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Hi Ladybug 123 -- Lake Panic is just outside (maybe 5 km) Skukuza on the Kruger Gate road. Sorry, can't do links, but if you read Jock's trip report, (Hopalong Cassidy and her helpers go north), there are lots of lovely pics of Lake Panic.

Ladybug. Firstly, welcome to the forum.

Beware it is addictive.

If you have not been to Lake Panic, you are truly a deprived child. I have loads of videos shot at Lake Panic, but no pitcures of the place itself.

It is one of Krugers GEMS and I strongly recommend going there when you are in the Skukuza area.

A lot of fellow 'mites don't like Skukuza because of it's size (as well as being a "busy" camp). But I always stay there just to go to Lake Panic.

Directions as per earlier posts.

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Looking towards the south-east out of the hide

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The view north-east

And other herons,birds and pygmy kingfisher as well

From the KNP site:
"Lake Panic – located on the S42 near Skukuza on the road to the Nursery

One would suppose there may be signs to the Nursery,
as they try to lure customers?

Also, the Golf Course is next to the lake.

Have not been there for awhile.
Have a good look at the birds.

The bird life, particularly water birds is prolific at Lake Panic.

I was fortunate enough to see Black Crake chicks there during my April /May 2008 trip.
Very cute little creatures.

Also saw and filmed a Pied K/fisher rendering his dinner unconscious before eating it.

Darter, Goliath and grey Heron, giant kingfishers, Water Thicknee (Dikop), Jacana and many others can be seen.
The first time I saw a paradise flycatcher was at Lake Panic some years ago.
I have never had the good fortune to see any game at this spot, but is really is worth every minute spent there.

The hippos get very vocal there, particularly early morning and late afternoon.

Bush busk is very common there but I have seen Nyala there over the cricket weekend as well. A total of 4 bulls as a matter of fact.

Yep we saw Nyala there at the beginning of June, to the left of the entrance gate.

I have always found Lake Panic to be a gem at any time of year.
February is very hot and humid, but the birds are in full from.
The rains have usually replenished the water systems..Lake Panic being a part of that process.

Feb is also a lovely month as it is quiet from a tourist perspective.
The hide is likely to be quieter..

I had one of my most memorable sightings at Lake Panic.. it was in August, but it demonstrates its possibilities..

I was sitting at a very silent moment, actually rather bored.. suddenly, there was a noise as though the hounds of Hades had broken loose..

I watched, mesmerized as about 30 spooked hippo stormed into Lake Panic.. the noise, the visuals.. the impact of such might.. it was an unbelievable moment.

We were at Skukuza two weeks ago and visited the hide a few times.
There was a lot of bird activity - Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers, Herons, Jacanas, fish eagle etc. as well as a crocodile doing his patrols.

Our advice is to go there in the afternoons as the light is great then.
The hide faces east so in the mornings you'll be looking into the sun and any photos won't be that great.

Was in the KNP from 4-11 Jan this year-as always-Lake Panic delivers.
Delighted to watch a Forest Buzzard nesting in the tree on the left just before you enter the hide and there were some grown chicks, still crying for food.
Parent bird brought food, and posed very nicely-a delight to watch.
They may still be there when you get there though the chances are high that the fledglings will have flown by then.
Not much else, except the resident Goliath Heron, White breasted Cormorant and Pied K/F.
No Malachite KF, Grey Heron, or Jacana.
Lots of Hippos though.
But just to be there is great.
Always something to see.

Hi. One can never tell what happens anywhere in the park at any given time. Its all luck and being in the right place at the right time.
I was fortunate to see a herd of 12 elephants coming down to drink, splash and then walk across to the other side. It was amazing and got it all on video. Its one of my favourite places in the park.

I think Lake Panic is good at anytime of the year and at anytime of the day ..
Just cant get enough of it .
Can sit and watch for hours and every few minutes another story is played out in front of you.

Great being able to visit hides that I have never seen. Super thread.

I have never posted a photo, so here is my 1st attempt taken at Lake Panic in August 2009

Good job Mizzbee!

Hope you don't mind me adding to your post.

Good team work, as I did not have one of the entrance.

This is the walkway to the hide:



This is the view from inside the hide.

These are a couple of photos I've taken from inside the Lake Panic hide.