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Thanks guys for all the feedback and suggestions / recommendations.

I have since decided to delay my trip with one week to avoid being in Addo during the school holidays in April 2013. The park can get very busy during that time.

I have also decided to maybe reverse the trip, i.e. to start off with the Bontebok National Park and end with the Karoo National Park - mainly due to the fact that I would like to do Baviaanskloof from Willowmore side through to Patensie side.

Will consider spending a bit more time in the MZP - maybe swop 1 day from Camdeboo to MZP or 1 day from Addo to MZP - which one would you recommend?

Thanks again for all the feedback.

Blackie.

Blackie I don't know, haven't been to Camdeboo yet. Addo was great.

My suggestion is to take me with you where ever you go.

Ok, so I have now finalised my planning and decided to do the trip in reverse, i.e. first up the garden route and then inland. The final planning is as such:

29 to 30/3/2013: Bontebok National Park
31 to 01/04/2013: Stormsriver Mouth
02 to 04/04/2013: Baviaanskloof
05 to 09/04/2013: Addo Elephant Park
10 to 13/04/2013: Mountain Zebra Park
14 to 16/04/2013: Camdeboo National Park
17 to 20/04/2013: Karoo National Park
21 to 22/04/2013: Calitzdorp Spa (to get back to civilisation before hitting home)
23/4/2013: back at home

Any suggestions / recommendations / observations?

One question I have: I am plannig to enter Addo from the South, i.e. at the Mathyolweni gate. I noticed on the map it stipulates "no caravans, busses or motor cycles". But what about off-road trailers? I will be towing an off-road trailer and do not want to turn around at the gate and take the long way around to the main camp gate.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Blackie.

Don't know anything about caravans and that gate. Think best will be to phone Addo and ask them.
Otherwise everything else looks great.

Trip sounds great Blackie! We are doing something a little similar this year, except the other way round. We have stayed at just about all of the camps on our trip, except Mountain Zebra, a first for us, so really looking forward to spending time at this camp. Also, looking forward to taking part in the cheetah tracking at MZNP - activity recommended by arks. Excited much!!

Blackie
Sound like a great trip.
Been to all but Baviaanskloof and Calitzdorp Spa.
Your itinery

Quote:

29 to 30/3/2013: Bontebok National Park
31 to 01/04/2013: Stormsriver Mouth
02 to 04/04/2013: Baviaanskloof
05 to 09/04/2013: Addo Elephant Park
10 to 13/04/2013: Mountain Zebra Park
14 to 16/04/2013: Camdeboo National Park
17 to 20/04/2013: Karoo National Park
21 to 22/04/2013: Calitzdorp Spa (to get back to civilisation before hitting home)

23/4/2013: back at home

My thoughts:
I would spend less time at:
Cambeboo - One night is enough to see both sides of the park
Karoo National Park - Large park however most is closed to the public.

I would spend more time at:
Mountain Zebra - lots to see
Storm river - small park and very restful. Use as a base lots of places to go including Knysna, George and Wilderness
Addo - You can never have to much time in Addo - every day is different.

Regards
JDW