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I CAN comment on Kruger of old, but it serves no purpose here.

For first time visitors, unless they are luxury lodge loafer lizards, they will be blown away by Kruger, especially if they are the outdoor type.

It is a no brainer.

Hi Maddie,
It depends what your folks are looking for in a holiday.
In my opinion, if they are looking for a luxury safari experience, they should stick to the private reserves to the west of Kruger.
The camps/restaurants/roads in Kruger may be simple and basic, but are ideal for their purpose.
If they want to experience two weeks of total relaxation, the excitement of driving yourself through a whole range of Eco zones wondering what may lie around the next corner, the experience of sitting around the braai at night looking up at the stars with a cold beer in hand and reflecting on the day’s sightings, then Kruger is definitely the best option. The feeling of total freedom and independence is something that I have never experienced on any other trip.
We have been coming out every year from UK for the past 17 years and there have been some changes for good and bad, but nothing will ever come close to a Kruger trip.

Hi there Maddie

If by "Going downhill like crazy" your DQ is refering to the fun he had on his homemade go-cart when he was a kid, then YES!! the Kruger experience is exactly so.....

I have enjoyed 3 bushbraais
They were all very special
But loved the Satara one the best

For any firsttimer a morning walk is a must
I have done 5 and they are all very special
Even if you dont see a member of the big five.

And i love sunset drives the best
the last rays of the sun and then witness nightfall and its creatures

I'm also quite youngish, but we we've been going to Kruger every year since 2004. We are staying 15 days average every year and to be honest with you I've also only seen improvements happening.

Sure there might be poor service at some camps but this is because of the 'human factor' which you will encounter at even 5 Star Lodges. I worked for a 5 Star Group which included a Game Reserve and we had numerous complaints regarding customer service etc. We even had complaints because the guests didn't see any Lions on their Game Drive's. Some people tend to look for something to complain about...

As far as the camps and accomodation are concerned, Kruger doesn't stand back for any other lodges. It is basic though but that's the whole point isn't it? Rustic!

Hi Guys,

My comments I think are relevant as I go relatively often.

Kruger is an amazing place it is magical and never disappoints. The only thing I don’t like are the amount of people that are in the southern part of Kruger. Most of which do not know the rules regarding speed etc.

the shops are always in good condition, very expensive, but good, service when buying food and be questionable sometimes when there are a lot of people in the camps, buy they have jacked up their services a lot in the past 2-3 years!!

I still do not like Skukuza, it is always packed and busy, and you often wait a long time for your food. The last time I was there we waited nearly 2 hours before getting our food, what made it worse was the food was cold!!

Hi, we have been going to KNP for the last 35 years,and the thing I miss the most is the fantastic restaurants,do you remember the old Olifants restaurant with white tablecloths, silver cutlery and fantastic food,ll served to you by waiters in crisp white jackets.Satara was also very good and had rows of long tables down the center of the restaurant packed with tourists,never see that anymore.Those were really the good old days.It was a special treat to go to the restaurant for diner,now we steer clear, Pity.

Carlol,

Unfortunately I was not around during that time (I'm only 22), but I would have loved to see Kruger like that! I think it comes down to cost though. it also takes someone 2 seconds to wipe a table clean rather than having to clean the tablecloths.

I have also noticed the food varies from time to time, LS's chicken toasted sandwiches change a lot!!! No consistency. Change is good, but with a place like Kruger, it’s the little things that make it special, like someone’s favourite food item. it puts a damper on people if it is changed and they don’t like it.. people would not spend millions a year at Wimpy etc. if their food changed all the time..

Carol g I remember how breakfast, lunch and dinner were served from a menu, and as you said white table linen was used and the people who worked in the restaurants were very “disciplined”, time-conscious and they knew the art of hospitality - from the manager to the waiters in their “crisp white jackets” . But change is inevitable and as Brogan mentioned - it is the little things that make it special .

I agree Grantmissy and Brogan,and it does not make me love Kruger any less

Hi Maddie,

For me, the Kruger has changed, but I would not swap it for anything.

I have been a regular visitor for the last 12 years (some 25+ visits now) and to be honest, I thought my visit in April this year would be my last.

The general lawlessness, speeding, littering, parking chaos and harrassment of animals at a 'big 5' sightings, not to mention the number of idiots out of cars, was unbelieveable. I really did think about a change of destination but as I already had my Oct/Nov trip booked, I decided to give it one more chance.

I am pleased I did.

Whilst there are still the odd idiots around, I found that the general level of littering was significantly improved, as was the overall adherence to park rules and regulations.

Thankfully, the amount of road kill, which I could not believe in April, was also way down as well.

As for the park, the camps and the wildlife, there is nothing better. I have taken my parents and girlfriend there and they could not praise the place enough.

I already have 3 visits booked for 2013, including a two week north to south epic similar to yours, so you can see I am still addicted.

Do it, your guests would absolutely love it.

Iedman.

I think most staff who care would be encouraged by reading these comments in this thread!
Kruger is wonderful.
Please don't change it!
Old timers, remember the drums calling customers to dinner!
Even though we were mostly self catering, our kids were fascinated.

Exactly, BB! Things change, but not always for the worse. Are things different now to what it was like 40 years ago? Of course! But that is irrelevant. It is what you get out of Kruger now that is important. The Kruger experience is still fantastic!
I am about to embark on a new Kruger experience; I have recently bought a caravan and I sincerely hope I can do another 30 odd years of Kruger......

I agree that things aren't what they were and also that it's irrelevant for first time visitors. I have recommended Kruger Park holidays to friends and colleagues from Europe and the US and none has been disappointed.
Everyone is blown away by the ability to see wild animals in a natural environment and to drive and explore for themselves. And it is excellent value for money.

IMHO there is still nowhere like it on earth and you should have no doubts at all.