SANParks.org Forums

planning for my first trip to kruger this august, for 5 nights, self-drive. i've booked satara to pretoriuskop but now i'm afraid maybe that is too far a drive? what do you think? is this do-able?

Hi and welcome, spmimi
It is very do-able! 140kms.
Follow the H1-3 (tar) to Tshokwane picnic spot, then the H1-2 (tar) to Skukuza, you can take a break at either or both of these.
Take the Kruger gate road out of Skukuza and visit Lake Panic, then the S65 Waterhole Road (sand) through to the H1-1 which goes to Pretoriuskop.
Have a great trip!

I agree with Freda.
Not only is it do-able, but it has lots of dams, view sites and lovely places to stop if need be.

Have a great trip spmimi

To clarify something, 'Kruger normal speed' is around 25 km/h, and in august gates open at 6.00 and close at 18.00, so you have 12 hours for the drive. So if you decide to take less tar you could also do Sweni road (S126), the Nhanguleni road (S36) and then head to Tshokwane via the Munywini road (S34) and then the H1-2 and on.
But that would leave you less time at Lake Panic.. Choices...

Getting dizzy and no map? Here is one!

After our first night at Bern en Dal, we will be heading north to Oliphants. My thoughts are to leave when the gates open and have breakfast at Afsaal, the lunchbreak at Tshokwane unless anyone can suggest something better.

I would definately leave as the gates open, the S110 can be very productive early in the morning
If you reach Afsaal too early then press on to Skukuza for brekkies, I am not a fan of Tshokwane would rather have lunch at Satara and a quick look at the cam
Have a great trip!

RB, you have 210km to cover. That's a lot of road.
Afsaal is only 35km from Berg n Dal. You might want to stop a little later for breakfast.
Why not get your provisions at the Camp at Skukuza, if any are needed. It is then possible to have a morning stop at the Skukuza day visitor's area. It is very rustic there and at that time of the morning should be very pleasant.

It would then be possible to have a pit stop at Tshokwane and a late-ish lunch at Satara.

The breaks in your trip would then be 67kms, 40kms, 48kms, 52kms.

rayb when we are there in April we are doing croc bridge to Letaba which is doable as I also asked advice too. as you said we have 12 hours to do it so it can be done sensibly without rushing. Unfortunately this was how it worked out with our booking we couldn't get anything nearer tried Lower sabie, satara etc and all accomodation was booked up.
If you leave as the gates open as we are planing to do make sure you've got plenty of nibbles drinks etc you will be fine, I'm actualy looking forward to the journey myself.
Enjoy

Hi rayb,

I think you'd have plenty of time.

210 kms at an average of 30 kms will take you 6/7 hours, then add your stopping times.

Also, many forumites mention that they like to drive at a speed of 25kms (in other posts).

There is no harm in doing 40/45/50 kms per hour when you reach the heat of the day and game viewing tends to quieten down.
Sure, you may miss a bit, but if you keen to get to a specific camp, then why not?
I have driven further (never breaking the speed limit!) to get where i want.

cheers

Hi RayB.

I have travelled the distance from Numbi Gate to Letaba a few times. It is a long day but doable. BTW the disatance from Numbi to Letaba is 220 km.

Although I stay over at Skuks most times I go to KNP,I only really do so for one special reason. I don't know what the new day visitors centre looks like (never been there).

I am also not partial to Tshokwane and generally only stop there for a quick p-break.

I suggest that you take a flask of coffee and some rusks or buns (non sticky buns) and eat on the road. Satara for lunch is not a bad idea as the resturant is close to the webcam.

BTW. There are no bufflo pies any more.

I don't think there will be any problems with doing the distance.
Leave as early as possible and drive slowly while the bush is dense and animal sightings more difficult.
But have found that after Tshokwane, the vegetation opens up considerably and one can then pick the speed up a bit and still see for a long way on either side.

Hello all- In August, we (party of 8 ) will be visiting Olifants for 3 nights then traveling to Biyamiti for 2 nights. Looking for answers/opinions about travel time and activites.

1. What is a realistic estimate for travel time from Olifants to Biyamiti- taking into consideration a stop for lunch and supplies as well as the slow private dirt road?

2. The reserved activities are:
Olifants, day 1-arrive at Oli then night/astronomy drive
day 2- sunset drive
day 3- morning walk

Oli-Biyam- day 4- driving
Biyamiti day 5- morning walk, sunset drive

There is a late morning river walk avail. at Olifants which would probably fit on Day 2. Would this be too many walks? Should we change one of the walks to a morning drive?

(Because we are such a large party, we are pre-planning our activities as we could be shut out if we try to reserve on arrival at the camps)

All input is very much appreciated. Thanks!

Your itinery sounds quite hectic.
I wouldn't add any more walks or drives as you need time off to rest at the camp or go on drives by yourself. The view at Olifants is spectactular and to sit at the view site with a pair of binoculars is a special treat.
Make sure you have time to do this.
Self drives around the area are also interesting especially along the H1-5 for the distance it runs next to the river.
Also a trip down to the bridge on the H1-4 across the Olifants river is great and the bribge at Balule often produces good game and bird viewing.
So don't spend all your time on organised activities.
These drives are all quite short distances and well worth the effort.
The drive from Olifants to Biyamiti is aboout 180km which at an average speed of 25km/hr will take about 7 and a half hours
The gates open at 6am and close at 6pm in August which gives you 12 hours to do the trip.
You should be able to do it, even with a stop at one of the bigger camps like Satara or Lower Sabie to buy provisions.
Not sure you'll have time to exit the park to go shopping in the town of Komatipoort, but the two camps usually have basic necessities

Have a great trip

Welcome natbro, that is quite a hectic schedule....anyway, if that is your choice enjoy it. Just remember to either stop at Skukuza or LSabie to buy everything you need for the stay at Biyamiti as there is no shop or restaurant.
Leave Olifants as early as you can and dont stop for usual sightings, rather save that time incase you see something unusual or exciting, if you then have time left at the end of the day, you can drive slowly towards Biyamiti and not rush to get there before camp closing time.

Hi

I'm busy finalising my booking for next year.
So far I've got 2 nights Satara, 3 nights Sirheni, 3 nights Letaba.
Do you think the drive from Satara to Sirheni is too far?
Should I try to get something more north for the first 2 days?