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09 July 2011...wow, what a night!!!
Our family stayed over at Sable hide, it was amazing!!!
As we arrived it was drizzling and miserable and I thought we were in for an awful time ,
but then, the lions started roaring just the other side of the dam wall!!!
We saw 2 beautiful males walking on the wall then 2 females across the dam drinking!
They kept us entertained into the night then silence till the early morning.
It was an incredible experience to be there, alone and in the dark and hear that almighty call!!!
Fortunately we caught them about 2k's after we left on the road and were alone with about 9 lions for about 20min!!!
We realize we were very lucky and that there could have been nothing out there but then, that's the bush!!!
The beds were amazing, bedding was more than enough to keep us warm and the ablutions nice and clean.
We are campers after all so this bit of 'luxury' was more than welcome!!!
Only complaint was a family having a picnic in the hide and left at 17h40...we then had to pick up all the KFC and chip scraps they left behind , but, all worth it in the end.
Highly recommended!!!

Ils, have been to the Sable hide twice with first one excellent elephant and bird sightings, but the 2nd time we stayed over in Dec'11. Here are some pics. I will post another reply with pics of Shipandani hide near Mopani.

This the view from the hide: We did not see much,but was the lions were roaring very closeby sounding if they were just behind the dam wall.


The beds fold down from the wall and very comfortable. Mosquito nets are supplied as prtection.

The hides are worth it. Have had a leopard male calling , then walking past the Sable hide, whilst braaing at night.

Use the mozzie nets though, have taken malaria back home with me from sleeping at Shipandani out in the open, without nets.

We stayed in the Sable Dam overnight - fantastic - such an experience - would definitely recommend it.
It was just the two of us and quite scary.
We had a huge herd of elephants drinking much of the night - the noise was amazing also saw a jackal right next to the hide crunching on something and we could hear a leopard around throughout the night.
The only thing I would say is its not totally dark as you can see a faint glimpse of the Phalaborwa lights in the distance which was a shame.
Hope to try Shipandane some time soon.

We (4 adults) stayed at the Sable hide and it was great! Lions woke us at 4 in the morning and it sounded as if they were in the hide. We all jumped up with a fright and spotted them just 10 meters away.

I have a very strong spotlight and a portable (motor bike) 12V battery which helped to spot animals.
Also we timed it so that we were there on full moon which also helped.

There is a fenced off area where you park your car, with tables and benches and a place to light a fire. So early next morning we lit a big fire and made coffee and later prepared breakfast. We sat there chatting long after opening hours and it was so relaxing.
Be warned - it can get quite cold next to the dam.
Go on and enjoy it.

ils, here are some more pics of the Sable hide:

The hide from the back of the Sable dam:


The inside area where you can park your car and have a braai in an enclosed area:


The the path to the toilets. They are long-drops (the toilets, I mean). Water is supplied in a container. It is locked, but you will get a key. There is no electricity and could be quite dark if you need to pay a visit after dark.


Here is a sighting we enjoyed with our first visit resulting us booking a overnight stay:


Enjoy your stay in Shingwedzi.

----------------------
13-29 Dec'12 - South to North to Central Kruger

There is a Longdrop and a very good facility for making fire and have a braai. You will have to Shave and shampoo the next day.

This is the only topic I can find on Sable Dam
Out of all the dams in Kruger, this one deserves a decent amount of discussion
Please share your stories and pictures of Sable Dam. Located about 7kms East Of Palaborwa Gate.

It is a good place to see herds of elephant take a dip to escape the heat

It is not uncommon to find Buffalo at Sable Dam either!!
They might come to quench their thirst, or wallow in the mud where the dam level has retracted


Or even to munch on the tasty short green shoots that shoot out of the fertile soil around the dam

This beauty was seen near Sable Dam last November.

.................but it will be well worth the wait!!!

May see you there.

good morning,

i have just booked a night at the sable hide for my next visit to Kruger, i have never stayed there before and i am just looking for some advice, downfalls, or experiences that any one has en counted during there stay and any sightings that you have seen?

any feed back would be much appreciated

thanks

Ups: Honey Badger, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and about all other stuff.

Downs: It can get cold.

Scipio is it advisable to take a mosquito net when staying over in a hide? It should be possible to suspend it from the roof with a rope

Hi granny, I've also just booked a first ever stay at Sable Hide and cannot wait either.
Take a look here http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?style=2&f=48&t=4919, for some of the experiences and pics from others.

Enjoy your stay!