SANParks.org Forums

I am working on a special project idea and for this I need wireless internet connection to work inside the Kruger.

Can anybody advise me on options and relate any experience of the services available.

Thank you

Rooks, if you use, for example, Vodacom for your wireless internet connection, you should have good reception at all the main camps — that is, if it's the same as for cellphone signal.

arks
Thank you ...

I am a bit stupid when it comes to hardware and internet connectivity software.

I do have a 3G phone Nokia 6680 but never used it for this purpose.

Do you know what I need to do to arrange the connection capability. Is connectivity for example via cell phone or some other wireless method?

Is it a matter of just arrangng via MTN in my case?

Any help appreciated



[/quote]

I don't know if 3G is available in the camps; I have never seen it advertised or anyone using it. GPRS is available though, with MTN and I think Vodacom.

You then use your mobile as a modem, connecting to your laptop either by infrared or bluetooth (or even a cable!).
It is fairly straightforward but does need a bit of setting up on the laptop.
I suggest you get this sorted out well in advance! GPRS is also a bit slow (roughly like a 28K modem - snail pace compared to broadband).
OK for text based e-mail and simple internet access but not much else.

3G would be much better but else where in the world tends to be available only in major conurbations.

Richard

Thanks, Richard, you know more about this than I do
I do know that Vodacom GPRS is available in the main camps and some of the bush camps, as I was able to check email in my phone.
But I have NO idea how those wireless internet cards for laptops work, tho I DO know that Vodacom has them.

@rooks: Where are you coming from?
If you are in SA, check with your local Vodashop.
If elsewhere, check the Vodacom website.

We are coming for a trip to Kruger on 17th Jan and are keen photographers.

We wanted to get a laptop to store photos etc and want to know if we get a 3G card if we will be able to get internet access anywhere in the park?

Thanks

Hi lastpride and welcome to the forum,
Most of the bigger camps have cell signal, certainly down South of the park so shouldn't be a problem, altho I think it can be a slow process.

Hallo lastpride......

Great to see you on the Forum! Just a quick bit off info from our recent trips....

I fully agree with Richard, as the GPRS proved extremely frustrating, due to s-l-o-w speeds and inconsistent coverage.

The lap-top is a good idea tho', as you can dump huge amounts of pics, perhaps edit a few prized photos (plus resize) and post....... Some people find logging on and giving regular "updates", without pics easier. You can then at least create some interest in your forthcoming report, and share photos properly (in your Report) once home. Like arks said, this will minimise your time in front of the pc, and maximise your "Bush Television" time.......

Whatever you decide, hope you have a brilliant time!

Enjoy......

Ralph vV

Hi,

I always take my laptop and my vodacom 3G with to any parks. I discovered even outside the camps you do get signal not full signal but enough to e-mail. Also my cellphone makes "warns" me everytime it loses coverage and everytime it gets coverage back. Most of the time if it has coverage i mannage to connect on to 3G.

For those who wanted to know the outcome. I purchased a SA Vodacom Sim card for 3G from Jo;Burg airport.

Works like a dream on GPRS here in Skukuza. Will try uploading pics later

Are we able to log onto the net anywhere in the Kruger camps?
We are booked into Skukuza, Satara, Olifants, Lower Sabie,Pretoriaskop, and Berg en Dal (not necessarily in this order). Do we bring our laptop or are there internet cafes or equivilent.

Skukuza (in the Deli) and Berg-en-Dal (Internet Cafe) are the only two camps with internet access.

But if you have internet access on your mobile...

Hi Luren
I use my laptop linked via my cellphone in the park all the time some of the perimeter camps close to town link to 3g but it is inconsistent most camps are reliable for gprs but it is slow. When traveling I just add the amount of data bundles I think I want to my phone as pay as u go options, just remember these expire at the end of each month or within a few days of the end of the month. As you will be staying over a month end check the expirey dates you would be best to have 2 sets of bundles and just enter the 2nd one into your phone when the new month starts, your service provider can tell you these dates etc and any of the service centers should set your phone up with your computer for free. Also get them to show you how to update the airtime to data bundles on your phone.

I know there was a topic about internet connectivity in Kruger, but I cant seem to find it....

Im getting closer to My Trip to Kruger and need to know the difference in packages....

If I get the 2GB package from mtn will that be enough to connect to the site everyday and upload photos....or when I open the site, does that count as downloading...sorry Im lost when it comes to IT ..please just explain to me why some forumites dont post as they say they had no space left to upload???

I dont want to get there and in the middle of the month find out I cant upload anymore as I have reached my limit.;...

Any help in educating me on this is highly appreciated..

Thanks DB

So if anyone can tell me what 2GB access means I would be delighted...how much/many can I download, upload to the site until I have reached my limit Does it mean everytime I open the site Im downloading or is it only when I post and upload that I use my capacity