Kruger Advice

[SammyA]

Hi guys
It's getting to the time when we will be able to book our accommodation soon

So I need some expert input......

We have 6 nights in the park, coming from Swazi so entering at either Berg en Dal or Croc Bridge, I'm thinking 2 nights Lower Sabie, 2 nights Satara, 2 nights Skukuza (maybe, I'm not sure if I'm sold on Skukuza....), or 1 night Berg en Dal, 2 nights Lower Sabie, 2 nights Satara, 1 night Skukuza.

Which sounds better? We live out of our suitcases when we are away so there shouldn't be that much packing and unpacking and the plan is to spend as much time as possible out of the camp so driving to another camp shouldn't be a problem (it's just another game drive). Theres my husband, me and our 2 boys (will be 10 and 5) so a pool in camp is a must.

The other thing is, looking at accommodation there seems to be plenty of affordable huts for 3 people but as soon as theres 4 of you, you're limited to the (much more expensive) guest cottages! Will they let me book a 3 bed hut and stick the kids in one bed?

Sam

[SammyA]

..... or do we go to Olifants rather than Satara.......

[Bushcraft]

Howzit Sam

As you have 2 small boys I’m sure sightings are a priority while on drives as kids aren’t really interested in scenery, so I agree with Lower Sabie, Satara and Skukuza as although it’s busy they are the best options for consistent sightings.

Many on this forum cringe at the idea of the H4-1 for example but with kids there’s always animal activity around every corner, so it keeps them entertained, which provided you can cope with the traffic, will make the trip more enjoyable for all.

By “huts” I assume you are referring to the EH3 huts at Lower Sabie, so public ablutions. If this is what you mean, then rather look at the EH5 huts, the 4 sleeper safari tents at Skukuza and possibly the 4 sleeper tents at Tamboti rather than Satara (Orpen pool is open for Tamboti guests and 1km away. In fact all overnight guests can use any pool in any camp)

If a toilet is required then the 3 sleeper bungalows are an option in all the camps mentioned and you will be permitted to sleep 4, however reservations can be a mission depending on who you get on the line. The best thing to do is to book for 3 to secure an immediate booking and then phone later in the day and add an additional kid. (You won’t be able to do this online) I have done this a few times and just take a blow up mattress along.

Skukuza has a museum, the dog cemetery, although now lacking the same previous feel, still worth some entertainment for the kids. The “old hut and toilet” behind Moni guest house is also worth a visit.

Berg en Dal is an option for 1 night as they have arguably the 2nd best pool in the park and the rhino walk around camp, which kids love.

Olifants is also an option rather than Satara and they are busy building a pool there which should nearly be finished. The view is great, but the sightings aren’t as consistent as Satara.

Once you have decided and booked I can assist with specific unit requests as the correct unit location can make the camp more enjoyable also

[Richprins]

Hey, Sam!

What time of year is it again, that you enter?

Your first option sounds good.

Regarding the 4-bed stuff, however...have just returned from Malelane Camp, and their huts are easy 4-bedders! Close to the gate, and very quiet, although not quite in "wildest africa" yet!

Often easy to book too!

[Flutterby]

Your first camp option sounds good.

We have just stayed at Skukuza for two nights and would never say it's the busiest camp in the park!! It was totally quiet and peaceful.

[SammyA]

Thanks guys

RP - it's February next year

I misread and thought I could book this month but I can't until next month

I think we're going to plan to go with the 5 sleeper hut (EH5) at Lower Sabie for two nights, a safari tent at Tamboti for two nights and a safari tent at Skukuza for two nights. If we have fancy a bit extra 'luxury' and privacy when we come to book we will book a cottage/bungalow at Lower Sabie or Skukuza (two bedrooms )

We don't mind communal facilities, if anything it'll be nice to have the chance to strike up a conversation with other people, last time we came we stayed at Roodewaal, stunningly beautiful but no chance of making new friends.

[Bushcraft]

You just don't want to make new friends in the public ablutions

If you want the luxury and have the money then the GC4V's at Skukuza and the FU4V's at Lower Sabie are the best in the 2 bedroom department.

The other thing is February .....you may roast in the safari tents

[General Gump]

Bushcraft is right for once
The tents will be hot during the heat of the day, so spend your time driving or like hippos stay in the water.
At night the tents should be fine.
looks like you will cover good game viewing areas.

[Richprins]

Tamboti is great, under trees, but the Safari Tents at Skukuza are in the campsite and a bit grotty and noisy sometimes...I would really rather go for a hut with aircon there...you don't want to sukkel on your last two nights!

[Flutterby]

I agree, the safari tents at Skukuza are not the nicest.