NOVEMBER 16, 2018
A road trip through Kruger is a wonderful thing, but after hours in the car it’s essential to stretch your legs. A bit of a walk is even better with a view so try these favourites for a memorable trip. Words and images by Chris Davies
It had been a long time since I’d last visited Kruger and at least two decades since the whole family could join. But this year we somehow got everyone together for a long-planned dream road trip from the south to the north.
Our first night was at Skukuza, which I’d last seen in the ’90s and my take away memory was that it had been a bit overcrowded and loud. Either my memory is faulty or that was just a bad weekend; when we braaied that Saturday you could hear a pin drop. Around the fire we discussed our week’s route (in very hushed voices, needless to say): a few days in Letaba, then up to Shingwedzi – a 7-day road trip before the long haul back home. When you’re stopping for animals it means long days in the car and my mum and aunt in particular were keen on lots of breaks. We had no fixed plan as we left Skukuza the next morning, but the lookout at Orpen Dam seemed a likely first stop.
Orpen Dam
Kruger Park’s website lists 17 public picnic spots, plus 11 bird hides and half a dozen great lookouts – all designated areas where leaving your vehicle is allowed. Orpen Dam is one of these excellent lookouts, about 15 minutes east of Tshokwane Picnic Site, on a high vantage above the Nwaswitsonto River.
Orpen Dam viewpoint. Photo by Chris Davies.
Tshokwane is one of Kruger’s largest picnic spots, with a shop, gas braais and ablution facilities. Orpen Dam is much smaller, with no facilities at all. It’s just a thatched, open boma, but has far better views. Within minutes of our arrival a herd of elephants strolled in and we watched them for half an hour as they got stroppy with some buffalo. A young bull wanted his usual mud bathing spot and some vigorous trumpeting was required to get the old dagga boys to move off. From high up on the clifftop we watched the minor turf tussle evolve: the buffalo nonchalantly made way and the young bull soon got his bath.
Olifants River Viewpoint
After a fantastic wild dog sighting on the Olifants–Satara Road, we took an afternoon detour down the Olifants River itself. Olifants Camp has arguably the best viewpoint in the park, but after a quick rest stop we pushed on to the river viewpoint further east.
Olifants River viewpoint. Photo by Chris Davies.
It was an overcast afternoon and beside the wild dogs we’d seen little, but still the view over the river was well worth the drive. While the rest camp had been busy, the small river viewpoint was serene – just a few cold looking crocs on the sandbar below. While there are no facilities at all (not even any shade), Olifants Rest Camp is not far, only 20 minutes up the road. The river viewpoint makes a lovely break on the S44 loop, which takes in the Olifants and Great Letaba rivers.
Letaba River Bridge
After another hour’s drive, we arrived in Letaba, but with sunset approaching made a quick dart for the bridge. On Kruger’s wider bridges you’re allowed to leave your vehicle and the Great Letaba River curves due east just here. In early August, when we visited, the sun sets well before the gate closing time of 6pm and it’s only a 10-minute drive from the bridge to Letaba Rest Camp. The view down the river is nothing short of stunning and we could have sworn we saw two lions disappearing in the twilight.
Matambeni Bird Hide
We spent two glorious days relaxing in Letaba, enjoying the suddenly hot weather and making regular use of the pool. An afternoon drive to Matambeni Bird Hide produced some lovely hippo sightings, but alas not many birds. Although quite low to the river, Matambeni has an excellent view, a 360° panorama along the Engelhard Dam. It’s a bit of a detour on a dead-end track, but a worthwhile stop if you’re on the S62.
Mopani Rest Camp
We left Letaba under heavy clouds again and decided to try Mopani Rest Camp for a warming mug of coffee. Mooiplaas Picnic Site is another good option nearby, but despite their gas braais and clean ablutions we felt like something cosier.
Mopani Rest Camp. Photo by Chris Davies.
It’s a very long time since I’d been to Mopani and I have to say I was extremely impressed. Wonderful viewing decks run along Pioneer Dam’s eastern shore and there’s a lovely little restaurant/coffee bar with beautiful views. A pity our weather was not playing ball, but we lingered anyway, over one coffee than two.
Shingwedzi Visitors Area
Our last camp was Shingwedzi and the drive north was quiet. The cool, cloudy weather seemed to have most of the game hunkered down. When we arrived in camp we found the reception lined with awards – accolades for best rest camp alongside dramatic photos of the 2013 floods. It’s remarkable how Shingwedzi has been able to rebuild after such a disaster and in a week of friendly welcomes it was the warmest welcome yet.
Shingwedzi Rest Camp day visitors area. Photo by Chris Davies.
I was also thoroughly impressed with their day visitors’ area, which was scrupulously clean and has great river views. The bridge over the Shingwedzi River is another spot to stretch your legs and as the clouds cleared in the late afternoon we were treated to a glorious sunset down the dry, giraffe-filled riverbed.
https://www.wildcard.co.za/kruger-rest- ... 1-54941197
Kruger’s best rest stops for views
Information & Discussion on the Hides & Picnic Spots in Kruger
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Kruger’s best rest stops for views
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Re: Kruger’s best rest stops for views
That photo of Shingwedzi day visitors area must have been taken just before gate closing time because it looks so quiet
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
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