SANParks.org Forums

Would really appreciate some advise from someone that has stayed in safari tents.
I absolutely love Kruger, next trip there will be my forth.
But even though I live in SA, I'm originally from Northern Europe, and the thought of "creepy crawlies" still freaks me a bit (in this I include anything that doesn't have legs/has more than 4 legs/more than 2 eyes).
My SO is trying to convince me to stay in a safari tent for our next trip in December.
I'm not so sure though.
I don't really want to wake up with an eight-legged bed-mate.
So, anyone that has stayed in a safari tent that can tell me how it was?
And maybe settle my nerves a little bit that it's not that bad?

I have not stayed in one yet (19/12 till 22/12 I will! ), but don't forget that those tents are on stilts. So all the crawlies and slitheries will have to climb. The first still may, the second will probably find it takes too much energy.

You'll have less chance of them in a safaritent than in a bungalow...

I did go camping, and had only one crawly in our tent, a beautiful baboon spider. I just picked it up and removed it. Unfortunately my wife didn't want to carry it on her hand for photos though.

Tilla-p, we have stayed in the tents and no problem at all. As DuQues mentioned, they are on stilts and we did not find any creepry crawlies.

Note though that are two types of safari tents: those that do not have a wc and shower and therefore communal bathrooms have to be used and those that have a wc/shower in the tent.

Tents have less creepy crawlies
Been in the ones at Punda this year.
Been in most safari tents in Kruger during winter and summer
No problem

The safari tents at Punda and Lower Sabie are all with own shower etc.
Other camps have more basic tents and Tamboti basic or luxury with shower etc.

A definite "to do".
I personally prefer a safari tent to a hut any day, you get far more of a Kruger safari feeling in a tent.

Hi

We stayed in the safari tent in Letaba, Tamboti and Lower Sabie,
Definately To Do!

Love the safari tents - feel so much closer to nature. Never experienced creepy crawlies in them. Go for it.

I have stayed in Safari Tents more than in the Bungalows. Rule No.1.
At sunset, try to keep the door to the entrance of the tent closed and only leave the light on the verandah on. this helps.
Depending on what time of year you go, make sure you take sprays with for mozzies.
Don't forget the tablets if you are going from Sept onwards.
If not tablets, spray or rub on mozzie repellant on all areas that are exposed when you are sleeping.
As far as I know or have been told, the tents as well as bungalows are sprayed or 'treated' regularly for any bugs that may enter.
Staying in a safari tent is much more fun and one feels closer to nature.
Big up is that you hear all the night sounds.
In a bungalow one cannot hear this.
Be sure to get to bed early if you want a good night's rest.
As other folks tend to get up at the crack of dawn and these folks are not quiet.
Car doors opening and closing, people talking etc means they are either leaving the camp early to journey to another camp and want to get to the gates first thing and/or others who just want to be the first at the gate when it opens.
I've learned to sleep though this noise as it subsides after 6.30am.
By 7am most are up and out the gates so you have the whole camp to yourself - sleep in - enjoy the birds chirping.
Most of all - remember the monkeys and baboons are up at the crack of dawn too and don't leave your doors open or anything on the table outside.
Take a rope with to ensure your fridge on the verandah is secure.
The monkeys and baboons are clever and can smell food in the fridge and open it.
Next time i am taking a fake snake with and leaving it on my verandah....would be interesting to see if they stay away. Enjoy!!

Safari tents - you love it or you hate it. I love Safari tents, SO hates them (he can't sleep when it is windy, tents have no AC ...). I already stayed in Safari tents in Tambotie, Lower Sabie, Punda Maria - I can recommend it.

If you go to KNP for the ambiance, the safari tents are great.
There's no air conditioning in the tents, however, just ceiling fans, so certain times of the year may be a bit hot for overseas visitors.
Snakes are afraid of people, and normally don't wander into places where there are lots of people around. Mozzies are active in summer, be sensible, cover your arms, legs, ankles, ears with mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants after dark, and you will be OK.
We have never found mozzies inside the huts, they all have insect screens on the doors and windows.
I think the safari tents also have screens.
I don't know if it is allowed, but you could always spray the dark corners, and under the beds of the tents with bug spray to kill any lurking mozzies. (just leave the spiders alone, they actually EAT them).
The only buzzing will come from your snoring!
Of course in summer you will find lots of moths etc attracted to the lights at night, which for some people is a problem, we never mind them, we are in the wilderness, and expect to see wildlife in all shapes and sizes.

Dear forumites,
We have booked safari tents for 5 of the 6 nights we'll spend in Kruger in July, considering them an affordable and exciting option (we're traveling with 2 teenage kids).
We're aware that winter nights can be cold in Kruger - should we bring extra pyjamas, or are enough blankets provided?

We stayed at Tamboti one year in May (which isn't even full winter) and used all the blankets provided and wished that we had more warm things to put on.
So be sure to pack warm PJ's and maybe a few more warm things just in case!
We found that after that night if we slept with our "beanies" (that we got at Orpen the next day) and socks on it helped a lot as well...

Have oftened stayed in Safari tents in Skuks in July and yes, its cold! I remember extra blankets were provided but you need you winter woollies. By the way, it will be a great experience, enjoy!

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Hey Thalie,

I have stayed in most of the tents in winter and it's not cold for me, but the SO moans, so I would back extra warm clothes, but depending on the weather you may face a 30 degree day by 9am

All the tents that I have stayed in had extra blankets.

Bert's advice on shower times The mornings on a bad day in my experience get down to 5-13 degrees in July, but the days can get up over 30 degrees.

I arrived one year at Tambotie and it was 38 degrees in the late afternoon, but the next morning it was 7 degrees.

My kids still swim in July

We have stayed in the tents at LS and Tamboti.
I think because of the river it is colder at Lower Sabie but with the right winter woolies it is definitely worth it! Tamboti is one of the hidden jewels of Kruger. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!
Been there in June and it was pretty warm that week but also been there in September when I had to put on my thick socks!!
Either way if you are prepared you will love it!