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If you have the time to do it, I'll give preference to the H9/H1-6 option via Letaba. This recommendation is merely based on my personal experience of both routes. The H14 has (so far) always failed me. Personally I have been quite lucky with wonderful sightings of Eland on the H9 (between the H14- and eastern S51 junctions), lions on the section between Masorini and the S132-junction and also on the Nhlanganini Loop. I have also been lucky on the section of the H1-6 (between the S62- and H15 junctions) with Tsessebe's and quite big herds of buffalo on several occasions. General type of game, although not plentiful, is surely also more common on the H9/H1-6 route than on the S14.

Others might have found their luck to be opposite.

Stoffel, also a great road esp. from Letabe to the bridge, all depends on luck. The best tuskers are seen on this road.

Going to drive this road for the first time on my next trip! I just love the exploration factor of going on roads I've never been on before

Coming from Shingwedzi I have to make my way bak to Joburg. So want to drive South through the park since its in the direction of Joburg! Although 220km from Shing to Orpen is too far before a long drive back to Jozi! So cutting from Mopani to palaborwa gate seems like a better plan!

Any advice for me on this road??

My recommendation in an earlier post was to rather consider the road via Letaba. But since then I stayed in Shimuwini last April (2010) and travelled the H14 on more than one occasion. We were lucky to find a pack of wild dogs (10 in total) on the road as well as lots of elephant. At the low level crossing over the Letaba River we saw a lot of bird activity.

Drove the H14 last year in May. Entered through Phalaborwa Gate and visited Sable Dam forstly. I had plenty of time as I was booked into Shimuwini. Elephant were sighted around Sable Dam; a couple of sizeable Bulls. Then headed up the H14. Elephant and Buffalo sighted on the way to Letaba River bridge. Then, the big one! Coming off the brige a Leopard stepped out in fornt of my car, gave me a long look then walked across into the Bush. I reversed back to the end of the bridge to see if I could find him again. It was definitely a male by the way. He came out near the river bank and settled down under a tree. He had a kill there and obviously felt like a snack; it was just after Lunchtime after all!

I have travelled this road a number of times and have seldom been disappointed. Over time, I have seen the Big 5 plus Hyena and Wid Dogs along there plus an amazing array of Birdlife.

Still, it's a matter of right place at the right time I suppose.

The problem I guess is via Letaba is an extra 20km or so


Ah what a pleasure Would love such a sighting

Hallo
We usually drive the H14 on our way out. Midday! we had very good sightings of elephant and lions on the road. If you are going to go that way check out for the leopard at the Shikumbu koppie we have seen her on more than one occasion!
Good luck

I will do!! I hope I see the spotty

The Letaba bridge on this road ... one of the most magical spots in Kruger