Pressing Kruger Questions | South Africa - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 19:59:35 +0000

Hello all, I'm planning a safari honeymoon for May and wanted to ask for some general advice...

We're flying into Maputo for $$ reasons, and will spend a night or two there and then rent a car and drive over to Kruger, as there seem to be some companies (www.drivesouthafrica.co.za etc)where we can rent at Maputo airport and return at Nelspruit. We wanted to drive up through Kruger and stay five or six days at a mix of Sanparks, Lower Sabie, Skukuza and Satara if we can decide and book them quickly enough.

Then I wanted to do a stop in Blyde River Canyon, it seemed a change of scenery, spend a day or two there and then end with a lodge and some luxury, but not sure which one yet but researching here...we would then leave from Nelspruit.

So questions are:
1) We are a little nervous about driving, on highway and in park! I read on here that if you follow simple rules of 1) drive during day, 2) don't speed, you'll be fine, but I have these first time in Africa jitters that I need someone to tell me are silly :)

2) Does this itinerary make sense? Is the canyon a good idea? Are those too many Sanparks in a row? Am I not going far north enough? Are there some must-sees along the route from Maputo to Komatipoort?

3) Can anyone recommend tented room lodges they've enjoyed for our last stay? My friend mentioned Tanda Tula and it looks dreamy, exactly what I'd like, but very $$$ and maybe we want to be south? I am searching for more to compare. It seems there is no tent lodging near/in Sabi Sands, can that be right?

Thanks for your help...

ONLINE

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 00:40:12 +0000

I love the Krüger NP area, its an amazing place for wildlife ! Your itinerary sounds really fine and it seems that you have done a lot of research, so I would go for it. I havent been to Mozambique, so cant comment on that.

5-6 days within Krüger NP is great, and Lower Sabie, Skukuza and Satara is a very good and varied choice of restcamps to stay in. The area those restcamps are in, are really amazing for wildlife. Yes, this is also the most visited area of Krüger, but for good reasons.

1) yes indeed, if you follow those simple rules, and dont rush, you will be fine
2) your itinerary makes sense and including the Panorama Route with the Blyde River Canyon for a night is a good idea

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ONLINE

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 00:52:45 +0000

Second part of my reply

3) I have been to many Private Game Reserves in the Greater Krüger area. Yes, they dont come cheaply, but in my opinion it is really worth on spluring for at least 2 nights. I havent been to Tanda Tula (but heard very good things about it). The Timbavati is amazing (and just as good as the Sabi Sand) for amazing wildlife. My favourite and great value for money place is Motswari, buts its not a tented lodge.

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ONLINE

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 23:29:47 +0000

Thanks nathalie2, I've read much of your wise advice while planning this.
I have given up on the tent, don't need it. The whole experience at Motswari seems great, and the nearby Monwana looks good too. I think for the 'luxury' leg of the trip we'll stay at one of those for 2-3 nights and then make a longer drive up to Pafuri Camp in the North. For birds and baobabs. So we will have run all up and down Kruger by the time we're done!

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Sun, 11 Sep 2016 08:02:48 +0000

Your very welcome!
I bavent been to Monwana, but to other lodges in the Thornybush, and have had great game drives there. And adding Pafuri / the northern part of Krüger will indeed give you a very varied experience of Krüger.

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ONLINE

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 10:16:33 +0000

Hi,

Your trip sounds great! :-)

I would recommend reading up a bit on driving in Mozambique specifically as there are some things to be aware of and it is a bit different from South Africa. I have personally heard a few times of friends who had problems with being bribed by police when entering Mozambique from SA and of the roads there not being in such a great condition with lots of potholes etc. Here are some resources:
Safarious
Komatipoort Border Survival Guide
Dana Tours Driving in Mozambique
Mozambique Driving Recommendations

These are just some things to be aware of, but I'm sure it will be fine and that you'll have a great time :-)

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ONLINE

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:36:16 +0000

Thanks for this! After reading that stuff, and factoring the cost of the rent-in-maputo-return-in-nelspruit scheme, we've decided against it and are leaning towards taking a bus from Maputo to Nelspruit to rent there, return there. It appears pretty straightforward, 3 hours, runs regularly...and we get an added adventure of a bus journey. But if anyone has heard anything different, please advise!

Also, I have another question, about booking these places. I am already reserved for my Sanparks, but those others--Is there a difference in booking on booking*com or booking through the resorts themselves? In terms of protections, or being able to request rooms? I have never done this before, i.e. used an outside site, and am wondering if my decision to book one way and not another means anything?

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Thu, 14 Sep 2017 01:00:46 +0000

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