SANParks.org Forums

AdrianFW, sharing your sorrows with others is part of the healing process. This trip is the best thing you could do for proper acceptance of the loss of loved ones. Unfortunately one has to go through this process, whether you want to or not. I wish you all the best!

I hope you can take something from the following mumbo jumbo Adrian.

My dad died 7 months after our last Kruger trip, one that his third wife said we should never had done, but she had only known him for 4 years. For 8 years we did an annual trip, which we both looked forward to greatly, and with much justification.

I said a number of times over the years that things don't last forever, and some forumites commented on how lucky I was to be able to take Jerry Hattrick to Kruger annually. Some were envious and others made plans to follow suit.

The memories we made still bring joy to my heart, and helped greatly with the grieving process, but I understand, the greater the love, the greater the grief.

But now I have moved on, realizing that one musr sieze the moment, and boy, we did.

We actually own nothing in this life. People and things are lent to us for a season. Make the most of them. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away as He wishes.

Go on your own. Being positive usually throws up pleasant surprises, and helps to heal, instead of sitting around letting it get to you.

Adrian,
Time does not heal everything, ....... time brings acceptance
Nature brings healing and teaches you to remember and appreciate the good times,
and to be grateful for what you had, and memories you still (and always will) have.

You would be amazed to know how many mites have been through the healing process in KNP, and as long as you are on the forum, you will never be alone

If you do not want to waste time packing , cooking , shopping , and you want to see nature at its best without seeing tar roads & cars & irritating tourist traps, this is the ideal choice .
I am convinced the trails will be filled by the time you depart obviating your concern that it may not occur due to undersubscription as the trails have the highest occupancy rate in KNP barring Balule , Maroela & Tamboti .

Thanks for all best wishes.

Here's my current plan

Monday 19th November - Pretoriuskop - Hut EB2
Tuesday 20th November - Skukuza - Safari Tent CTT2
Wednesday 21st November - Napi Trail
Thursday 22nd November - Napi Trail
Friday 23rd November - Napi Trail
Saturday 24th November - Lower Sabie Hut EH3
Sunday 25th November - Lower Sabie Hut EH1

It's affordable, avoids lots of travel so I can follow my nose, the breeze, animals or whatever. I think travel outbound - Jo'burg - N4 - White River - Numbi Gate - Pretoriuskop and inbound Lower Sabie - Crocodile Bridge - N4 - Jo'burg are both easily doable in a day - my flight home leaves at 8pm on 26th November.

I can eat in the resturants in camp and/or buy food in the shop. Petrol I can buy in Kruger (I think I need cash for that - credit cards not accepted?). A couple of yelow ribbons I can bring from home. So all in all I think its a pretty watertight plan.

Before I book have I missed anything?

Thanks,
Adrian

Sounds great

I would be happy with that itinerary.

I hope that you have a wonderful time.

Your trail needs will be well catered for. I would suggest one main meal a day at a Restuarant. Afsaal has upped its game and Tshokwane has always been a place that I enjoy for a quick venison roll. I buy coffee and snacks to see me through breakfast and the other meals.

You will need drinks for the trails. Hazyview is one of my favourite stopping places and I usually buy some grilled chicken, fresh rolls and salad for my first night. The tents have fridges, so you can keep your drinks cold. You will also need eating utensils, keep it basic and a coffee mug.

Try the Selati train Restuarant at Skuks, it has a different menu and carries early Kruger history.

Your itinerary looks good. I really hope you enjoy the time in KNP and that you go back home with peace.

Correct, you will need cash for petrol.

AdrainFW my best wishes to you for a great Kruger trip . Your plan looks good. You are in very capable and competent hands here on the forum for good advice when needed

Great itinerary AdrianFW! I am sure you will enjoy this trip! Can't wait to read all about it in your trip report!

Morning,

All booked as per my itinerary above! Now the detailed planning starts and that leads to further questions.

I can take a mug and tea and coffee but hot water? Is is available in the communal kitchen or do I need to get a small kettle/pan to boil it in? I need a tea or coffee first thing in the morning.

Locations to visit - I've read about Lake Panic, there's a bird hide there? Just off H11 to the west of Skukuza? I've seen photographs and information about what's outside the hide but nothing about the facilities themselves. Can I get out of the car? Take a camera/tripod/telescope into the hide? Further information appreciated.

And in appreciation of your help a photograph from my 2010 visit to Kruger.



Best wishes,
Adrian

In most camp kitchens there is boiling water on tap. We just take tha flask with the coffee in and fill ut..

There is a great hide at Lake Panic, and you should be able to take all your gadgets into it unless it is full.

I have recently found long life milk in 250 ml cartons in Woolworths Joburg. Presumably they will have it elsewhere too. Don't know if you need milk in tea/coffee, but the small size might be useful. I got myself some for my upcoming trip. I went alone to Kruger earlier this year and will be doing so again next month. I don't have a problem being on my own - you can always get chatting to folk at the kitchen or elsewhere.

I got stuck behind a slow moving car the other day so decided to practice my game viewing techniques at 25 kmh. Interesting gardens some folk have.

Do enjoy your trip and I hope you will go home feeling renewed and refreshed.

You don't have to put any milk (or sugar) in coffee. A dollop on Amarula will do......

And you a Baptist, nogal

Adrian, sounds stupid to tell you but buy a mug here, don't bring one. You can always donate it to someone when you leave. They are R12 or less in a supermarket. You can also get a basic cooler bag if you need one for about R15 in Pick n Pay or Checkers.