SANParks.org Forums

Thanks, Dotty!

Is there also a post about what to do if one finds aggressive baboons or a Cape Cobra in their campsite??

I guess I'm a latecomer and it's all been discussed before! Maybe there is a post on general park safety recommendations that I missed though? Just want to be prepared.

I bet there is something somewhere.................... a recent discussion about snakes in camp here

Consensus there seems to be to wear ankle high boots, thick socks, and hope there's a brave person with a long pair of braai tongs nearby to remove the snake? Yikes!

@ jkz, We have done two trips to KTP (November / December months) , the first - stayed in chalets and the second camped. Have yet to see snakes or scorpions in any of the camps - not that they don't occur - just that you are not going to experience this 24/7! So while it is good to be vigilant - don't be paranoid! Enjoy your KTP experience!

PS: At Nossob, camping on our last trip, a BBJ came into the front part of our tent and tried to steal SO's braai mit - I shoo'ed him away without too much trouble! But note! Don't leave any leather goodies lying around!

Hi jkz and a warm welcome to the forum

As for baboons ..... as far as I know there aren't any ... at least of the 4 legged variety
We've only been to KTP and it is absolutely true - you will leave your heart behind and never be the same again ...... and that is no bad thing!!! The silence is the most amazing part of the whole experience.

Oh, on our trip we bought a special UV torch to see scorpions and went scorpion hunting every night - nothing!!! We were very disapointed and hope to have better luck next year.

I took walking boots with me but only wore them when wandering around camp - while driving a pair of flip flops did the trick ..... not very safe from snakes and creepies but a helluva lot more comfy!!!

Welcome to the forum jkz.

1. Common sense prevails.
2. The animals are ALL wild, even if they look tame.
3. Jackals that roam some caps are not dangerous to humans, but I wouldn't leave a toddler alone in their presence. Don't take your eyes off your barbecue meat - they don't either.
4. There are no apes in the park.
5. Don't walk barefoot at night. Always use a torch (flashlight?). Some scorpions are translucent. They don't attack unless provoked. They try to get away.
6. Don't get the Kalahari sand in your shoes. It has irresistable magnetic power. I did and am now addicted for life.

Enjoy it!!!!

Odd that no one said Keep to the Rules? : Some are there for your protection...
(Oddly there is no mention of not being allowed out of the car, except, at your own risk!, at picnicspots...: )

From another page:
Tips & Hints
* Shoes are essential on summer evenings for protection against the possibility of scorpion stings.
* Keep an emergency supply of 10 litres water in your vehicle.
* In the event of a breakdown, remain in your vehicle – it is the safest place.
* This is a low risk malaria area. Consult your chemist.

I put a very important sentence in bold...

Thanks, everyone, for your responses and warm welcomes! Lots of good info! Though DH and I have traveled plenty and I like to think we are prudent and share common sense, every region is unique. It's always helpful to hear from those knowledgeable about the dangers and challenges of a locale before setting off for a visit.

(When I asked about baboons, I was thinking about KNP, not KTP, so wrong forum--my apologies)

We tried out this Eco-friendly innovation last night in our TR chalet and it worked like a charm!! No more waking up next to bat babies and covered in bat droppings!

Well we will be off to KTP this coming Sunday the 16th and its time to start looking forward to the heat - well not so much my wife, although I love it ...........

She is already planning on her normal ways of keeping cool. So I though I would share a couple with the new mites that haven't experience KTP in summer. These tips generally for the Desert Camps that do not have Air-con. Hope you guys have a few for me ....... to pass onto my lady.

Evapouration is your freind, so:
1. In the heat of the day we normally wet our clothes regularly.
2. Afternoons naps with a wet towel over you works like a bomb (until its dry that is).
3. We take spray bottles with us - spray neck, head and body

4. Aloe vera aftersun product to use morning and night cools the skin.
5. Get some Mentholatum Migraine Ice patches. These soft gel patches - designed to soothe headaches.
6. We take a tepid shower just below body temperature, especially before bedtime. Although a cold shower might sound more tempting, your body generates heat afterwards to compensate for the heat loss.
7. Eat spicy food, although this may be the last thing you fancy in hot weather, curries and chillies are eaten in very hot climates all over the world for this very reason.
8. Ware a wet bandana.

9. Aviod alcohol in the heat of the day (I have been told about this tip, but never tried it) - good luck with this one ...........
10. Drink LOTS of water.
11. And then there is the normal sensible ways of dressing which I am sure you all know.

Hope to hear some of your innovative ideas .............

Shane, I know your focus was mainly on the Desert camps, But - If in one of the main camps or KTC - The Swimming pools are a great way of cooling down and also a great opportunity to interact with fellow Park visitors. Generally most people are very friendly and keen to share experiences and share sightings they witnessed. It's really cool to speak to like minded SANParks visitors whilst wallowing in a cool pool in the middle of the sweltering heat! !

Definitely Munchkin, we have had many a great afternoon chatting in the pools, making friends .... I particularly love KTC pool - nice tree for shade and the water always seems to be cool ............

I look forward to the pools at Nossob & Mata Mata, will be a new experience for me, pools wasnt there when I last visited KTP!

The walk back from a late afternoon swin at KTC:



ctv4 - remember the Nossob pool doesn't have trees or any other form of shade - take an umbrella.

Nothing wrong with a car battery and 12V fan.

Spray some water over yourself and enjoy.