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You may find an inverter a very handy gadget to have on you.
Just stick it into the lighter socket of the car and you have 220V for charging phones, batteries and what not.
I just bought one for what would be R200 if I convert from euro. And will need it in KTP....

good day everyone,

I have been going to the kruger for years but this weekend is my first time im camping there (so exited) , my wife and i are staying at pretorius kop and i wanted to find out from you is what i need?

If somone could please advise me of list of what i need as a first time camper and things i shouldnt forget ie: cooking cleaning, living and sleeping, i would appreciate any help for this upcoming adventure in my landie

Thanks again

Hi there and a warm forum welcome!

Not being a camper myself I will try and find the various Topics that will help you make that first camping trip a wonderful experience.

Here

and another long one Here

I do recall a topic for newbies as well but must first go and have a search for it!

Found Another

So lots of reading!

Shaun, in my humble opinion, it is not a good thing to buy camping stuff just before you go on a camping trip. Firstly, you are buying new equipment that you have not tested.
The best way would be to buy the basics, go and test them at a camping spot the closest to your home.
There you will learn how the tent, the camping beds, the pots and pans work.
You will also get an idea as to what works for and what not, what you still need and what is not necessary.

But, since you have already booked, give it a go.
If things go seriously wrong, you can always chicken out and book a bungalow.

You are going to love it.
Just remember rather take too much then too little.
As long as you sleep ok you will be fine.

When you get to camp.
Look for a shady and level spot.
Consider the sun and the rain.
Look to see that you not in a spot where all the water will form a river under your tent

If you sleeping on mattresses keep your tent closed at all times to keep out unwanted creepy crawlies.

Also you can practice all your equipment at home.
Pitch your tent in the garden.
Remember your hammer, the ground can be hard.

A couple of basics :that we sometimes help our fellow campers out with(nice to help each other)
extension cord (at pretoriuskop 20m long should be fine)
blue adaptor to couple between standard 3 pin plug and park electric outlets.
decent metal hammer and mallet(4 lbs)(not rubber),decent tent pegs,the ground in Kruger can be like concrete
fill gas bottles
lighter or matches
pump for mattresses
paper clips or small lock for tent zips(monkeys easily open a zip)

will think about this a bit more using my own expierence of leaving things behind and let you know but i am sure there will be plenty more good advice on the way from others.

Make sure all food stuffs are properly secured(monkey proof)

Well I would say the tent and making it secure is the most important.
The ground at most camp sites is really hard, most standard tent pegs that come with tents will just bend. My advice would be to buy some stronger pegs from an outdoor shop.
I would also suggest taking a proper 4 pound hammer instead of a rubber mallet, also a screw driver in case the ground is really hard.

If you want electricity don't forget the blue plug, you should be able to get them from any caravan store, or if not 90% of the shops in KNP sell them.

Most important thing is sleep so make sure you bring along all your bedding and everything that is required.

When I camp I try to keep my cooking with pots and pans to a minimum so I usually have 1 pot that can be used on the fire and stove,
Mostly I will cook starch or veg on the braai(nothing beats a fire roasted potato) so you implements would have to match your menu.

Cleaning I would try and get a biggish bowl that you can use to carry all the dirty dishes to the kitchen, obviously you should take what ever you like to wash dishes with,
I also carry a plug in case there is no plug for the sink.

Don't forget towels as there will be no towels provided for you.
I take 2 cooler boxes one for day to day use and another to keep filled with ice to keep my stuff frozen.

In the end remember that if you forget something you will most likely find it at the shops or if its something you can borrow
I am sure a neighbouring camper would be happy to oblige.
Remember camping is a about fun and the first time is a learning experience.

I am taking the family in March/April this year for a camping experience .
We normally do the Rondavels and unfortunately the cost is becoming ludicrous for the amount of time.
I have a few questions I am hoping the members can assist me with .

The Camping sites with power and caravan sites are the same I take it ?
First come first serve on the day?
The next might sound dumb but would the power points there be able to handle a camping fridge/freezer as well as a portable aircon? (Just to be clear we booked a camping site with power).
What can you run on their power supplies.

Naturefanatic

Hi Naturefanatic

Welcome to forum ... You will find a lot of information and no question is considered dumb.
Lots of forumites will give you invaluable information.

Yes to your question on camping sites - you can phone Mopani about 3 weeks in advance to request a specific camp site at Tzendse.

We run a camping fridge / freezer off the power but am sure you will be able to also run a portable air con as well.
Some visitors run various electric appliances simultaneously.
Don't forget the special blue adapters which can also be bought at the shops in KNP.

Welcome to the forum Naturefanatic.

Yes. Yes.
Yes. I suppose there is a limit if you bring all your gadgets from home.

BTW, you need a 'blue' caravan plug.

Hi and welcome to the forum Naturefanatic.

Have a look Satara Camping and also Camp Sites

Lots of great advice and info in there.
Enjoy!

A warm welcome to you Naturefanatic. I hope that you soon become a camping fanatic.

Firstly, if you book a site with power, you can run any number of options off one power point. You do need a blue plug, which can be bought at the camp shop and you you need good adapters. Make sure you have long electrical cables.

I have in the past run numerous fans/lights/and excreta from a single power point without a problem. Enjoy.

The ground is very hard, to get around this and to prevent a bag full of bent tent pegs, I take along a battery operated drilling machine with a very long (45cm) 6-8mm concrete drill bit and use this to make pilot holes for the tent pegs. Works like a charm. Had many a jealous camper around me this year.

Good Advice Stockman - Thanks .
And thanks to all for the good info

Stockman, my hubby also does the "drill" thing, very good idea and works like a charm