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We have just returned from 7 days in Kruger, 4 days in Letaba.
We had a fantastic time!
Noticeable improvement at the restaurant (new management).
There was someone cleaning up tables as soon as we were done to minimize the problems with squirrels and birds.
In the past we have felt that this restaurant was not as bad as many others in the park, but it was of average quality.
The food this time was good.
The first morning, right in front of the guest cottages on the perimeter, some idiots who were there on a drinking safari, has left a mess around one of the benches that I cannot explain to you.
On our way out the gate, I stopped and reported this to the Duty Manager (Deborah Seema) and complained profusely.
When we returned, it was all cleaned up.
When we booked into a bungalow earlier than normal, the man at reception told us the key was at the bungalow.
It was not,
we called reception and within 5 minutes, someone delivered the keys to us.
That evening we needed some painpills and the shop did not have anything strong enough.
We went to reception and asked the Duty Manager, if she had some.
She said that there was nothing in the office but she will see what she can do.
Well, we went to the restaurant for some dinner and afterward sat in front of the restaurant and watched the sun set.
A man in uniform started talking to some of the people and slowly made his way towards us.
We were at the furthest end and he asked us which bungalow we stayed in.
We told him and he produced two strong painpills from his pocket!
The Duty Manager had gone to her quarters, fetched some of her own pills, send this guy to our bungalow and when he did not find us there, he started looking for us until he found us.
I could hardly believe it!
I am sure this kind of thing does not happen often, and that some people might experience less good, or even bad service from time to time, and if you do, the Duty Manager must be first person you complain to.
Their job is to solve your problems.
If they don't, take it further.

Bungalow #63 (type BD3U)


View from #63

During our trip in January we really enjoyed taking a swim in Letaba's pool, very refreshing after a long ride out.
Here is a pic:


Our family had a late night visit from a huge elephant bull, right next to the fence!. It was about 10m away from us, but when you are standing it feels so much closer.
Branches were snapping and the floor was vibrating whole night long.

Leopardspotter

A view around in letaba's F-ring, you can see the shop between the cottages:


Mind you, it's 1.3 MB!

A close-up:

Three close friends and I recently stayed at Letaba rest camp (19June, for 5 nights.) We stayed in a four-man safari tent and we found it to be both affordable and very enjoyable.

I am a great fan of the old-school Kruger and I am pleased to report that Letaba has certainly retained its original Kruger Park-feel. The few improvements that have been made certainly do not take anything away from the classic camp atmosphere. The view of the Letba river is fascinating

Many people are of the opinion that Letaba does not offer too much in the game-viewing department. I disagree, although we didn't experience extraordinary sightings, the bird and animal life is prolific. There is always something to keep one interested, a rare animal, bird, insect and even just the amazing sceneries of the Engelhard Dam.

Furthermore, Letaba's location is its greatest asset. It could not be located in a better place. It is centrally located in terms of surrounding camps, making Mopani, Olifants and even Satara easily accessible. The bird hide is really worthwhile and so are the night/sunset drives. Real, rustic and wild Kruger is Letaba.

Another pano, but watch the size if you're on dial-up!

Hi Lourenco. I'm not quite sure if you refer to chalets or the familiy huts. If you're talking about the perimeter view chalets - that being those in C group and D group (3-bedroom ones in D group I think), I'm sorry to tell you, but most of them has not got any view at all. We recently stayed in number 45 in the D group - you're about 50 metres from the fence with trees between your bungalow and the fence, so no view at all.

It gets even worse if you stay in the units in the low 50's. From what I could see when we were there, you might be a bit luckier with units 32 to 37 - they're close to the fence although they're also close to the restaurant as well. Otherwise try for 59 to 64 - also close to the fence although once again I think the trees will block your view. Don't let this upset you though, still a lovely camp - bird life exceptional.

There's apparently also "family huts" - I think the numbers are in the high 100's, but can't help you with their view, as we've never stayed there.

We spent two nights at Letaba during a recent visit (September 2006). This was our first visit to Letaba. Although it is still rated very high by the forum members as far as favourite main camps are concerned, we’ve got a somewhat neutral feeling about it. Service levels were reasonable (nothing spectacular, but also nothing horrendous to mention), although the cleaning staff was the friendliest we have experienced on the whole trip (except for Talamati).

We asked for specific bungalows beforehand (put in three options) and despite receiving written confirmation that our request will be adhered to, we did not get any of the requested options. Our bungalow (number 45 in block D) was very far from the riverbed and to call it “river view” is IMHO very misleading. Tried as we might, we could not get a different one. Be that as it may, this was not a major train smash for us and we were richly rewarded with a few very special bird sightings, courtesy of some kind of “berry-carrying tree” right in front of our bungalow. The impala lilies also added some refreshing colour to the camp. (see photo).


We did however enjoy all the roads around Letaba very much, despite not spotting anything “serious” from an animal perspective. This was firstly because there was less traffic around but more importantly because we did not see one single jeep jockey in that area. It is also worth mentioning our guide on the night drive at Letaba, namely Kenny. This guide was truly awesome and really proved once again that you don’t need to show them lions / leopards on a night drive to still make it a huge success for the tourists.

Could someone please advise as to where the safari tents are situated on the map for Letaba. It does not state 'Safari Tents' anywhere.

Thanks

hi and welcome
Numbers 11-20
Opposite the camp site

Hi
Stayed in 20
Last one in the row
Was a shady spot

Hi

There are two different sections of tents. There are 2 rows of 4 man tents in the camping area - they have been there for many years.
There is also a row of 2 man tents between the bungalows & the camping area. If it is the 2 man tents then number 19 is very private although it is further to walk to the ablution block.

How are the tents in December?

VEY hot. But because itis the rainy season, the humidity is the killer. If it rains it cools down and is lovely.

One year i suffered more in April, due to cloudless skies and merciless sun!