SANParks.org Forums

Oh dear, poor Biyamiti weir. Such a great place for birds . . . .

Can someone please tell me what is the situation with Balule .

Some months ago , we reserved 2 nights at Balule for during our next visit in April ( 3 weeks from now ) . We paid our deposit as required

Then came the floods , and amongst others , Balule was closed . We waited and waited to hear for it to re-open , and as time came nearer , so did the time when we had to pay the full amount required . Even enquiring on this forum , it appeared that the camp would still be closed when we visit , so we decided to change our booking , took two extra nights at Shingwedzi , and for which we had to pay a higher price of course . That was ten days or so ago , and remember , nobody , but nobody could confirm or not confirm , and if we did not pay the full fee , then we would lose our reservations
Then , two days ago , my SO checked out , and lo and behold , was told Balule is now open again , and wonder against wonder , we could actually get a booking again . Of course , it is cheaper than the Shingwedzi accommodations that we had changed to , and so , sorry guys , youve lost out , youve already paid , no refund or discount etc etc

Now , today , another official notice from SANPARKS : Balule is still closed !

So , what is it ? Is Balule open , or is it closed ?
What about our reservation ?
Does anyone at SANPARKS know that Balule is closed or open ?

What is the correct , official notice .

Good evening Okie
Please see Joep's post here :

Aaah thank you Matthys

Why the ?

why indeed Dunno , been working very hard lately , and need my KNP injection soon , otherwise .........

Wishing you a very special injection

Dear Okie,

I think you have been broadly answered (Many thanks, Matthys!).

Just to confirm that the camping section will open by 20 March 2012 and the plan is still to have the hut section ready for business by 1 April 2012. Visitors to Balule must of course take note that causeway was severely damaged which will require quite a bit of work and that detours must be used to get to Olifants. Regarding your Shingwedzi booking, we will gladly refund you any cancellation fees. Please contact me at joep.stevens@sanparks.org

With kind regards.

JOEP

Dear Okie,

I think you have been broadly answered (Many thanks, Matthys!).

Just to confirm that the camping section will open by 20 March 2012 and the plan is still to have the hut section ready for business by 1 April 2012. Visitors to Balule must of course take note that causeway was severely damaged which will require quite a bit of work and that detours must be used to get to Olifants. Regarding your Shingwedzi booking, we will gladly refund you any cancellation fees. Please contact me at joep.stevens@sanparks.org

With kind regards.


JOEP

Thank you Joep

The Smit family is looking forward to camping at Balule 14 to 18 April 2012.
What a privilege!

16th and 17th April

Okie

you will be one of the first in a "new" Balule