Kruger National Park - Best months to go
 

I am planning a trip to Kruger National Park, is May a good month to go? any suggestions on the best months to go are appreciated. thanks!

Best months for game viewing in Kruger are June-September. May should have good viewing. See the following link for a bit more info:

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_P...uger-park.html

thank you!....how would you rate mid April?

I was there once in mid-April; stayed at Exeter Dulini, a small camp with great accommodations. It stormed one evening pretty heavily, washing out the pm game drive. Generally speaking I thought the game viewing was only fair (and not made better by the occasional queue), although I was lucky enough to see a wild dog and a leucistic impala (white, but not albino). That my viewing was only fair could just have been the way the ball bounced that year. Still, If I had a choice I'd probably go with May rather than April.

Been there three times but all in Sept so can't compare with other months.
Do stay away from the periods of school holidays as I've heard Kruger is very popular with locals. Here is a calendar showing holidays for 2011 -
http://www.kwathabeng.co.za/travel/s...-calendar.html

You could also ask at the Kruger web site.

regards - tom

http://www.classicescapes.com/sa-weather.html

Weather above.

Also check for rates. As I recall in South Africa, you can get low season rates even in better game viewing time frames, such as June.

Oh, May you said, I was next door in May of 2007, in the Sabi Sand reserve. Weather was nice, sunny, no rain, but very cool mornings. In fact, if my upcoming Feb safari (to Tanzania) hadn't come about, I was planning to go back in May 2011 to the reserves next to Kruger, Timbavati and Sabi Sand reserves.

As for low season rates in Kruger National Park? I thought not, rates are fixed for the year there? Again go to Kruger web site, a ton of great info there -
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/



regards - tom

Maybe fixed year round in Kruger, but other parts of South Africa get a break in months like June because I took advantage of it.

doughtwi, in my previous post I had meant to add that Dulini is located in Sabi Sand Reserve, which adjoins Kruger National. Many people say they are visiting Kruger but often their lodges/camps are actually in Sabi Sand or Timbavati, another reserve that adjoins Kruger.

I know, Kruger has confused me before. Kruger, Kruger area, or greater Kruger, to me encompasses Kruger and adjacent reserves (Sabi Sand, Timbavati, etc.). But when said as Kruger National Park, as was title here and in text, then I take it to mean just that. But maybe the poster didn't :)

regards - tom

We are staying at the Ezulwini lodge, which I belive is in Kruger.

as for our rate, this is a trip that we bid on at a local conservation fundraiser for diamondback terrapins, however we still need to book flights (from NJ).

Are you booking at tented, river or Billy's lodge? And for how long? That's a long flight for just a few days. Sign up for South African Airways e-mail specials. Good deals can be had! Lots of affordable options at other camps nearby and in Kruger National Park. Flying or driving from Jo'burg?

tom - it's greater Kruger, in Balule Game Reserve. Just west of Klaserie. Here's a map:

http://balule.krugerpark.co.za/amuke...lodge_map.html

As above, June - Sept is the best time to go for wildlife, but it can get cold. We got wet in mid June 2009, too. No telling these days. If you watched the World Cup this year in June/July, everyone was wearing coats!

Diamondback Terrapins? Please share!

Ezulwini Lodge - http://www.ezulwini.com/Game_Lodges.html

Located in the Balule private reserve -
"The Balule Private Nature Reserve was created when a few enterprising farm owners decided to drop the game fences between their farms. This has since grown into a 35000 ha Private Nature Reserve with the perennial Olifants River flowing for approximately 20km through the centre of the reserve."

Seems not adjacent to Kruger, closer to town Hoedspruit than Kruuger. So they toss Kruger name around to impress you?? It is not in Kruger, nor adjacent to Kruger, nor can Kruger wildlife cross over into it. Shame on them.

regards - tom

Tom, I hadn't heard of Balule before but, then again, that's the beauty of this forum; i.e., learning new stuff all the time.

I picked the following off this site ( http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/bal...e-reserve/info ). I can't attest to the accuracy but here's what it says.

"Balule Private Nature Reserve was established about 10 years ago and is made up of several individually-managed but unfenced reserves on both sides of the Olifants River. Balule Private Nature Reserve consists of the Greater Olifants River Conservancy, Olifants West Game Reserve, York Game Reserve, Parsons Game Reserve, Olifants North Game Reserve and Grietjie Game Reserve. Its fences got dropped in 1994 with the Kruger Park, adding about 140,000ha of veld for animals to traverse over. Timbavati and Umbabat dropped fences in 1988, and the Timbavati and Klaserie dropped their internal fence in 1992. The Balule Private Nature Reserve lies to the east of Mica. This exclusive reserve of roughly 50,000ha borders the Kruger National Park."

Looking at maps it's not clear to me where Balule touches Kruger (i.e., "borders the Kruger National Park"). It may be that when they say its fences got dropped with KP they mean via its dropped fences with Timbavati and Klaserie.

Best, Steve

Thanks sdb2. I've spent some time trying to find a map of it but came up with nothing but words. Like this-
"Balule Nature Reserve is situated inside the greater Kruger National Park, with no fences to provide a physical boundary between the areas. It is a 3500-hectare conservation area bordered by the Clifants River to the north, Klaserie Nature reserve and Kruger National Park to the east and the R40 national road to the west."

It seems to be between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa. I've been in the Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa areas and they seemed to be rather developed and inhabited. Hard to image the big 5 romping around there!!

regards - tom

>> It is not in Kruger, nor adjacent to Kruger, nor can Kruger wildlife cross over into it. Shame on them.

Hey Tom,

You are wrong on the above. It is considered to be in the greater Kruger area, hence why they say "in the Kruger". See this map:

http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/mpumalanga-kruger.htm

Balule is a little bit "less attractive" as it does not border Kruger NP directly (Klaserie is in between) but there are no fences between Kruger and Klaserie and between Klaserie and Balule. It is not the only "Kruger private reserve" like this; Thornybush does not border Kruger either.

True, it is between Hoedspruit & Phalaborwa, but still: there's plenty of game. I assume it's because there's plenty of water (waterholes & Olifants river (perennial)). I haven't been there myself but a colleague has been. She went to Mohlabetsi for three nights and saw all the usual suspects, including wild dog ...but no lions (apparently just bad luck).

In fact, I think the presence of water is a bigger factor to safari success than the location of the game reserve itself. Even in one particular reserve, you have better and less attractive spots.

To give but one example; Pungwe camp lies in what would be a perfect spot (according to your criteria); bordering both Sabi Sands and Kruger NP, and no fences. However, that part of Manyeleti is very dry, so what we experienced there were either gamedrives "in the dry corner" (not that much sightings, but very nice when you have a good sighting to yourself for as long as you like), or gamedrives "in the wet corner" (one animal after the other, but always jeeps around and top sightings had 3 vehicles at all times).

My experience is that you cannot dismiss a lodge by it's location. There are so many factors that influence your overall experience: water nearby, experience of guiding, traversing rights, feel of the camp, focus during the gamedrive (aimed towards newbies or not), the food, the guide's personality, the state of the vehicles, the season & current weather, etc etc... location is just ONE parameter.

B.regs,

J.

thanks for all the discussion, this is very helpful. We will be there for 6 days/5 nights and can split our stay b/t "river lodge" and "billy's lodge"...any suggestions on which may be better?

Regarding northern diamondback terrapin (ndt's) conservation. NDT's natural range runs along the eastern seabord down to louisana. They live in tidal waters (b/t barrier isles and the mainland). The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor NJ is a leading conservation group and beacon of hope to save this species....check out www.wetlandsinstitute.org for more info.

Thanks for the info, doughtwi.

I would add another day and stay at both! Or you could choose 2/3. River Lodge has a river (duh) where animals will come hang out. Billy's is smaller and more intimate. I'd like both of them, but I'm a water girl and like to stay in camps with water so the animals visit. It all sounds very luxurious and there seems to be a resident lion pride! Since none of us had heard of it, you'll have to do a trip report and tell us all about your experience.

If you decide to stay in S Africa for a few more days (highly recommended with the long flight from NY), there are lots of other camps nearby in greater Kruger and Kruger NP. It's a big, beautiful country with lots to see/do.

Thanks J.
The way the Ezulwini web site talks about themselves you'd think they were in the heart of Kruger. Did you check it out?
http://www.ezulwini.com/Game_Lodges.html

Your map link shows it clearly, thanks. In fact I've been there and didn't know it! Driven highway R40/R526 which goes between Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit through(?) Balule. (Driven it twice in fact). You can call that a nature reserve if you want but we sure didn't see any wildlife at all along 40/526. But do remember seeing a lot of fencing. Oh, wait, did see lion and cheetah!!! At the Tshukudu Game Lodge ( http://www.tshukudulodge.co.za/englishindex.htm ) . But they were fenced in pens. Still hard to imagine the big 5 along there, very civilized, oh well . . . .

regards - tom

Hey Tom,

Well to be honest they all promote their lodge in the same way. Whether located on the edge of the Kruger NP border, or far away from it, they all speak about "the greater Kruger area" (GKA) and then proceed to use superlatives that only apply to the GKA in it's totality.

But to be fair; they all have an equal right to do so, as one does not need to be in the center of GKA to have good game. A lot depends on the habitat. and I see Ezulweni writes this:

"Much of the attraction of Ezulwini Game Lodges lies in our diversity of habitats - from open savannah through mixed woodland and mountain bushveld, to the Olifants riverine forest - that not only are scenically appealing, but also host an exceptionally broad range of fauna."

They are certainly not lying about this.

Here's a thing most people don't know which is an example of what I wrote above; there are concessions in Klaserie, Simbavati and in an expensive area of Sabi Sands as well (!) where there are almost no monkees. Why? Because they lack fruiting trees.
Now I know this is not a "key species" for a safari, but I can surely imagine a tourist wondering (after his safari): "strange, I did not get to see any monkees". Well, he simply chose the wrong lodge. :-D
It's not only like that in Kruger, by the way. An example from Botswana; if you take one of the lodges at the eastern gate of the park, you have very little chance of spotting zebra. Unless you drive all the way to the other end of the park ...which no ranger apparently does "for a stupid zebra".

About that map: R40/R526 is the end of Balule GR; it is fenced on that side. But the map is not entirely accurate; there are a lot of small properties between the reserve and the road. These properties are often fenced as well. No wonder you don't see animals. The reserve that lays west of the road is the Blyde Olifants Conservancy.

B.regs,

J.

I think we are going to add a few days to our stay. Any suggestions on where to stay?...ideally something that does not require extensive travel from Ezulwini. thanks again!

PS I will be sure to write up a review of Ezulwini after our stay.

Do you have a budget? There are options from $150 per person per night to $1500 pppn. Do you want to try a tented camp (they have en-suite bathrooms)? Kruger National Park (inexpensive, self drive in park) or the reserves around Kruger? Too many options.

"Sign up for South African Airways e-mail specials"

Christabir, is that just offered on their website?

Here's the website:

http://www.flysaa.com/Journeys/cms/c...ewsLetter.html

According to the fine print, they do not share your e-mail with third parties.

There is currently a trip in off season, flights and transfers included, to Vic Falls at Ilala, Khwai River Lodge and Savute (1 nt, 3nts, 3 nts) for $4800 pp. Doesn't look like a bad deal.

In 2010 they had very good deals for spring and fall.

doughtwi, assuming you'll be leaving from the NYC area, I just wanted to mention that you might want to consider South African Airways #204, a favorite of mine. It's non-stop from JFK, but more important it arrives JNB in the (next) morning, giving you lots of time to head off to your final destination or extra time in Jo'burg to get over jet lag. Most other airlines/flights get you there in the evening or night.

thank you sdb2!, given our stay is short we are looking for ways to minmize travel time. we will take a look at #204!.

Thanks for link, christabir. Sdb2, would you please tell me what you like about SAA #204, as it looks like that may be our option. A word about food, service, employee attitude, comfort or lack thereof, type/age of aircraft, entertainment, cost of luggage etc., would be very welcome. I have been reading about SAA and find opinions mixed. Don't relish losing our seat choices for an over 15 hr flight, or having to bribe SAA employees to get our carry-on luggage aboard, as have read about. But it looks like it may be the way to go for cost and convenience. Thanks in advance.

doughtwi, I've never encountered any of the problems you mention with SAA. I carry on a fair amount of photographic equipment with me and have never been hassled about it being too big or heavy, both on the international portion of the trip or within country on their smaller aircraft. Perhaps I've been lucky, but that's been my experience with SAA (the same holds for the int'l portion if I've used Delta, Northwest or KLM).

In most aspects I find SAA to be middle-of-the-road; i.e., the food, entertainment, comfort and flight staff service is on par with most airlines. I've never lost a seat assignment with SAA. In fact, last year on a flight back home from JNB I asked an SAA agent if she couldn't block out a seat next to me so I would have some extra space. She went out of her way to accommodate me, which I truly appreciated.

But as I mentioned the primary reason I like #204 (an Airbus 340, I think) is that it gives me the option to rest for an entire day on arrival or have plenty of time to move on to the next destination. With these very long flights my goal is to get as much sleep as possible going out so when I get to Jo'burg I'm as fresh as possible. Typically I'll have the lunch or dinner they offer, read for a short bit, then take something to help me sleep.

Convenience too is an important factor. I've made some trips that have had 1 or 2 stops, which just lengthen an already long trip (I've had some go for more than 30 hellish hours because of not great connections and delays). Stops also introduce the possibility of delays. If you can make the hop from NY to Jo'burg nonstop you've made your life easier. BTW, I think all flights coming back will make a stop for refueling.

Best, Steve

Thanks, Steve. I think we will be booking #204. Will give us a whole day & night to get ready for the safari to start.

We like to get in Africa a day early. After 30 or so hours of travel and 9 hour time change it feels great just to collapse the next day. (Home is west coast USA). Also gives you a day to sort out travel difficulties, but have never needed that. Around JNB its an easy short shuttle to the Emperor's Complex hotels for the one night. Then back over to JNB for flight to safari camp.

regards - tom

We fly via Europe because we fly using AA FF miles on BA. Sometimes we overnight there to adjust to the time zone. DH is very tall, so the inconvenience of a layover pales in comparison to the comfort of the business class long flight from Madrid or LHR. We fly coach transatlantic, unless we get lucky with a last minute upgrade. Our flight in June lands early in the AM and we leave for safari upon landing.

I've heard almost all good things about SAA. The regular complaints, but nothing like what you mention. And business class gets very high praise. As with all coach flights, bring snacks in case the food is lousy. It's a long flight so it's nice to have something.

Tom, do you have a recommendation of a hotel at the Emperor's Complex? We may decide to stay a night there on the return (already have arrival night arranged at the Safari Club, but that is apparently not close to anything of interest, and is best used as a place to crash). Flight from Richards Bay gets us to JNB in time for an 8 hr wait before SAA eve. departure for JFK. Seems undesirable before a scarily long flight to NY, immediately followed by another 5-6 hr journey back to SF. So thinking of spending rest of that day on the ground, most of next day & then back to JNB for 7:45pm departure. What does Emp. Comlex consist of? Any comments you have welcome. Thanks.

SBW - It's Emperors Palace Emporium, to be more accurate
http://www.emperorspalace.co.za/peer...mperors-hotels
Last time we stayed at the Peermont Metcourt (not Metcourt Suites), basic simple room, was around $60 if I remember. The Metcourt suites are much nicer but double $$. It is all part of a convention center with several more restaurants, theaters, shops. Check out the Emporium tab. From JNB get the free shuttle next to the International hotel next door to JNB. Which is the basic shuttle stop for nearby hotels.

Of course you know the International is so close to the airport, about 50 yard walk. But also $$$$. The Sun International is very good and very short free shuttle but a little $$$. Least expensive of all is the Peermont at Emperors. There are also some B&B's near by that are a bargain.

regards - tom

Thanks Tom. Of course when I looked it up, it was to discover the obvious: check in at 4pm, check out at 11 am following day. Still would have nowhere comfortable to perch before the killer journey unless we book in for 2 nights and pray for an early check in!

shouldbewriting, you should probably write to them and ask whether they have day rooms. Some places do and will charge less than a full night's rate for you to have a place to relax until you need to leave to catch your evening flight.

I know, I also hate long lay overs. I think the Intercontinental across the street has day rooms. But again it is an expensive (for me) hotel. The Intercontinental has a very large plush lobby area, lot of plush chairs, sofas. Once I had to spend several hours in JNB so went over there and lounged around, nice bar, restaurant, very nice bathrooms off lobby, etc.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/interco...ortamboairport

regards - tom

Good idea on the day rooms -- will try one of the Metcourts, see if we can spend the night & stay on until late afternoon. Looked up the Intercontinental & see what you mean about expensive -- and they are not throwing in any game drives!

yeah, I just threw in a few dates for the Intercontinental and rates were R3,450 or about $500!!! AND like you say NO game drive for that!!!! :)

regards - tom

You can also pay for the business class lounges in most airports. It's nice to have food, drinks, internet access, comfort at the airport. We've spent many hours in the BA lounge at JNB. And you can come and go as you please to shop and walk around the airport and leave your bags. I don't know how much they are, but probably less than a day room. (some have showers!)