Camps/routes rich in historical sites

[Grantmissy]

Friends of mine are planning a 6 day Kruger visit during May 2011 and their main interest for the planned trip is to see and experience/learn more of Kruger’s history while driving within the Park. They asked me which base camp(s) I would recommend that is most accessible or close to visit historical sites or drive past sites of historical interest and I wasn’t sure. I was thinking about Skukuza and Pretoriuskop maybe? Thank you for any advice.

[michel367]

Pafuri area (Thulamela) and Letaba/ Phalaborwa (Masorini)

[ndloti]

Pafuri area (Thulamela) and Letaba/ Phalaborwa (Masorini)

Letaba for elephant museum , also nearby Makhadzi picnic site for Steinackers Horse museum .
Skukuza for the Campbell hut museum , as well as the Stevenson Hamilton Library museum .
Lindanda road for Wolhuter lion incident memorial .
Pretoriuskop for Wolhuter hut .
The Voortrekker road (P/Kop - Afsaal) for its ox-wagon route .
Berg & Dal has an interesting display .

I would recommend that one buys (or reads it at the Stevenson Hamilton library) the book "Neem Uit Die Verlede" - (see Indaba : Recommended Reading , there is a thread on the book) for a list and most interesting background information on many more historical sights .

[Imberbe]

To see some of the genuine bushman paintings they will have to do one of the hiking trails, such as Bushmans or Wolhuter.

[Joep Stevens]

Dear GrantMissy,

Yours is an interesting query and one would need to solicit more information from the persons in terms of what historical aspects are of interest.
The park has a very rich and interesting history and although a lot is documented and available, it is not adequately communicated to interested persons.
I agree with previous respondents that ThulaMela (Pafuri) and Masorini are key attractions in terms of early peoples that inhabited the area that is now KNP.
In terms of the parks own conception and growth to maturity, Skukuza as the headquarters from early times has a lot to offer.
Pretoriuskop is most interesting in that it was first tourist camp that was open all year round and until 1970's nearby Numbi was the main access point for guests to the park.
This area has a rich pre-park history in that it was situated along an important trade route linking the port of Delagoa Bay (now Maputo) with the key towns in the old Transvaal Republic of Paul Kruger.
The legendary dog, Jock of the Bushveld was born nearby and this site is accessible to general public.
So too Punda Maria and Pafuri have a rich history in that Crooks Corner is nearby.
I would suggest that you carefully research what you would like to see and read up about it before arrival.

If there are any further queries, you are welcome to contact me and others again.


Best wishes and enjoy KNP's rich history.

JOEP STEVENS

[Grantmissy]

Thank you very much for the information and advice, it is appreciated. From your advice I concluded that a person need to plan more specifically according to one’s interest as the historical aspect of Kruger is just too diverse to cover in 6 day

[stelliegp123]

Good morning everyone!

I need help again today!

I am taking my 5 year old to the KNP next week for a week. What I need to find out, is WHERE is any memories of Jock. He loves Jock of the Bushveld and we will do the Voortrekker road etc, but I was hoping for more info, ie Statues etc.

Please can anyone help maybe?

We will be covering the Southern part of the park up to Satara .

[Elsa]

As far as I know most of the history of Jock is found more or less on the Voortrekker road, his birthplace etc.
I seem to also recall another plaque on the H2-2 on the other side of the tar H3 road as well.

The Samarhole spruit or Ship Mountain is a focal point of some of the major events in story of Jock.

[Xankanka]

Hi Stelliegp123,

There are several in the park. On the H2-2 just off H3 near Afsaal; H3 just opposite S133 turn-off, to name just two.

I also found one on the S25 going from B&D to Croc Bridge. It is between the Ben Viljoen plaque and Alf Roberts Trading Store marker.
Mind you, that was in 2011. Hope it is still there.

My friend SanpFan introduced me to the book some years ago as an introduction to going to South Africa. Fascinating story and what a special life those pioneers lived. Having seen the country since, I can well understand their love for the land and their desire to spend so much time 'trekking' in it. Amazing to read that leopards were called tigers in those days.

Hope you find some monuments to show your little'un.

Regards
Mike

[Meandering Mouse]

Xankanka, agree, a fascinating era of history.

I do hope that the Jock memorials were not too damaged by the floods.

Of special interest would be the Stevenson Hamilton library. It has been revamped, but there are some special reminders of that era.

Another poignant place to visit is the pet cemetery in front of the library. It is a reminder of the important role dogs have played as protectors in Kruger.

[stelliegp123]

AAAAAAHHHHH Thank you everyone!!!

Will post some photos when we are back!!!

[Goronta]

stelliegp123
I saw one plaque on Fayi loop (S14) near Pretoriuskop last july 2013

[Grantmissy]

The Skukuza library is full of Kruger history and a person can get spend many hours in that library. The collection of rare books that they have are quite something. The plaques that a person find when travelling the Kruger routes are interesting to read although the elements have not been kind to some of them.

Does anyone know whether the Skukuza library has been re-opened after the refurbishments?