SANParks.org Forums

Hi,

A friend is wanting to spend about 5 nights in Kruger. Any ideas of where to stay? I would think no higher than Mopani and cost is not too important.

Thanks

What time of year? Will it be their first visit? Are they birders? Where are they coming from?

If it's their first visit then I would say no further north than Satara. From there they can do trips up to Letaba and Olifants. Try for 2 nights. Then 3 nights in either Lower Sabie or Skukuza.

Hi Berki,

I agree with Saraf. Unless they are birders, the south and central south is ideal.

I would look at Lower Sabie permanent tents, Talamati, Biyamiti and Skuks river bungalows.

If it is for five nights I would not stay at more than 2 camps – I would stay for 3 nights at Talamati and 2 nights at Letaba (for the view). I hope they will enjoy it wherever they decide to stay

Thanks very much!

I think i am going to advise that they stay the first 2 nights Lower Sabie in a riverside tent. The next 2 nights at Satara at the fence line bungalow, the next night at Olifants at a river view bungalow and try to convince them to stay an extra night at Skukuza so they can have dinner at train.

Hope they have a good trip!

Instead of Satara they can stay in Tamboti's tents as well. It has more of a bush feeling

There are a few places that are fairly "fail proof".
This is why I gave the Lower Sabie tented camp option.
It is private, yet close to amenities, stunning views and although not luxury, it does offer a comfortable experience.

I have made the mistake of thinking that everyone wants pure bush.
For the uninitiated, Skukuza is a lovely camp, particularly if money is no object and the river view bungalows are an option.

To me, Talamati and Biyamiti are also fail proof in most respects.
There is, of course the Tambotie option, but it does make some people very nervous if they are unfamiliar with the wild.

I have a few "no/no's".. the north unless wilderness and birds are stipulated.
I am cautious of anything north of Olifants for once off travelers who might be making a short trip of a lifetime.

Hello!

I have spent a lot of time researching on my own and am finally caving and posting a direct question.

I have booked five nights in early November in Kruger for four adults:

1 night Sable Hide
2 nights Satara guest cottage
2 nights Biyamiti guest cottage

Now I am really thinking that I want to swap the Satara stay for Tamboti safari tents. I am not a fan of the idea of a big camp and would prefer to have more of a bush experience. However, my priority is seeing wildlife and enjoying the park, so my questions are twofold:

Most importantly, will we be able to drive from Tamboti to Biyamiti in a day? will it be too hectic?
Secondly, is either Tamboti or Satara more productive for wildlife? I am most interested in seeing predators.

One last question. I am trying to avoid the big camps but still want to go on sunset/ night drives to maximize sightings. Can someone confirm for me that the satellite camps have evening game drives? How do they work?

Thank you so much!!

Hi littleredcat, and a warm welcome to the forum.

To answer some of your questions,
Yes, you will be able to drive from Tamboti to Biyamiti, leave early and there are a number of roads you could take.
In November the gates are open from 5.30 to 18.30 so plenty of time.

I know the H7 and S39 can be quite productive roads so your chances of seeing wildlife is good.
not sure whether they would be better than the roads to the East of Satara, guess it's all about right time and place on the day.

You can do sunset/night drives from Tamboti, you are picked up by the vehicle from Orpen camp.

Hope this helps!

Hi littleredcat, welcome

I have not stayed at Sable, but Satara and Biyamiti are two of my favourites.
I would not swap Satara for Tamboti for a few reasons ;

1) The Guest cottages (D ring) at Satara are very nice for 4 or 5 people.
You are all together, and it makes braai'ing, dinner, chilling out easier and more sociable.
Tamboti you are going to need two tents, and it splits you as a unit.

2) It might be very hot, and you will love a big air conditioner that you don't get with the tents.

3) From Tamboti you have to go up and down the H-7, and if there is nothing happening there, the same road gives you less sightings and becomes monotonous.
Also its an outside supply road, so you get delivery trucks, and more traffic disturbing your viewing by zooming by.

4) Satara you have options to go in 4 different directions.
Great viewing at Nwanetsi, drive to Olifants for brekkie, the well known S100 , and ratelpan / Timbavati picnic spot easily accessible.

5) Satara to Biyamiti ( and not tamboti to biyamit) will give you another hour of game viewing instead of driving time. Big difference.

6) You have many eye's looking for animals at Satara. Someone may see something that you might miss. Many eyes make light work ..... . Every little bit helps !

Biyamiti is just fantastic. It's small, quiet , accommodation is great. Most of the time seeing stuff is pot-luck, good fortune, patience, and using the day correctly.

It's also not a train smash to arrive at the camp 15 minutes late after an incredible sighting (ie 15 wilddogs on the s108). Just open the gate , drive in and close it after you. Try that at Satara


Good luck with your plans,

and great game spotting,

Neil.

Hi Littleredcat,
Welcome to the forum .
I totally agree with neilo.
Already stayed in all three camps and at Tamboti you will have to make use of two tents and it gets quite warm in them.

There are also night drives at Biyamiti and Raymond that will be the guide is excellent
I suggest you leave your booking as is and enjoy Kruger to the fullest

A very warm welcome to you littleredcat

I am going to agree with the others.
As much as I love Tamboti and I go as often as I can, I do think that Satara would offer more sighting opportunities.
The S100 seems to be spoiling people lately, the S39 is my favourite route, easily done from Satara.

If you had more time it would not be an issue, but your time is fairly limited with so many options.

Satara is my favorite camp!

That being said, if you want a more rustic bush experience, Tamboti will not let you down!
You will only be in Tamboti for one full day, so the lack of routes will not play a big part.
The H7 is one of the best roads in the Park.
The S39 to Timbavati picnic spot is scenic and special

You can book night or sunset drives at Orpen Rest camp to pick you up at Tamboti
Although looking at your schedule, it seems you are going to have quite a busy trip
I would recommend a chill pill at Tamboti and enjoy the peace the camp offers.
I have heard great things of Biyamiti guided drives!
Perhaps save up the guided drive for the last night

It can be easily done to get from Tamboti to Biyamiti in a day

Your trip looks quite rushed!
It would be ideal if you could manage more nights at a camp without having to move so much

I love these camp X vs camp Y debates..
You clearly can't go wrong whatever camp you choose, but the differences are so pronounced!
Am deciding between B n D and Biyamiti as never been to the south west, but both camps look totally different!

We stopped at Satara last time and it we thought it looked lovely.
I do also like the look of the Tamboti safari tents.

I have to say that the S39 is one of the most beautiful roads in the whole park!

Graham, were I in you position, I would chose Biyamiti.

I tend to like the smaller camps, period, but Biyamiti has a very special charm. The trees are magnificent and the birding, even for non birders, is unbeatable.