SANParks.org Forums

Hey threedogs ignore part of the questions about staying in the hides. I read on the website that you pick up keys at the gate then head in self sufficient. i still do not understand how you can spot wildlife. Or is it the experience of being in the dark and not knowing where and how close those animals are to you?

The hide experience is more about experiencing isolation from people , luxuries and being alone , an introduction to the wilderness , than game viewing .
I become relaxed , I cannot stay awake for long , though I sleep most restfully , even with an elephant skin brushing against the wall .

Hi Ndloti,

I understand what you are saying although I am pretty sure I would not be sleeping restfully. I would definitely be watching and listening for animals. Getitng away from modernisation is a very attractive prospect.

Hi All,

Threedogs and kiwi1.

Interested that you both fly in from JHB, we actually drive.
The flight in from Sydney as you probably know gets in at about midnight our time. As we are exhausted by then we check straight into a great hotel within the terminal and go straight to bed. Have a good sleep then when we wake up the next morning it is usually about 3am local time and we feel really excited and refreshed. We pack up and go have lots of coffee and a big brekky at Mugg and Bean in the terminal then on to Avis to pick up the car, usually by then its still before 6am. Then hit the road, stopping at Millys for a break then at Malelane for supplies, and in the Malelane gate. Last time we were in the Park for lunch so we were really happy with that. Then just took our time game driving to the camp [as you do].

This works well for us so doing it again this year.

Was funny to read that you both have trouble leaving your dogs...we too are dog lovers with 2 border collies that we hate leaving.
They used to get looked after by our parents but they are now too old to do it so have to put them into boarding. Luckily we found a fantastic place that has big rooms and lots of extra attention [double the price of course] so its ok now, in fact the dogs like going there. Until we found this place I felt sick at the thought of leaving then especially for 3 weeks or more.

Threedogs love your interesting itinerary, we have not yet advanced to the bush camps or hides but I believe they are great.

Btw we are on T/advisor as 'thesandmans'.

No Vicrob & Kiwi1! We don't mind! In fact, we appreciate it that people from so far away also enjoy our fantastic Park! We are indeed privileged and lucky to have it on our doorsteps. You are more than welcome! Just remember, we are already looking forward to your trip reports after/during your visit!

G'day Kiwi1, VicRob and threedogs. It's good to see a few more Aussie/Kiwis on the forum.

We too fell in love with Kruger on our first vist (2008) but haven't been able to make it back ..yet. But we will. We = family of 4 so we have to work the budget a bit harder and with the kids in school its tough as holidays at holiday time are always that much more expensive.

And we have 2 dogs and face the same problem when it comes to holidays....including when we go camping in Australia.

see you around the forum

Thanks Hilda

Will do

Hi Rusky

Yes it would be tough with kids in school, but you will make it back.

Obviously dog lovers must love all wildlife....lol

BTW where in Melb are you, we are from there originally.

Hi,

I here what you are saying about finding a good place to leave the dogs VicRob. They definitley coost more but good to know they are safe and happy. yea we enjoy thr flight into Phalaborwa and picking a car up there. the flight we get usually arrives in the afternoon so we spend a night at Emperors palace which is a 5 minute transfer from the airport. Good to chill out there and rest up for Kruger.

first day back at work today for me and all i can think about is trying to get back to Kruger
Hoping the upcoming travel expo here will have some good prices and we will be there again this year.

VicRob do you stay at the Intercontinental in the airport terminal?

Kiwi1

No we looked at the i/c but it was much too expensive for just a sleep.

There is a city lodge hotel above the terminal car park.
Very nice, modern clean and comfortable, well priced too. There is a type of walkway that takes you there so you don't even leave the building. Saves transferring, no need to get a bus or taxi. Think it is fairly new.

threedogs, in the same boat as you. Will try to visit every year . If possible twice each year
Luckily the flights from Europe are more affordable

Hi Kiwi1,

Forgot to mention that City Lodge at the JHB airport is only AU$132.00 per room.

Thanks VicRob,

Will google City Lodge hotel and may use it. Looks like we are heading over in September this year!!!!!
Talking to travel agent who says there are good flight deals on the way next weekend. Ready to pounce and make it happen.

Have any of you ever bought Ipod apps that are guides to the Kruger park? was looking at some and they have some useful maps.

The addiction to KP will definitely kick in. I started in 99 & have only missed 2000, but will unfortunately miss 2012 as well. Kiwi1 make yourself at home in KP. Just one thing. DO NOT bring Bryce Lawrence with you. Anyone else but him. Or on second thoughts maybe Ecojunkie could arrange a walk in the bush for him.

AIRFARE ALERT!!!

I just secured Adelaide to Phalaborwa return airfares for $1995.00 inc. taxes.
This is with Qantas. Adel-Perth-JB-PB and return PB-JB-SYD-Adel. This is nearly $400 less per ticket than I paid for the same time last year. I don't mind paying this far out with that sort of saving!