Booking advice

[Cal79]

Hi everyone

I was last in the park 10 years ago! Am hoping to take my daughter for her 11th birthday in July next year. She is beyond excited.

I wanted to ask those in the know so that I understand the booking process as it currently stands:
* bookings for July 2025 open on the 23rd of July, but only for non-online bookings, am I right? So that means I phone the SANparks number and hope for the best? (I'm in Cape Town, so can't physically go to the offices)
* Online bookings have a discount? Is this a significant factor?
* In general, is it easier to get accommodation for 2 people, or should I try for a bigger bungalow etc? I would love to get one of the elusive river view safari tents at LS, but I am a realist and it's school holidays, so.... I guess we'll take what we can get! Going to give it my best shot, though. Also going to try for a Riverside Bungalow in Skukuza - am I being too optimistic?? :-)

I would love to give my daughter the authentic KNP experience, but am getting lots of advice from family and friends to rather go to a private lodge as it's better value for money. I'm not 100% sure I agree - I think being able to be flexible and seeking out those animals is all part of the experience! But please let me know what you all think!

Wish me luck for the booking - I have visions of department stores on Black Friday :-)

[FinMari]

Hi Cal79

I try to answer some of your questions

* bookings for July 2025 open on the 23rd of July, but only for non-online bookings, am I right? So that means I phone the SANparks number and hope for the best? (I'm in Cape Town, so can't physically go to the offices)

There is also SANParks office in Cape Town here

If you decide to do online booking, be ready at 2 a.m on July 24th. I have noticed, online bookings open already at night

* Online bookings have a discount? Is this a significant factor?

It's 5% discount if booking online

I would love to get one of the elusive river view safari tents at LS, but I am a realist and it's school holidays, so.... I guess we'll take what we can get! Going to give it my best shot, though. Also going to try for a Riverside Bungalow in Skukuza - am I being too optimistic?? :-)

I have got all accommodations which I have wanted including river view units for busy seasons with online bookings to KNP. Calling from Finland is not really an option

I would love to give my daughter the authentic KNP experience, but am getting lots of advice from family and friends to rather go to a private lodge as it's better value for money.

People are different, but for me staying in SANParks camps is really authentic experience You can stay out as long you like. Enjoy breakfast / lunch in one of the Picnic Sites
Maybe stay some nights in Bushveld Camps, they are really unique

Good luck for your booking

Create yourself SANParks Accout here in advance

[Karin Mitton]

Hi everyone

I was last in the park 10 years ago! Am hoping to take my daughter for her 11th birthday in July next year. She is beyond excited.

Just check when the July school holidays are next year. If your trip falls within the school holidays, it may me more difficult to find accommodation in a camp like Lower Sabie.

I don't think it makes much difference whether you try for accommodation for 2 people or more - book what is available for the number of people going. You won't be spending much time in the accommodation anyway, trust me!

I have often thought of the private reserve experience vs SanParks - some people argue that if you add food, game drives, etc to your SanParks costs it works out more or less the same as a private reserve ppn/day. I am not convinced. I LOVE the ability to drive around all day in SanParks if I feel like it, or stay in camp during the middle of the day if I feel like it. If I want to go on a SanParks game drive I do so, but no organised game drive can guarantee a sighting. Driving on your own in Kruger allows you to stay at a sighting or waterhole as long as you feel like it.

I think your daughter will love the Kruger experience. Why do you think so many of us keep on going back again and again and again!

[Meandering Mouse]

Welcome to the forum, Cal. You will get some good advice from very experienced Krugerholics.

Karin hinted at the joy of planning your own trip. A lot depends on your ease of being your boss and doing your driving according to your preferances.

I am quite independent-minded and my experience of a private camp was really frustrating. I found myself getting bored. A lot of the fun in the bush is 'the hunt.

That is a personal preference. I have friends who would far rather go the planned route.

If the tents at Lower Sabie catch your fancy, go for it. If you cannot get a tent, book anywhere in the meantime and keep checking. A lot of people book and cancel when the deposit is due. I have often picked up prime accommodation in this way. Handicap accommodation is also available at this time.

Satara and Letaba are other camps that tick all the boxes.

Good luck and happy planning.

[Cal79]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Booking and then changing the booking if something becomes available is good advice - I will go with that.

I was going to ask what camps people feel are best for children. I see some offer children's programmes and have documentary screenings etc. If anyone has had a particularly "child friendly" stay, I'd love to hear about it. Although, as you said, we'll be out most days, so we won't be in the accommodation much.

[Cal79]

Just to give some feedback: it took 22 phonecalls (most of them wouldn't go through, or gave a generic message about the person being busy, but some I was on hold for 10 - 20 mins before giving up), but I managed to book accommodation for July!

I am the proud bookee of a river view bungalow in Skakuza and a river view safari tent in Lower Sabie!! Can't wait.

[Elsa]

Well done on your perseverance Cal.

[FinMari]

I am the proud bookee of a river view bungalow in Skakuza and a river view safari tent in Lower Sabie!! Can't wait.

I'm really happy for you