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Ndloti, the charcoal that disintegrated on our trip was compressed charcoal/briquettes. I think that non compressed charcoal would not have made such a mess.

AWB , what is your opinion regarding my spotlight question ?

Ndloti, I don't have a problem with the use of spotlights at camps like these, I have one myself and when I hear something in the bush I enjoy doing a search with my spotlight!

I don't like the spotlights, they spoil my sense of being in the wild. I like to sit in the dark next to the fence and listen to the sounds of the bush. When sitting in the dark your eyes gets used to the darkness and you are able to spot and ID animals, especially when the moon is up. It is then extremely irritating if someone suddenly puts a million candle power spotlight on next to you. It also chases away any animal that you are looking at.

At Ingwelala which I often visit, it is a punishable offense to shine a spotlight in camp

Also my thoughts AWB , also to keep noise interference to a minimum I refuse to use an electric air pump for my matress , I would hate to disturb the peace with that or wood chopping , for instance .

You are a good camper Ndloti!!
Are you packing for the cricket...would love to see you there!

If I could camp in a quieter place such as on the golf course or a few minutes away from the city , I would consider .

I will get back to you Ndloti!

With due respect ndloti, I don't consider 5 minutes of noise while inflating a mattress to be that intrusive. Granted I have only stayed at the bigger camps in KNP, but I've stayed at many other small, quiet campsites in other places. I've never had a complaint about using an electric pump and I understand when other people use theirs.

I go out of my way to keep noise to a minimum , particularly when at Tsendze , the rule there is to keep noise to a minimum , so I take it a step further - generators , electric pumps and radios are in my opinion in the same category .

Fair enough, but it takes only 2-5 min to inflate a mattress, contrasted with a radio blaring the whole day.

(Yes, I do take a hand pump with, but after a long drive and setting up a tent, I'm too tired/lazy/filled with beer to do it manually)

Edit: I have two of those small Intex hand pumps. If I had the larger (2l I think) pump I'd probably do it by hand more often. However since I've already got 2 hand pumps and an electric, I'd rather spend the money elsewhere first.

What about a medical kit? Who of you take a full medical kit along when camping in Kruger, or just a couple of Disprins and Elastoplast.

I take a small kit with some gauze, gloves, facemask and burnshield.
I'm not qualified/competent to administer anything else.

I have no first aid kit besides plasters etc .
Also no hairdryer , radio , gas lamp , can also do without a mirror ...

I carry a basic 1st aid kit in my car, which has come in handy for insect bites and the one time when I slammed my finger in the car door at Berg-en-Dal.

I use a hand pump when I have my inflatable mattress but I sometimes rough it with just a fold up foam mattress. No sweat or effort but a little uncomfortable.

I never travel with a hair dryer or a mirror. Vehicle rear view mirror is sufficient or the ones in the ablutions if not placed too high. I have no need for a radio although I occasionally use my phone for internet access.

I do like light and normally use a hiking gaz lamp,a larger gas lamp and head lamp but I don't carry a spot light.

I always travel with my own braai.