Thanks for reminding and I will post three sets of old camp pics with old and current for each - like a 'then and now'.
This particular one is of the big sycamore fig (ficus sycamorus) in front of Skukuza restaurant. One taken in the 1950's when tree was small and one as it looks now. Enjoy!
Thanks Eagle Owl, the first was taken in the 1950's and is an image I got from a post card. It shows how fast the figs can grow if conditions are good!
The next is of Satara camp. Few people know that the camp originated where the D circle is now - right on the far edge of the camp. The first taken in 1933 of shop/ dining hall and reception. Second taken in same place recently - only identifiable using the trees. Here we see the relative slow growth of Marulas (nearly eighty years difference) and these have been protected from elephants for many years.
You requested a picture of the old well known Acacia Tortillis that once was a main feature near Satara Restaurant (old one). I enclose two, one an aerial shot (1948) showing the tree on the left of the image just behind the ridge of the building on the left. The second taken later (50's or 60's) shows the actual tree in ita mature phase with branches being supported and the expansive shaded area used by many a visitor from the start of the camp (late 1920's) until it eventually succumbed in the late 70's.
The row of tents in the middle of the first photo...were they the permanent "safari tents" or was there no permanent tents those days? They kind a look like the British army tents you see in movies.
Thanks for query. Keeping in mind that with the exception of Pretoriuskop, all other camps closed during the summer months, tents were provided during the winter season in most camps. Provided were beds (steel) mattreses, table and chairs and basin for washing. No they were not permanent like the safari tents.
Thank you for the old Satara photos! I bet you had to dig deep and far I was about 4 or 5 years old when I first sat under that tree! Brings back so much memories.
Your question on camps opening all year relates. This was rather progressive and started in the south and gradually crept northwards. Is essence there were various deciding factors, namely roads and also supply of electricity from main grid (Eskom). Anyway, last camps to open were Punda and Shingwedzi and that was in the summer of 1977.
Many thanks for sharing your great pic with your grandma. It looks to me like the old huts in Pretoriuskop, which are still in use. They are often referred to as the Moerdijk circle (named after the architect) who designed them. It would make a nice "then and now". Would it be possible to send me an image of higher resolution to [email protected] to add to the archive we have in SANParks. If you agree, please send me all the details you can, including your grandma's names and also anything else, such as name of photographer and date taken (which I know you said you don't have) - perhaps an estimate?
I am going to share some pics kindly donated by Craig Holmes taken by his father Cecil Holmes in the 1950's. These are some of the best quality pictures I have in the KNP archive and I will place them a few at a time. First one of the old Malelane Gate, which is where the current little Malelane Rest camp still is today.
Next if of Craig as a little boy at the "stables" in Lower Sabie. These still exist and were the first accommodation units developed in the 1930's.
This one showing the camp at Olifants Gorge. What is characteristic of this great contribution by Cecil is the stunning quality of the pics taken in the fifties.
Next is one of elephant viewing with old car showing Barberton registration number.
Going through my old photos I came across this one of us exiting the old Punda Maria Gate, not as old as some of the wonderful ons ones on this thread, think mine was taken around 1981. We had hired/borrowed a caravan, can't remember which pulled by our Ford Granada station wagon, a real gas guzzler!
