SANParks.org Forums

I was at the dam last week wed night. the water level was fairly low. it was an extremely wonderful night. we saw ellie, duiker, impala and ducks.... recommend it to anyone...

Also on the wed did the Nonokani trail. saw hippo, baboon, kudu and ellie at the start and that was it for the trail.

had great fun

large view

The sleep over was awesome!
We had a pair of mating lion across the dam the whole night.
2 lioness passed through just in front of the hide at about 3am.
Also saw Jackal, Steenbok cape hare and Impala.
As it was new moon it was inky black when we turned off the torches, so the stars were amazing.
The silence was so intense it hurt the ears.
I can only recommend this experience.
BTW they provided us with bedding and a spot light and a braai grid even though the website says to bring your own (at no extra cost!)
So well done to the Phalaborwa gate staff.
I will try to post the few pictures I took sometime later this week, but there are not many as it was just too dark for the cameras.
The dam was quite empty, but there was still water for the game in the area, but the bush is extremely dry at the moment and we had to wonder what the animals were eating

I went to Sable Hide in December 2007, it was quite an experience!
Sable hide is quite a big hide,and it was only me and a good friend of mine.
When we got to the hide there was a huge elephant bull walking around, it took us a while to get in, but eventually we got the gate open EVEN with the bull about 20meters away from us.
We had such an awesome quiet night, your senses are so alert and you hear everything!
It was unbelievable hot that night,and we couldn't really sleep with everything going on around us, unfortunately no lions.
I would recommend a few things:

1. a very powerful spotlight, we had 2, the one could light up even over the dam.
2. Go to the toilets early, so that you don't need to go in the middle of the night, it is quite a walk to the toilets and quite a rush, hahaha!
3. If possible, don't braai or light a fire that night, keep it as dark as possible and as quiet as possible, so you don't scare away any animals/sightings.
4. Get in some good sleep and be prepared for a night of less sleep than usual, everytime you hear something you will wanna look AND keep in mind, you have to be up at about 04h00, that is the rules when you sleep in a hide.

But it will be one hell of an experience, trust me!
I have done it now 3 times, I prefer Shipandani, but still worth it at least once.
ENJOY!!

If you book the hide and you are just 2 people, do you get the whole hide to yourself or can they add others as the bookings come in?

The first booking gets the hide, so if you book for yourself only, you will spend the night alone.

Thinking about booking for my family. Is the hide ok for 4 and 6 year old?

Just wondering how open it is? Also do you request the bedding ahead of time or is it best to bring your own? Toilet?

sorry so many questions it is just that it sounds amazing and I really want to book it.

Nicole, stop thinking and do it!

You will be issued with bedding and a key for your bed. You can however take your own bedding if you want. It is safe for kids, nice and open but also safely enclosed. There is a toilet but no showers.

It will be a night to remember!

This is the view from the other side. The hide is just outside the picture on the left hand side

It is advisable to book in advance as its quite a popular sleepover hide.
You do not have to be staying in any specific camp, but must fetch the keys bedding etc from the Phalaborwe Gate Office and can have access half an hour before gate closing.
There ARE toilets there and basins, no showers.
I do not think you will get wet if it rains unless it is blown in by the wind, and then there are shutters that can be closed, so very cosy.
I am not sure of the price, but remember it not being very expensive.

Michaelpr, Elsa pretty much answered all your questions. I was at the gate just now and the hide is fully booked for the next two weeks.

Prices as follows, Base Rate R375 for two people, each aditional person is charged at R184 per person.

Enjoy your stay.

Hi Rob C,
We were there two weeks ago and not much water. But a large herd of adult elephants were there all drinking and spraying water around, as well as some general game.

what a trip - the park wants rain
and jenb i love turbo cars and modify the hell out of them - boost is addictive.....

When we visited the hide in Feb this year, the people who had stayed there the night before had left a packet of refuse loosely tied, in the bin in the braai area.
Along came a Baboon who had a ball with it, despite our best efforts to try and chase him off.
Result was litter strewn all over the area.
BTW We did pick it all up once Mr Baboon had left, but I have to wonder why people can't take their refuse away with them, surely its common sense.

This shot taken today from the hide towards the dam...