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I am planning to drive from Golden Gate to Biyamiti bush camp. Is this a comfortable day's drive (in summer), and what is the best route to take? Plan to stop for supplies in Nelspruit and enter KNP at the Malelane gate.

I'm eagerly waiting for replies. I could've posted this word for word as it is a trip that we've discussed.

We recommend the following route as we try to avoid Johannesburg and buy avo's just before Barberton. (Keep them out of the reach of squirrels in Kruger) We top up perishable groceries at the Pick 'n Pay in Malelaan (it is a very basic store.) Take the R712 to Harrismith from Golden Gate (60km's), then take N3 to Warden. Turn off on to R103 to Vrede, Standerton, Morgenson, Ermelo, Chrissiesmeer, Warburton, Lochiel, Badplaas, Barberton, Noordkaap, Kaapmuiden and then to Malelaan (a total of 639 km's to the Malelaan gate.) We prefer to go along the escarpment as one then misses the coal trucks between Ermelo and Carolina. By far the least stressful route for us.

Hi nightjar,

Last year august we travelled from bergville, south of golden gate, travelling diagonally along the main roads, in the direction of kruger, cant remember what they were but we left around eight thirty in the morning and travelled non stop until reaching nelspruit for supplies and then to berg-en-dahl, arriving about 4.30pm, we then had to pitch camp!

we were knackered, we had quite a few traffic light stops and the day was wasted really. It is a long drive, if i was to do it again i would start earlier and have a break on the way.

john

hughretief, apart from missing out on the coal trucks (which is a huge bonus), what is the condition of the roads along this route at the moment, are there not a lot of potholes? I do, however, believe the Eastern Free State is looking beautiful now.

Carolynn, the roads are very good compared to our Eastern Cape roads. We drove it in August last year and will be doing so again in August this year.

Good morning everyone,

I'm posting for my friend here who is thinking about going to South Africa next year in March. He is thinking about visiting the Venetia Limpopo Nature reserve.

Has anyone here been there before and tell him how it was like and if March is a good time to go?

Daniela
+friend

Hi Daniela and friend,

Unfortunately Venetia is not part of SANParks, so it cannot be discussed on forum. Should members have information, they are welcome to send it to you by PM.

Why doesn't your friend consider visiting Mapungubwe National Park instead? That is the heart of the world heritage site, a very special park indeed! Great experience and accommodation with lots of info and trip reports to read.

Forumites, if you have advice for DaniD, could you please PM DaniD (Venetia Limpopo Nature reserve, being not SANParks)

Oh sorry, i didn't know. ,
He is planning to stay at the Mapungubwe National Park but would like to go to Venetia too because he heard of the Wild dog drives they do. He is a big wild dog fan
Now he is trying to find out if its worth staying in Venetia for a few days or just do a daytrip for the Wild dog drive.

Thank you

Daniela + friend

Hi DaniD, I have send you a PM. Hope it's helpfull

For you friends information, Daniela.

See Mapungubwe: ANIMALS.

Possibly the best chance to view wild dog in their natural setting, is in Southern KNP. In the area surrounding Berg en Dal camp, going towards Afsaal pick nick spot and Crocodile Bridge camp.

Hi

Need help.... Want to know what is the nearest town to the main gates for the following parks:

Golden Gate, Mapungubwe, Marakele

Thx
Marli

Hi Marli! The answer to Golden Gate (as i'm coming from the free state) is Clarens!
As for the rest, just give me some time