Kruger National Park

[BigBen]

Hello,

I am off to Cape Town mid October and would like to spend some time in the Kruger looking at animals (rather the mrs would like to I am largely indifferent)

Can anyone recommend a decent base to do this from or even a tour operator they have used that are good.

Cheers

Ben

[Timsta]

Kruger is very expensive for what you get. Have a look at a few of the parks in KwaZulu-Natal. You may not get the range of animals, but it is more value for money and not as touristy.

[v15ben]

Also check out heading west instead, perhaps Etosho or somewhere else in either Namibia or Botswana. Admittedly a little more difficult to get to, but as said before I don't think Kruger is the best in the region when you factor in the cost and number of tourists always there.

[Amaboknaai]

Cape Town as a base is fabulous (of course I am biased, having lived there until 2000 and still have an apartment there - contact me if you are looking for accommidation.... ). Being nearly 1000 mls from the Kruger Park is NOT convenient, but contact Hylton Ross Tours in Cape Town and they will fix you up with an operator, if you want to go. I would suggest Shamwari Reserve which is about 500 mls away, instead. Kruger is a Fly-Drive holiday really - Fly to JHB, rent a car there, and drive down to Kruger - if you have the time.

[Rouleur]

^^^^^ Shamwari is okay for giving an idea of what a safari is all about, but it's pretty small and a bit too commercialised IMO. I reckon it's well worth the effort of getting over to the Kruger, you can fly CPT to Kruger Mpumalanga direct to make it as easy as possible.

[BigBen]

Amaboknaai said:

Cape Town as a base is fabulous (of course I am biased, having lived there until 2000 and still have an apartment there - contact me if you are looking for accommidation.... ). Being nearly 1000 mls from the Kruger Park is NOT convenient, but contact Hylton Ross Tours in Cape Town and they will fix you up with an operator, if you want to go. I would suggest Shamwari Reserve which is about 500 mls away, instead. Kruger is a Fly-Drive holiday really - Fly to JHB, rent a car there, and drive down to Kruger - if you have the time.

Have been to Cape Town a few times now and agree it is a fantastic place. Will be staying with friends so accommodation is sorted. Looks like I will fly to Jo-berg on my way down, do the safari then on to Cape Town for the rest of the holiday.

Am thinking of using this lodge www.jocksafarilodge.com don't be put off by the name I think they have animals as well as Scotsmen

Ben