thought how will he drive back in the dark.

Surely when he booked in at Satara / Olifants he could have asked what is available at the camps. Your reservation letter does indicated no restaurant facilities.

The next morning at 4:20 am some-one tried to open the gate himself as well. Not sure if it was the same guy.

Some pics of the low water bridge taken on 29 Dec 2012.