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From Francois' link.

I usually find the less stars a resort is given, the more I will probably like it. But that's because we prefer to camp in the bush.

Agree once again! The same with hotels and guesthouses. We recently stayed over in a so called 3 star hotel in Ladismith and according to me I had better equipped rooms in 2 star guest houses.

It would be interesting to get a breakdown of the criteria used and then get some regular visitors to use the same set of criteria to do their "own grading" so one can see what the differences are.

Before making the switch to bungalow accomodation we camped at Berg-en-Dal, Skukuza, Satara, Letaba and Shingwedzi and of these I have to agree that Letaba is the best.

However good the gradings may be for resorts outside national parks, it does not take into consideration things that might be important to campers like me.

I do not camp because I cannot afford bungalows, I camp to enjoy things like nightsounds, peace, feeling close to nature and the wild. These are not important to many campers, but rather facilities.

I agree with WTM, it comes down to personal preferance.

Well said fellow camper!

I agree Nothing beats a trip to Kruger in a motorhome (or camper as I like to call them)



I definitely think Crocodile Bridge deserves more than just two stars Although the ablution facilities might be far away from some camp sites, they are very clean and tidy. Three stars at least Camping next to that fence is stunning and of course the road out first thing in the morning ...



Who can disagree with this? Letaba is perfect in every way

Have unfortunately not camped at any other camp, but seems Punda is a must

Well there we go, seems like I have managed to convinced at least 1 person to go find out for themself how Punda really rates.

Glad I could oblige

Seriously, though, the game hide sounds astonishing

That is correct. It is pretty awesome to see buff, impala, nyala etc. all 30m away from you while you braai. In the hide you can sit at bight and light your "Lomar Light" to spot all sorts of interesting things. One of the best places to spot Grey-headed parrots from.

I prefer camping myself, because it really makes me feel closer to nature! I must say my SO and I stayed in Punda a few years ago (not camping) and loved it. I am definitely going to rate the camp site for myself next time. WTM you have convinced me.

Further info here - Tourism Grading Council. The Kruger camps on that site have the same star rating as in francoisd's post.

I think they loose stars because of silly things like not having jacuzzis or sattelite tv rooms and all that nonsense .

There camp sites are the best , I think they should all get plus 1 star for night entertainment provided by the sounds of Lions , hyeana , bush babys , owls etc etc .
And another plus 1 star for being in the kruger , heck , make it 2 stars

I also camp for the atmosphere and night sounds , also for some odd reason I always see more game on my drives if we are camping rather than hut'ing, I think you are more in tune with the bush or something.

I agree 100%, Bucky

Well said

Amarula on ice, Black Label and Chardonnay and the stars shine very brightly
... and who can grade the company

MM

Pooh, pooh to all the raters!!

How can you possibly rate an experience in the Kruger with stars?????

The trip is not about the campsite, ablution block or the boiling water (these are all man made) - it is about the beauty of nature, the sound of daybreak and the smell of sunset. It is about the nocturnal animals' furtive sounds, about the fresh spoor next to the road - ABOUT THE ANIMALS!!!!

Presumably, that is why people visit the Kruger................