SANParks.org Forums

For wildlife photography?
For landscape photography?
For the Kruger 'atmosphere'?

This is meant to include any waterhole spot, including rivers.

Hey skywalker2251!

Not including dams but actual waterholes...
I would have to say:

Matjulu S110 near Berg-en-Dal

Sweni S126

Nyamarhi Spring H1-4

Renosterkoppies S114

Renosterpan H3

Bangu S90... Superb KNP atmosphere and good photography in late afternoon... Quiet !

Nwaswitshaka S65

Muhlambamadvube S23

Boyela H1-7

Klein Nshawu H1-6

so many more...

Have to say Renosterkoppies dam. For atmosphere and sightings, therfor for photography
For landscape Mlondozi

My two favourite waterholes are Duke's waterhole on the S137 and Leeubron waterhole on the S39. Both of these w/h are close enough for good photography and there are normally good sightings to be had.

Duke's waterhole had no water in when I was there in April. Maybe they had some more rain, but I dont think enough to fill it...

My fav must be Ratelpan (always had good sightings here and I think some of my best pictures during this trip came from here...(if you talking about waterholes and not dams) if dams then definately Sunset, Nsemani, Mestel, Silolweni and Transport Dams!!

Mgoddrad, you said A, now you have to feed us with B. Seriously, show me some pics......something good from Ratelpan would be a miracle

A couple of my favorites include Biyamiti Weir, the Hippo pool just off the S25, and Nkaya pan.

My least favorite is the Mpondo Dam. It has been absolutely dead every time I've been there, and even if there was any activity, everything is very far away.

Skywalker has named virtually all my favourites!

I would like to add Klopperfontein.

Would like to disagree about Mpondo dam, though, as I've seeen weird and wonderful things there, including rhino, sable, and osprey nesting!

The waterhole/hide at Talamati is always great, LOTS of animals, and you have a good chance of having it all for yourself.

Glad someone has had good sightings at Mpondo. Perhaps I won't give up hope on it quite yet.

What is interesting about Klopperfontein? Never have been there, but may have to make an effort to go north so I can. Any pics from Klopperfontein?

My favourites have to be

*Dukes water hole on the S137 (When it has water)
*Nwaswitshaka on the S65
*Renosterkoppies on the S114
*Not sure of the name but small water hole on S21 (closer to the Lower Sabie side)
All are great in terms of game numbers in the area and are close enough for good photography.

I have also left comments if photo thread.

I see here that you mention Bateleur. Rooibosrant is a beautiful spot which has always got a very large variety of birds. It has never let us down. Personally never seen much game there but I know others have. Great area.

Richard

Downwards form Olifants, I would like to recommend Bangu, this is a bit out of the way, but mostly if you're there you have the sightings for yourself

A better route is to take the upper part of the s39, past Goedgegun, and the Piet Grobler dam is also a very nice place

Some people swear by Girivanna, I don't but it's still a nice waterhole, and definitely worth a visit. N'semani dam must be the best one in the central area, but also very busy....

My personal best is Gudzani and Gudzani-east, as well as SON-OP and Sweni, they should not be missed! Never been on the s36....but once I can go MY WAY ALONE I'll take it

I'm not an Orpen dam fan, although its a nice place. I LOVE Leeupan south of Tshokwane, and Olifantdrinkgat and Mantimahle are both worth more than one visit N'waswitshaka (s65) is OK..provided there is water, but you do have a nice open view, a bit similar to Leeupan. Transportdam and Renosterkoppies are very productive from time to time, both are excellent dams. Lake panic....simply wonderful (but very busy lately) So is the Byamiti weir. I personally love Ampie se boorgat as well as James waterhole. Matjulu waterhole is also a must, just to see it, although there are often animals around.

Giyisenga waterhole and the s102 (rivercourse) are exceptionally beautiful and not to be missed. So is Duke's waterhole (but not in winter!) NEVER miss the s25 and the southern part of the s114, all beautiful.
As you can see, I have spend most of my time south of Letaba, and this is about to change! The dams I have left out I don't consider that good, except along the s36, where I haven't been yet. Dams around Pretorius I personally rate low.....

I'm about to go to Bateleur in December, so I'll report on that area later, and honestly can't wait!!!!!
Hope this will do

Enjoy

Mestel dam


Shithave dam


Jones dam


Kumana dam, I think


Nsemani dam



My experience has been that the south is reasonably quiet in Feb. Pretorius Kop is lovely for birds and Biyamiti is lovely for everything.

I tend to love the south of the Park in summer because of the scenery and greenery. In saying that, I have never been north in winter.

Anyway, here are a couple of shots.

Thanks for posting these lovely pics of dams , Meandering Mouse .

Mestel dam and Jones dams seems beautiful .
Have to go there and hope the dams will be fulled .
I think you are right ,the fourth one must be took at Kumana .

Here is one we took last February there



and an other one



I think like you the south should not be crowded at that time of the year
Have until next march to decide , but as you know, if you want to have tents with river view at Lower-sabie it's better to reserve quickly
Like to stay in the tents there even if it is too hot inside : better to be driving the car with air con in the afternoon and have lions sightings for you alone