Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp

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Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp was opened in 1984.



What is interesting to see in the vicinity of Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp?

This is a short overview of AW Flavours of the Month in the Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp area:

S25 Crocodile River Road
Biyamiti Weir S114
Gardenia Hide and S 119 https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=263&t=3997
S26/S102 Loop
Renosterpan on the H3

[Poplap]

BERG-EN-DAL


We are quite fond of Berg-en-Dal. Great camping terrain, very clean ablutions, and comfy chalets too.





And another plus is the Rhino trail that makes provision for physically and visually challenged visitors. And a nice view of the dam on the banks of the Majulu River.

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Dam view

Restaurant

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What Nigel Dennis (Where to watch game in the Kruger National Park) has to say about Berg-en-Dal:

Berg-en-Dal is Kruger's only camp that is set in rugged mountain scenery. Attractive, modern chalets and a large, shady camp site make this an agreeable place to stay. A dam adjacent to the camp provides worthwhile viewing, and bird life in the camp itself is prolific. During the winter, aloe-flowering season, sunbirds gather here in great numbers. The rocky Malelane mountains offer spectacular views of the surrounding area, and following good rains, wild flowers abound. It is often necessary to do a fair amount of driving in order to find game, as densities are fairly low in this area. Close to camp, the four-kilometre route to the Matjulu water hole is sometimes rewarding. Rhino drink here most evenings, and leopard are seen from time to time. Giraffe and kudu are often in the vicinity, although not in great numbers.

The S110 gravel road continues on past Matjulu for 6 kilometres, but offers rather patchy viewing. From here you could continue along the S110 for a further 4 kilometres before joining the main H3 route, or follow the winding S120 Steilberg route. Although I have had very good white rhino sightings in the area, game along this route is generally sparse.

The H3 tar road from Malelane to Skukuza carries heavy traffic, but can offer surprisingly worthwhile game-viewing. Cheetah are common along this road, and hyena regularly use roadside culverts to den. As always, it pays to drive slowly; hyena pups often sit only metres from the roadside, and it is very easy to sail right past without noticing them. Two kilometres off the H3 on a dirt track, lies Renoster Pan (Rhino Pan). I must admit I have yet to see rhino drinking here, but this waterhole draws fair numbers of general game.

Continuing north on the H3 past the Afsaal picnic site is the steep and rocky Makhutlwanini mountain. This area is prime klipspringer habitat, and opportunities of spotting this remarkably agile little antelope here are excellent.

Probably the most rewarding game area in the Berg-en-Dal region lies to the east of the H3. Between Malelane Gate and Afsaal, a total of four gravel roads branch off into this area. This is good lion, leopard, hyena and white rhino country. My favourite is the southernmost route, the S114, which skirts the Crocodile River and the southern boundary of the Kruger Park. Unfortunately, a great deal of unsightly building development as taken place on private land on the opposite bank of the river. However, the bounty of game to be seen on this route - particularly waterbuck and white rhino does compensate.

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gomag.co.za

One of Berg-en-Dal's highlights is the Rhino Perimeter Trail that runs through the camp for about two kilometres. The trail starts next to reception and the first section at the dam is wheelchair-friendly and has Braille facilities. There's a wide brick path, informative signs at large trees and a variety of animal skulls. The information is given in English, Afrikaans and Braille.

The start of the trail overlooks the dam in front of camp. Take a break on one of the many benches and look for hippo, crocodile and a variety of birds in the riverine vegetation. Egyptian geese, African jacana, white-faced duck and red-billed buffalo-weaver are common. Also listen for the melodious calls of the red-capped and white-browed robin-chats in the dense foliage around the day visitors area. This first part of the walk is wide and smooth enough for wheelchairs, and also has a guide-rope and informative Braille signs for the visually impaired.

The second section of the Rhino Trail runs along the perimeter fence and is not suited for wheelchairs or the visually impaired. The single track hugs the fence and overlooks the Matjulu riverbed. This is a very scenic part, but can get very hot! Remember to take a hat, sunscreen, water, binoculars and a bird book.

Look for sombre greenbul, bar-throated apalis and a variety of small seed-eating birds such as blue waxbills, bronze mannikins and red-billed firefinches.

The final section of the trail moves away from the fence and runs through very dense vegetation. This section ends at the campsite. From here, just walk towards the bottom ablution block and look for the yellow trail sign to the left of it.

This part of the trail is not enjoyable to do in summer when the grass is tall and overgrown. If you do walk it, wear trousers. The trail ends next to the filling station. Look for crested barbet and white-bellied starling on this final stretch.

krugerpark.com

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[Tent dweller]

I am so happy that I got such bad service from "the powers that be" at Lower Sabie regarding my request for a specific unit, I cancelled the booking and now we will be staying in Berg en Dal instead , I called Berg en Dal last Sunday afternoon at 4pm, the phone was answered after 2 rings by somebody that was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable the booking, the confirmation, the payment was done by 4.10pm, well done Berg en Dal

[Richprins]

This was the second-last main camp built in Kruger, in the 1980s. The architecture is a radical departure from the standard bungalow style, making extensive utilisation of facebrick walls and brick paving. The architects won a prime national award for the designs. (Not without controversy from Kruger purists.)

The Landscape is unique in the Park, as the name suggests (Mountain and Valley). Game is diverse but not as plentiful as on the plains, although spectacular views make up for this.

A drawback is that roads are limited in the area, with only a single main access route. This is Kruger's third-largest camp.

What to look for:

White rhino, wild dog

Ground hornbill

Magic Guarri



Click on image:

We also stayed at B&D last weekend! 10 male teachers...

The service was great, with special assistance from the duty manager in sorting out an entry permit foulup!

In contrast to Lower Sabie and Letaba earlier in the year, the lawns were well-tended...I know it is growing season, but one can see the effort!

Campsites also spacious and neat as always.

This camp often wins the "Camp of the Year" award, and I believe the campsite was once awarded a top National campsite award!





At the campsite fence!

[nan]

agree, never had problem here

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Some tips from top wildlife photographer, Chad Wright:

Making the most of the South of Kruger

January 23, 2014 by Chad Wright

Berg-en-dal rest camp (A little bit of everything)

Regarded as Kruger’s ultimate family destination, this camp is very popular and booking needs to be done well in advance during peak season to avoid disappointment.

With a decent view of Matjulu dam from the viewing area, a wide variety of bird species, magnificent trees, two foot trails and some of the best facilities that the park has to offer, you wouldn’t even have to leave the camp gates to get your money’s worth!

The surrounding terrain is very rocky and dense which may not make a photographer’s life an easier, but don’t let this discourage you as it all adds to the untamed beauty. The area is bursting at the seams with a wide selection of game as well as bird-life, and is regarded as one of the best for leopard sightings.

When driving past rocky outcrops, slow down and scan for shy klipspringers, and who knows, you may even be rewarded with a spotted feline instead (or a spotted feline chewing on a klipspringer… or even better yet, a klipspringer chewing on a spotty! Sounds rediculous, but you never know!).

The abundance of large trees and dark thickets make for some eerie dappled light when cast on your subjects (which is the case most of the time in my experience), getting your focus right can be a bit tricky at times however, given the amount of pesky foliage that has a knack for finding its way into your frame.

Best drives:

As the gates open start our drive by heading east onto the S110 sand road and keep your eyes peeled for leopard, porcupine and honey badgers.
The lookout point found along the S120 heading north is great for your morning coffee or sun downers. It can provide a breath-taking view of the sun rising or setting over the surrounding mountains.
Travel east along the S25 which runs alongside the Crocodile River before turning off at Mlambane Loop to visit the Gardenia hide.
The main road (H3) heading up towards Skukuza can be very productive in the early morning or late afternoon, and the Afsaal picnic site is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a snack (don’t forget to look for that tape on one of the tree trunks).
A slow drive up to Renosterpan waterhole has been a firm favourite of mine, delivering great sightings time and time again. Pack a few snacks so you’re able to kill the engine and hang around for a while, you’ll be amazed to see the amount of game that passes by here throughout the day.

Things to look for:

Game
Leopard (you might be lucky enough to find a few tracks around your braai in the morning)
Hyena (seen patrolling the fences at night)
Elephant
Hippo
Large spotted genet (can be seen inside the camp at night)
Kudu
Klipspringer

Birds
Fish eagle
Brown headed parrot (can be found inside the camp on occasion)
Pearl spotted owlet (seen below)
Purple crested turaco (can be found inside the camp)
Kingfishers
White-backed vulture
Cape vulture