38% in poll, never been to Kruger

[Friedrich von Hörsten]

I think a very large proportion of South Africans would be thrilled to have a holiday in Kruger.
I do high school photography tours to the Namib, Kgalagadi, Gariep river, Addo, Lesotho, Ndumu, Namaqualand... and have NEVER had a kid say: That was a boring holiday!
1. They like variety -- try to do interesting things along the way... a week of driving up and down in a car will kill their enthusiasm... two consecutive years to the Namib is too much for some, and they say so. Then we go to the Garden Route for a change... and do a canopy tour along the way, or a canoe trip at Nature's Valley...
2. They respond so well to interesting things that do happen in nature -- let them snap pictures with their cell phone or fancy camera, or just get excited with their discoveries...
3. Don't forget that they may not know HOW to enjoy nature... teach them bird sounds, animal names, flowers, trees and insects...
4. Let them do the fun things like making a fire, cooking food, packing a picnic meal for breakfast at a view point or picnic site..

Ultimately, friends of Kruger will ensure that it remains there for our grand children to enjoy too.

God bless,

Friedrich von Hörsten

[Meandering Mouse]

It is interesting.

When we lived in Cape Town, Kruger was just too far. We were also spoilt for choice.

[Karin Mitton]

Saw that poll as well. But not everyone has the same interests.
MM, Cape Town is the 2nd best place in SA (no guesses for the best place!), the only problem with CT is it's distance from Kruger.
I was speaking to my sin this weekend about a possibility of a free week in Skukuza later this year, and he asked when does Kruger ever get to much? My answer - Never!

[Hippotragus]

Very well put, Friedrich. I helped at a bush camp a while ago and the guests were young (20's and early-30's) employees from a company. Their boss had been to the camp and thought it would be a great "thank you" to give the opportunity to staff who could not afford to pay for themselves.

Well, some of the party had never been to Kruger before. There was one chap who was so out of his comfort zone at first that he didn't say a word the first evening. The next morning they went of their first guided walk. When they came back to camp they were so elated and the "silent" chap didn't stop talking and asking questions. By the end of their stay, they were all saying they would be back in Kruger again, with families and friends. It was a wonderful feeling for me and the other helpers to see how these young people fell in love with Kruger and wanted to learn more and return.

I think it is important for as many people as possible to be given the opportunity to experience the parks/bush. If they then do not want to return and would rather go to the beach, that is their choice. I have friends who have maybe been to the bush as children, but now have absolutely no interest.

[normana53]

Many of our friends and acquaintances look at us like we are crazy when we say we are going to Kruger again. Those who have been are of the "been there, Done that" crowd, those who haven't would never think of doing something "so boring". We are fine with that. we can stop and sit, watching birds and waiting for something to happen or some surprise to walk into view. We have found multiple Leopard with this tactic. If we had friends with us, they would be wanting to move along. Torticat and I can't wait to get back to our "Boring" Kruger trips.

[Captainron]

I have now lived in the UK for 16 years and every time I come home, I head for the bush. So much so that in January when I come out, I am not even seeing my mother but rather spending 6 days in the Park. I can always call my mom on the phone or skype but I can't do this with a lion. She understands.

When I speak to folk over here about going on 'safari' (I hate that word) they are very cautious about it all. They think they are going to be killed by any number of animals/snakes/scorpions etc. I spend ages telling them that this is really a life altering experience and that they should get it booked.

Jeez, I love the bush!

[Elsa]

Jeez, I love the bush!

I can see that!
Warm welcome to the forum Captainron!
Does your Mom not want to join you in the park, therefore the best of both worlds.

[Captainron]

Jeez, I love the bush!

I can see that!
Warm welcome to the forum Captainron!
Does your Mom not want to join you in the park, therefore the best of both worlds.

Thanks Elsa.

Having my ma there would be loads of admin, plus she is in Durbs and doesn't like driving too much.I will bring the family out in 2017 for a proper holiday with the old girl.

Plus I've got a mate of mine from school coming with me. He was a guide in the Okavango and has a place on Umbabaat. I need the A Team spotting for me...

[Elsa]

Enjoy your time in January!