SANParks.org Forums

Good morning All.

We are off to the Kruger in Dec for 7 nights staying in two camps, Olifants and Biyamiti.
At Olifants we are in a 'no utensils and communal kitchen' bungalow.
I know you can hire utensils from the offices but are there things like pots, pans, kettles in the communal kitchen or do we have to hire those as well?

The communal kitchens are not equipped which means you have to bring or hire everything you need for the cooking.

As Andreas said, there are no utensils in the communal kitchen.
You can find hot water there for you coffee thought, so you don't need a kettle.

Warm welcome to the forum Barbara-Ann! If I remember correctly when we hired a utensil box once there were pots and a frying pan included.
Enjoy!

Thank you all for your kind help and advice.
I'm soooooo looking forward to my visit.
Ive been before, many times, but never stayed in a hut without facilities, so to speak.
All a learning curve

I'm looking at the accommodation options for Lower Sabie and Satara for August and there's very little left! However, to keep prices down I can probably still get something basic like a hut, then depend on communal loos and kitchens but I can't find a description of the kitchens.
If there are lots of people in the rest camp, may I find that the braai facilities and hotplates are all being used and I have to wait for hours?
Thanks

Hi Tim

Generally each hut has it's own braai facility so you shouldn't have to wait for a braai.

I've never had to wait for hours to use the kitchens, a few minutes maybe, besides it's the best social place in the camp A place to catch up on other visitors sightings.
There are generally 2 hotplates in each kitchen.

Have a look here at the layout of the camps to see the number of kitchens close to the huts you choose to book.
LS Camp Map
Satara Camp Map

Enjoy your stay - hope you find the accommodation you are looking for.

It is important to note that communal kitchens don't have equipment, so you need your own cooking utensils etc.

Tim, it is a good point to remember that you need to take your own utensils.
But you will only need very little.
One can really survive well with a braai a day and then keep the left overs for lunch the next day.
You can also treat yourself to a take away at the cafeteria from time to time.

The communal kitchens provide boiling water on tap 24/7 - so no probs making coffee etc.

As Rose said, the atmosphere in the communal kitchens is really special.
I love using them.

Hi Tim,

I don't think you'll have to wait for long if at all.

Few people cook complete meals when in Kruger so even if someone is cooking there should be a plate available for you to use.
I've often seen complete strangers watching and stirring each others pots while they run back to the campsite to fetch something.

The communal kitchen is usually also the hotspot to get the latest sighting news and to brag about yours!

Ever thought of taking your electric frying pan?
Marvelous what you can cook in one.
Remember an extension cord.
No problem with the communal kitchen.
Take "Sunlight Liquid" dishwash liquid, swabs and most important, a PLUG for the sink.
Remember a Thermos flask as well.
Fill up before bed and ready for morning coffee.

only use them for dish washing and the hot water for coffee
byw one of the best places to find night butterflies and gecko
generaly braai with a salad

If you get to these facilities before the gates close and the masses return from drive there will
be all the cooking facilities at your disposal. Its about prioritising.