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What's your opinion about this road trip for the 1st day between Tamboti to Olifants:

- Left Tamboti H5-->S39-->H1-5 --> Letaba (lunch)--> Letaba river road to Olifants

Is there meals facilites in Timbavati or Roodewal for brekkie?

Hi Sergi

At Timbavati you can prepare your own food but nothing to buy. Roodewal is a private camp, no entrance for other visitors. Only if you stay there may you enter and also no shop to buy something. Rather prepare something the night before and enjoy it at Timbavati.

The route that you mentioned is perfect. It will be a long drive but due to the fact that you are only in the park for a couple of days it is better to spend as much time as you can on the road to enhance your chances of great sightings.

I have calculated Duques's route for you ...
46km to go s92, s89, then tar down to satara
72km to go down the H7 then take the two talamati roads
73km down the s36 then tar to Skukuza

191km to get from Olifants to Skukuza using that route. That means it would take me at my leasurely pace more than 8 hours! Thus I say it is better to go directly down

mmmh,
I need your help: my plan is: from Phalaborwa gate up to shindwezi, than dowun to Letaba.
From Letaba to Tamboti for 3 nights, and than a long trip to Croc bridge for the last night.
Than from Croc B. exit from Malelane (I'll be going to Swazi.)
Do you think is doable? any road tips?
thank you very much!!!
ps. 2 weeks and Iìll be there!!!

Hi Balengo, you must be so excited.

Your itinerary is completely do-able. I might suggest the H14 to Mopani and then onto Shingwetzi.

When in Tambotie, do the S39, it is rich in diversity. I would also try to do the S100, a famous pradator hang out.

If you can, drive the S28 to Croc Bridge. I have had stunning Cheetah sightings on that road.

Enjoy

Yes, doable indeed, Balengo.

We often go from Phalaborwa gate to Shingwedzi and, though it is a long drive, it is beautiful. Since it is 137 km on the tar (using the H14), makes sure you leave enough time to get to Shingwedzi on time - you can't be late.

The same with the drive back to Letaba - leave at gate open if possible so you can take your time. I sometimes take the seldom-travelled s50 from Shingwedzi, but this requires more time and is quite remote. I figure that if I see something special, I will be the only one seeing it. 110km via the tar so leave early.

Letaba to Tamboti is another enjoyable drive, and you can consider going past Balule and then down towards Timbavati, as this route is good for predators. Or you can do the tar to Satara, which is also an excellent drive. 120km, so leave early again.

Tamboti to Croc Bridge is another brilliant drive - although at 175km, the longest of your trip. I would drive the H7 to satara early in the morning, then head down via Tshokwane, along the H10 to Lower Sabie, and then on the H45-2 to Croc Bridge. Easiest and great routes for predators and general herds. Allow lots of extra time as you are bound to see excellent sightings.

None of these routes are cast in stone and you should adjust them as you see fit. Whatever you do, have a magnificent time!

Take care,
Regards,
OWN.

The Park is very well signposted, but do invest in a map at the entrance gate, as this will allow you to plan your routes in advance. GPS does not work everywhere as not all of the Park has cellphone signals.

All camps before gate close - in July 17.30 and August 18h00.

Shingwedzi - Letaba is only 109 kilometers via the shortest route. At normal speed (25 km/h) that will take you 4 hours, so you have more than plenty time.
Actually, you should be able to do the S50 down, turn up the S143 (Tropic of Capricorn loop) with one of my favourite places. M'wambu pan is fantastic.
Then for a drink at Mopani camp, and down the tar.

The S50 is a fantastic road, but I have to add that it's a fantastic road for birders. Last time we didn't see many mammals.

I am very excited to be visiting Kruger for the first time Aug 9-13 . I am staying in Hazyview for the first 3 nights and then plan to drive up along the Blyde River Canyon and to the Orpen Gate early on the morning of my 4th day - hoping to arrive at the gate by 10:00 am. I have a reservation at Satara that night and need to be at MQP the next day for a 17:50 flight to JNB.

Here's where I need some advice from all of you great KNP veterans...

I will have had the opportunity to explore some of the southern part of the park during my stay in Hazyview so here is what I was thinking for my last two days.

Arrive Opren Gate 10:00. H7>S39>Timbavati. Picnic lunch. S39>S90>Olifants. H1-4>Satara.

Next day:

Leave camp right as gate opens. H3 to Tshokwane. Stop for coffee. H10>Lower Sabie. H4-2>S28>Crocodile Bridge. Lunch. S25>S114>H3 exit the park at Malelane Gate by 15:30 to make it to MQP in time for flight.

I know this is a lot time in the car - do you all think this is do-able? I figure if time gets tight, I could skip Olifants on the first day and/or exit the park at Crocodile Bridge the second day in order to make my flight.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Ima1016

Doesn't sound bad at all your itenerary I was staying at Tamboti in June which is situated near Orpen Gate. As you read my comments keep in mind it is always about being in the right place and right time ...
I find the s39 coming off the H7 a big detour to get to Satara and the sightings are better on the H7. The s39 is scenic and if you want to drive a beautiful road then definately do it! If you want the best chances of lots of animals and cats. Rather bang straight down the H7 then explore other roads around satara. For instance the s100, s41, and H6 (thats what I would do), or the H1-4, s90, s41 and back on the s100.
The next day ----
I love your plan of the H1-3 and H10 and s28!! Then left to Malalane near the Southern Border.
Make sure to inspect the big trees carfully near the South Most Baobab on the H1-3 for the leopard that is often seen there

The Road to Orpen ---
As Val said its a shocker. But that is more coming from Joburg. Near Lydenburg etc. The road up from Hazyview less bad but travel slowly please. I got away with a punctured tyre. Could have been worse.

Hello,

I found a sheet that shows you the travell time from a gate to a camp. Is there also a sheet where I can find the travel time from a camp to a camp? I plan to leave Letaba early in the morning to be at Berg en Dal at about 14:00. Is this realistic?

Thanks for your help

Sigi

sigi009,

That will not be a problem . In June I've travelled from Numbi gate to Letaba, which is more or less the same distance in 6,5 hours. We entered at 7:40 had lots of sightings, but tried not to stop for too long and got to Letaba at 14:00.

In April again I left 6:60 from Tsendze north of Letaba and booked in at Biyamiti at 14:00.

Enjoy the trip and hope you spot some leopard or dogs along the way.

Hi Son godin,

thanks for your help

Do you know when the Camp (Letaba) opens the gate in the morning? We booked a Wilderness trail in Berg en Dal, so we have to be there at 15:00 pm.
But now I think we can make the distance in time without to rush.

Thanks

Hi Sigi009,

The camp gates open from April to Sept at 6:00; Oct 5:30 and 4:30 from Nov to Jan. 5:30 again for Feb - March.