Kruger Park Safari with Australian Group 22 - 24th July 2010

We picked up the group of Australians at the “Stay A While” bed and breakfast in Edenvale. After waiting for them to finish with there breakfast and meeting the group, it was time to load them into the busses and get on the road to the Kruger National Park. We left Johannesburg and made our way in the direction of Witbank, stopping off for a break at the Ultra City between Witbank and Middleburg.

After the break, it was off in the direction of Nelspruit and then onto the Park. After checking through the Numbi Gate, we made our way to the camp of Pretoriuskop and after the formalities of checking in and getting the keys to the guests accommodation, the group could have a rest and some lunch before departing on there first game drive.

At 15h30, we left camp and made our way out on the first game drive. We took a drive down the Napi Road where good sightings of Rhino and Elephant were experienced as well as sightings of Impala, Wildebeest and Zebra.

We made our way back to camp, arriving a couple of minutes after gate closing time where the guests could relax and also enjoy a hearty meal prepared by Verity and Keri – Louise. After a hearty meal, the group went and retired to bed in order to get a good nights sleep before leaving early in the morning after tea and coffee on another game drive.

The following morning, it was up early and after enjoying tea and coffee, the group got aboard the open safari vehicles and it was time to leave the camp and go out to see what we could find. It was not long before we notched up our first sightings of the day. We managed to find good sightings of buffalo, rhino and elephant before breakfast. All to quickly, it was time to make our way the “Afsaal Picnic Spot”, where the group was to enjoy breakfast before continuing on with our safari stopping off at the main camp of Skukuza in order that the group could do some buying at the large shop and also visit the “Internet Cafe” in the camp.

After a well deserved break, it was out on the road again trying to find those elusive animals that we were still shorting. We managed to find a good crocodile lying next to the water at the Nwindzisaka River Bridge, before hearing a call of a leopard walking next to the road en route to the Phabeni Gate. We made our way in that direction, and as we came around the corner the leopard came out onto the road in front of our vehicle. She walked over the road, and made her way into the burnt area giving the guests a good chance to get some good photos of her as she made her way to cover. After this sighting with everybody in high spirits, we carried on down the road to see what else could be found. We came across some good rhino feeding next to the road, as well as good sightings of general game as well as some good giraffe that were on hand to have there photos taken.

After returning to the camp late afternoon, the group prepared for there night drive that left at 17h00 and returned back at 20h00. After a good night drive experienced by all, dinner was enjoyed by the group.

Next morning it was up early again, and after enjoying tea and coffee, the group left on the open safari vehicles for a morning drive. The group experienced some good sightings, and after returning back to camp, enjoyed breakfast before packing up there gear for the journey back to "Stay A While" guest house. We returned to the guest house late  afternoon with still enough time for the group to gather there belongings and get ready for there flight out the next day to Kenya.

All in all the group had a good time and were very happy with the sightings they experienced as they were arriving in Kenya having seen almost all of the species of animals that call Africa home.

Kruger Park Safari with the Challenge Group of 25 Australians from the 15th - 18th July 2010

We left the Nhongo Safaris offices at 05h30 in order to pickup the group at 06h00. After an early morning pickup, we made our way through the already increasing traffic volumes towards the eastern side of Johannesburg that would take us in an easterly direction to Nelspruit and then on to the Kruger National Park.


After passing the town of Witbank, we stopped off at the Ultra City to give the group time to have some breakfast at “Steers”, before continuing on to Nelspruit. After bypassing Nelspruit on the new road opened for the 2010 Football World Cup, it was on to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. After checking all of the vehicles through, we made our way to the camp of Pretoriuskop which would be home for the next three nights while on safari.

After a short break, and time to settle in, it was onto the open safari vehicles. Firstly a time to hear the do’s and do not’s while aboard these vehicles, so after a nice chat, it was off out of the camp for an afternoon game drive. We decided to take a ride down the Napi road to see what was going on. Not too far down, we came upon a herd of elephant close to the road. After checking these guys out, we made our way further down also finding some impala anf kudu on the road. I decided to go down the Boulders loop as there were earlier reports of some rhino in the area. After a short distance down, we managed to get a distant visual as tow rhino made there way deeper into the bush. We made our way further down the Boulders loop, only to come onto a good herd of buffalo across the road. We decided to stay a while and watch what happens. Mark and Elkana also came around to join us, and we spent around half an hour with them. The radio in the vehicle suddenly came alive with a broadcast from one of the other rangers “Jan”, who let us know that he had found a leopard lying on a termite mound with her cub. We decided to take a look, and began making our way in that direction. After arriving at the location, we quickly identifies where she was and proceeded to point the guests in the right direction. Some of the guests picked it up quickly, and others could not see it, as she was lying with most of her body behind the termite mound below the cub. After being on the sighting for nearly half an hour, we decided to make our way further down the Napi to see what was going on before turning back for camp in order to get back before the gates closed at 05h30. We managed to find some wildebeest as well as zebra a bit further down the road, after which we turned around bound for the camp of Pretoriuskop.

Dinner was prepared and everybody was off to bed early in order to get up early for an early morning start.

After tea and coffee being enjoyed by everyone, it was off and out of the camp for the mornings game viewing. We made our way down the Napi road, looking for any animals especially the leopard that had been seen the previous afternoon. Without luck, we made our way on finding good rhino, elephant, impala, kudu, wildebeest and Zebra. We made our way to the Skukuza Day Visitors area where Verity and Kerilouise had set up and were cooking breakfast. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we made our way back onto the road to see what we could find. Good sightings of rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, crocodile and lion were enjoyed by all. Soon it was time to return to Pretoriuskop camp for some good dinner and a time to rest and reflect on the sightings of the day.

After a good meal prepared by Verity and assisted by Keri-Louise, it was time for some shut eye before leaving early in the morning again.



The next morning, it was up early again to had out of the camp in order to see what there was to find in the African bush. Guests enjoyed tea and coffee and then it was off, all wrapped in blankets due to the cooler weather that was being experienced. We made our way down the Albasini road and then onto Doispane which enteres the park from the Phabeni gate just outside of Hazyview. Good general sightings were encountered along the road. We made our way to the Nkulu Picnic spot, where Verity and Keri-Louise had prepared a continental breakfast for the group. After enjoying the breakfast, it was decided to return back to Skukuza in order for the group to do some shopping at the the Skukuza shop, before starting another game drive which lasted until our return to the Pretoriuskop camp late in the afternoon.

Everybody had a good time aboard the open safari vehicles that day, with many good sightings being seen. It was now time to rest, download all the photos to the laptops and also enjoy some dinner, before tucking into a warm bed for the night.

Some of the group decided to stay in camp the following morning and sleep inn, however there were a few die hard fans that decided to go out and see what they could find. They were dully awarded with a wonderful sighting of one of the male lions right next to the vehicle roaring and looking for his friend. After this wonderful sighting had been experienced by those die hard fans, everybody returned to camp to enjoy a hearty breakfast in the camp restaurant. After this, it was time to bid the camp and the Kruger Park farewell, before starting our journey back to Johannesburg.

The group got back to Johannesburg at 16h00 and all said that they had a wonderful time, and were looking forward to returning next year for another visit.

Kruger National Park Safari with Javier and Hector from the 2nd - 3rd July 2010

After picking up all our guests in Johannesburg, we made our way through the traffic and out of Johannesburg on route for Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park. After a good stop a long the way it was off again to Nelspruit. The group arrived in the park around 12h30 were we transferred them to Pretoriuskop camp, there home for the next 3 days. 

After checking in to there accommodation and meeting their guide Mark, it was time for having lunch after which it was off on the groups first game drive. Guests had good sightings of rhino, Elephant, buffalo and numerous plainsgame species during the drive. At 17h30 it was back to camp for relaxation, a good meal and all guests wanting to watch the match that was getting broadcast on television.

The following morning, it was up early to enjoy a cup of tea and coffee before departing on the game drive at 06h00. Guests had a good day aboard our open safari vehicles getting good sightings of most of the inhabitants of the park.

The evening was spent enjoying a well deserved meal in the camp restaurant and watching the soccer being broadcast on television before it was off to bed before another early start to the next day.

The following day took on the same itinerary as the previous one with some guests returning to camp at midday for there transfer back to Johannesburg in order for there journey to continue and for them to go to some of the games that they had tickets for.

The feedback from the guests while on safari with us, was that they had a wonderful time, saw a lot of animals and also enjoyed there accommodation and meals in the restaurant.
All of the guests said that they would like to return for a longer safari and also to be able to see more of the park especially the northern sector of the park.

We at Nhongo Safaris would like to see you all return to us someday on another safari and an opportunity to show them more of the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with Derek Otten and Friend from the 30th - 2nd July 2010

Picked up the group in Johannesburg and made our way via Nelspruit onto the Kruger National Park. The guests entered through the Numbi Gate and made there way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they would be staying for the duration of there safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Busudev Mitra, Trevor Meek x 2 and Scott Youngren x 3 from the 29th - 1st July 2010

We picked up guests in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. We Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles. The group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with Yasuda x 3, Shuki and Gabay, Scott Shearer and Min Tran from the 28th - 1st July 2010

After picking up all our guests in Johannesburg, we made our way through the traffic and out of Johannesburg on route for Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park. After a good stop a long the way it was off again to Nelspruit. The group arrived in the park around 12h30 were we transferred them to Pretoriuskop camp, there home for the next 3 days. 

After checking in to there accommodation and meeting their guide Mark, it was time for having lunch after which it was off on the groups first game drive. Guests had good sightings of rhino, Elephant, buffalo and numerous plainsgame species during the drive. At 17h30 it was back to camp for relaxation, a good meal and all guests wanting to watch the match that was getting broadcast on television.

The following morning, it was up early to enjoy a cup of tea and coffee before departing on the game drive at 06h00. Guests had a good day aboard our open safari vehicles getting good sightings of most of the inhabitants of the park.

The evening was spent enjoying a well deserved meal in the camp restaurant and watching the soccer being broadcast on television before it was off to bed before another early start to the next day.

The following day took on the same itinerary as the previous one with some guests returning to camp at midday for there transfer back to Johannesburg in order for there journey to continue and for them to go to some of the games that they had tickets for.

Kruger National Park Safari with Mr Ibrahim from the 25th - 27th June 2010

We Picked up Mr Ibrahim and friend in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Eric Johnson and Evan , Thorsten Reushenbeck x 2 and Madhavalan x 4 from the 24th - 26th June 2010

We picked up guests in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. We Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles. The group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Athina Kaufman x 4 from the 23rd - 25th June 2010

After picking up all our guests in Johannesburg, we made our way through the traffic and out of Johannesburg on route for Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park. After a good stop a long the way it was off again to Nelspruit. The group arrived in the park around 12h30 were we transferred them to Pretoriuskop camp, there home for the next 3 days. 

After checking in to there accommodation and meeting their guide Mark, it was time for having lunch after which it was off on the groups first game drive. Guests had good sightings of rhino, Elephant, buffalo and numerous plainsgame species during the drive. At 17h30 it was back to camp for relaxation, a good meal and all guests wanting to watch the match that was getting broadcast on television.

The following morning, it was up early to enjoy a cup of tea and coffee before departing on the game drive at 06h00. Guests had a good day aboard our open safari vehicles getting good sightings of most of the inhabitants of the park.

The evening was spent enjoying a well deserved meal in the camp restaurant and watching the soccer being broadcast on television before it was off to bed before another early start to the next day.

The following day took on the same itinerary as the previous one with some guests returning to camp at midday for there transfer back to Johannesburg in order for there journey to continue and for them to go to some of the games that they had tickets for.

The feedback from the guests while on safari with us, was that they had a wonderful time, saw a lot of animals and also enjoyed there accommodation and meals in the restaurant.
All of the guests said that they would like to return for a longer safari and also to be able to see more of the park especially the northern sector of the park.

We at Nhongo Safaris would like to see you all return to us someday on another safari and an opportunity to show them more of the Kruger National Park.

 

Kruger National Park Safari with Marcio and Jose Ferreria, Ryan Mashina and Smiths x 4 as well as Vaurn x 3 from the 21st - 23rd June 2010

Picked up the group in Johannesburg and made our way via Nelspruit onto the Kruger National Park. The guests entered through the Numbi Gate and made there way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they would be staying for the duration of there safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Jerry wong and Partner from the 20th - 22nd June 2010

Picked up Jerry Wong and friend in Johannesburg and made our way via Nelspruit onto the Kruger National Park. The guests entered through the Numbi Gate and made there way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were they would be staying for the duration of there safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Dean Anderson and Partner and Richway Party x 8 from the 18th - 20 th June 2010

We picked up Dean Anderson and Partner as our first pickup and then went onto pickup the Richway party before leaving Johannesburg on route to Nelspruit and then onto the Kruger National Park entering at the Numbi Gate.

After making our way to the camp of Pretoriuskop were we would change over from our closed vehicle to one of our open safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive to the camp of skukuza were the group would be staying. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all and we got into camp at about 17h00. After a good dinner enjoyed in the camp restaurant, it was off to bed for a good nights sleep before getting up early in the morning for some more game viewing.

After a good nights sleep, it was time to enjoy a cup of tea and coffee, before leaving on an early morning game drive. After packing all of the bags that were going on ahead to the camp of Pretoriuskop were the group was going to overnight for the second night. We left camp just after 06h00 and took a drive further north to find some of the inhabitants of the park. We stopped of at the Nkulu picnic spot for breakfast before carrying on with our game drives throughout the day. We arrived back at the camp of Pretoriuskop at about 15h30, just in time for the group to have a well deserved break before going out on the South African National Parks board night drive that leaves the camp at 17h00 and returns at about 20h30.

The group had a good time while out on the night drive, with lots that was seen while out there. Upon returning everybody enjoyed a good meal at the camps restaurant before going straight to watch the match of the night on the big screen television that had been set up outside the restaurant to watch.

The following morning, it was up early again in order to enjoy tea and coffee before departing on there final game drive. A large amount of animals were seen while on the game drive after which the group returned to enjoy breakfast and then it was back on the road to Johannesburg in order to return in time for the group to go through to one of the group matches.

The feedback from the group was that they really enjoyed themselves, saw loads of animals and would love to return in order to do another safari in a different area of the park.
The group arrived back in Johannesburg at about 16h30 and were dropped of at there guest house in Kempton Park, not far from the airport.

Kruger National Park Safari with Mr Rasool from the 17th - 20th June 2010

We Picked up guests in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Rene Visser, C.B Jonker, Ann Jewski, Christiaan Theissen, Sanjev and Sandeep Padeam from the 15th - 17th June 2010

We Picked up guests in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Louis x 2, Suzette Laboy x 2, Petion Rivera x 2, Lila Zabihollah x 4 from the 14th - 17th June 2010

We Picked up everybody friend in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with Kirsten Nielsen and Russel Downing from the 15th - 17th June 2010

We picked up guests in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. We Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open safari vehicles. The group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.

Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park.  

Kruger National Park Safari with Channelle Burt x 2, Jorge x 2, Rus Gameson x 4, Evan Lew x 2 from the 13th - 15th June 2010

Today was a morning of Chaos, we had multiple pickup addresses and an awful amount of traffic to get through. After picking up all of our clients, we made our way through the traffic and out of Johannesburg on route for Nelspruit and the Kruger National Park. After a good stop along the way it was off again to Nelspruit. The group arrived in the park around 12h30 were we transferred them to Pretoriuskop camp, there home for the next 3 days. 

After checking in to there accommodation and meeting their guides Dean, Mark and Elcana and having a break for lunch, it was off on the groups first game drive. Guests had good sightings of rhino, Elephant, buffalo and numerous plainsgame species during the drive. At 17h30 it was back to camp for relaxation, a good meal and all guests wanting to watch the match that was getting broadcast on television.

The following morning, it was up early to enjoy a cup of tea and coffee before departing on the game drive at 06h00. Guests had a good day aboard our open safari vehicles getting good sightings of most of the inhabitants of the park.

The evening was spent enjoying a well deserved meal in the camp restaurant and watching the soccer being broadcast on television before it was off to bed before another early start to the next day.

The following day took on the same itinerary as the previous one with some guests returning to camp at midday for there transfer back to Johannesburg in order for there journey to continue and for them to go to some of the games that they had tickets for.

The feedback from the guests while on safari with us, was that they had a wonderful time, saw a lot of animals and also enjoyed there accommodation and meals in the restaurant.
All of the guests said that they would like to return foe a longer safari and also to be able to see more of the park especially the northern sector of the park.

We at Nhongo Safaris would like to see you all return to us someday on another safari 

Kruger National Park Safari with Arthur Guellermo and Partner from the 12th - 14th June 2010

We Picked up Authur and friend in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Safari with John Abdelnour from the 11th - 13th June 2010

We Picked up John in Johannesburg and transferred them to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. Entered through the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park where he met Mark who was going to be there guide for the duration of the safari.

After checking in to the accommodation, it was time to have a short break in order to enjoy lunch before departing on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive was enjoyed by all with good sightings of Rhino, Elephant and buffalo as well as a large number of plainsgame species.

It was an early start, after enjoying tea and coffee it was out of the camp on the days game drive. The game drive took them to the camp of Skukuza as well as Lower Sabie. After a wonderful day spend aboard our open vehicles, the group was happy to get back to camp for a well deserved rest and some good dinner in the restaurant.

The following morning, it was out early after enjoying some tea and coffee. The group enjoyed there last game drive, and after enjoying breakfast, made there way back to the camp of Pretoriuskop in order to meet there shuttle back to Johannesburg.


Guests had a wonderful time while on safari, with all enjoying the accommodation, food in the restaurant and above all the game viewing aboard our open safari vehicles. All said that they would be returning for another visit to the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger National Park Safari with Jose Aldo and friends from the 9th - 10th June 2010

After having our first taste of finding the new accommodation used by clients for the world cup, we were on our way to the Kruger National Park. We traveled via Nelspruit and entered through the Numbi Gate. We made our way down to the camp of Pretoriuskop were guests were checked into there accommodation and given a chance to enjoy some lunch prior to leaving on an afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive delivered good sightings of rhino, elephant and general game. Guests returned to camp to enjoy a good evening meal and an early night as it was up early in the morning for there next game drive to find lions and leopard.

Guests enjoyed coffee and tea prior to leaving the camp on the mornings drive. While on the drive, guests enjoyed good sightings of plainsgame, rhino buffalo, elephant and numerous other species found in the park. Breakfast was enjoyed at the camp of skukuza and then it was off on another game drive en route to get there shuttle back to Johannesburg as this was only a 1 night safari.

Feedback from the guests was that they really enjoyed themselves and would love to return in order to spend more time on a safari with us in the Kruger National Park. 

Kruger Park Safari with Michel Bricot and Partner 8th - 9th June 2010

With only 2 days to the start of the 2010 FIFA world Cup, Michel Bricket and partner were picked up for a 1 night safari to the Kruger National Park. We picked up for the safari in Johannesburg, and made our way to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit. We met Mark who was going to be the guide in Nelspruit were they changed into one of our open safari vehicles for the last leg of there journey to the Kruger Park.

Clients entered the park through the Numbi Gate and made there way on a game drive to Skukuza were they were going to overnight.

While on there safari, clients got to see good sightings of Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino as well as large numbers of the plainsgame species.

Michel and partner said that they really enjoyed there safari and would be returning in the future to enjoy a longer safari and also see more of the Kruger National Park.

Kruger Park Safari with Adel Van Der Linde and Partner from the 1st - 4th June 2010

Adel and Partner were picked up in Johannesburg and transferred to the Kruger National Park via Nelspruit, on route there was still a lot of preparations going ahead for the up coming 2010 world cup that would start on the 11th of June and go through to the 11th July 2010. After drop off at the Kruger National Park with there guide Mark, they were off to the camp for a short rest, before departing on a game drive in the afternoon. 

While on safari, good sightings were experienced and Adel and partner got to see elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. 

Adel and Partner were able to have a wonderful safari and feedback from the clients was that they really enjoyed themselves with us and would be recommending us to friends and family wanting to visit South Africa in the future 

Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) At The Ngweshia Water Hole - LIONS!

Adventure into the Kruger Park after dark

There's nearly always some sighting to savour on game drives in Kruger National Park. Even without the Big Five, surprises can be just around the corner - athletic kudu sprinting across the road, a pack of wild dogs stretched out on a dry riverbed, even tiny chameleons bringing traffic to a standstill.

But sometimes - perhaps just once in a lifetime - a game drive comes along that is like no other.

My wife and I were staying at Kruger's lofty Olifants Camp and, instead of undertaking the usual late-afternoon game drive, we decided to book for the camp's Sunset Drive.
It was clear that nearly everyone with us in the packed open vehicle was a foreigner. You could tell from the hi-tech digital cameras, clothing far too skimpy for a sunset drive and wide-rimmed hats direct from the Skukuza curio shop.

And the questions directed at John, our ranger-cum-driver, also made it plain that most of our fellow passengers were new to the bush.

"What do they eat?" the Italian lady asked as we watched waterbuck grazing in the distance.

John clearly knew where he was heading as soon as we left Olifants. He set off for the Balule Bridge as if on a mission. And then we saw it. Drooped around a branch of a skeletal leadwood tree on the left hand side of the road was a magnificent cheetah, its long tail hung out to dry in the evening breeze.

Slowly, with the many digital cameras recording the action, the cheetah made his way down the tree while eight giraffe grazed contentedly just a few metres away. But the ranger kept on scouring the veld, as if there were more to see.

Then he picked them up in the grass on the other side of the road: two more magnificent cheetah, about 100 metres apart but with one unified gaze. Two pairs of eyes were focused unwaveringly at the intruding cheetah across the road.

My wife and I held our breath: this promised to be a night to remember. Suddenly, the silence was broken. "What do they eat?" asked the Italian lady loudly.

Although now at least 50 metres apart in the bush on the right-hand side of the road, the two territorial cheetah moved in complete unison, as if telepathically linked. Slow, slow paces, eyes still fixed on the newcomer opposite, who by now had adopted a similar frozen - if somewhat uncomfortable - stance.

Then, as if a starter's gun had gone off in their brains, the two land-possessing cheetah sprinted across the road at that famous record-breaking speed, launching into a horrific V-formed assault on the lone one facing them. It was time for a hasty retreat - and he ran for dear life.

The flight took all three cheetah virtually through the legs of the bewildered giraffe who decided that it was time to get the hell out of there. "Is there a zoo in Cape Town?" the Italian lady asked, making the ranger close a mouth that had hung open in amazement. He chose to ignore the question.

Slowly, the triumphant cheetah duo returned from their land-cleansing operation. They curiously sniffed the tree that had housed the intruder, pointed spotted posteriors to the heavens, lifted their tails and spouted high-pressure urine on to the tree trunk for at least five seconds.

Then they made their way back to their original domain and repeated the process on several trees there.

By now it was quite dark and John put the headlights on the cheetah pair as they ambled in front of our vehicle for some 500 metres until they found their overnight quarters at a pan near the bridge across the Balule.

The drama had lasted all of 25 minutes. It turned out that the ranger had encountered the pair regularly for the preceding six or seven nights.

"Spotting cheetah on night drives is not unusual," he told me later.

"But I had never seen a territorial skirmish like that before."

I suppose it was futile explaining the sheer magnitude of the moment to our fellow passengers. Yes, it was indeed a night to remember. Fortunate though we were, even more drama and pathos awaited us later on the drive.

We came across a group of baby zebra that sprinted away from our vehicle - all except for one little one that remained on the ground. Binoculars showed that one of its rear legs was twisted horrifically, obviously broken.

"Why don't you help it?" one of the passengers asked John.

The ranger explained the rules of the bush, survival of the fittest. He did not spell it out but I knew that, come morning, hyena would have put that adorable baby out of its misery.

Earlier on this particular visit to Kruger, we had sampled another sunset drive, from Berg-en-Dal camp, and, although nowhere nearly as dramatic, the drive had produced five different sightings of hyena, four different species of owl, spotted genet and the most quaint chorus of frogs you will ever hear.

So, when next in Kruger, do yourself a favour. Spend R100 or so and venture out with a ranger at sunset. There might be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill awaiting you out there in the dark.

Kruger Park plays its part in World Cup plans

Lounging peacefully on the terrace, watching the elephants, leopards and antelopes gather at the watering hole - that's how hundreds of football fans will relax in South Africa's Kruger National Park on "soccer safaris", after taking in World Cup matches in the nearby city of Nelspruit.

With 100 000 people Nelspruit is among the smaller of the host cities and doesn't have enough accommodation for the fans expected to arrive here in June 2010.

So organisers are tapping resources in the tourist magnet of Kruger game park, just a two-hour drive away.

"Any person who comes so close to Kruger would definitely come to see the game. You cannot miss it if you're that close to it, especially coming from Europe or Asia," said Stephen Nel, a manager at the Berg-en-Dal rest camp.

About 1.3 million tourists each year visit the park, which is about half the size of the Netherlands and has a highly developed network to accommodate guests.

During the World Cup, the camps of Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop will host nearly 2 000 fans in search of South Africa's "Big Five" -elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions and rhinos.

FIFA partner responsible for accommodation, Match, is offering packages that include lodging, transport and safaris, which could mean pre-dawn drives to catch the animals at sun-up, twilight hikes, or dinner in the bush.

To allow the guests to see the football matches, Kruger is reworking its rules. The park currently closes at 6pm, and some games at Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium will only kick off two hours later.

Armed rangers will escort the fans back to their lodges and tents, "to protect them from lions, elephants and other dangerous animals," according to South African National Parks.

"They'll probably change the opening times of the restaurants as most of our guests would be for the World Cup," Nel added.

He said that the camp had welcomed guests from the rugby World Cup in 1995, but that was on a smaller scale that what organisers expect in 2010.

The World Cup will be the biggest event ever held in this rural province, with Nelspuit building a 46 000-seat stadium for the occasion.

"Initially, there was a shortage of accommodation," said FS Siboza, operations manager for the city.

But, he said, new guest houses had opened in the city and two other towns were helping to ensure enough beds would be available during the tournament.

The city expects new hotels will be built while some homeowners plan to leave on vacation and rent out their homes to the tourists.

Organisers are even considering creating tented campsites for visitors, spread around a 200km radius, including in neighbouring Swaziland and Mozambique.

FIFA wants to ensure that 55 000 rooms are available across the country during the World Cup. Right now there are 34 000, making Kruger's model an appealing option that could be expanded to other national parks.

The only requirement for the "soccer safaris" is that guests can actually see the matches. At Berg-en-Dal, they will be housed in simple cottages built in 1985, without televisions.

The camp is thinking about setting up a TV in a conference room so the fans can watch games in other towns... if they find generators to keep the electricity running.

Kruger Park: It's bigger than Israel!

Encompassing 30 percent of the surface area, nearly half the park's lion population hang out here as well as leopard, hyena and cheetah, thanks to the quantity of sweet grasses and browsing trees that support large numbers of antelope, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest.

The far north region 

Here you'll find major areas of sand formed by river flood plains and riverine forests as part of the region lies in a rain shadow. A picnic site along the banks of the Luvuvhu River provides hours of splendid bird viewing.
The knocking sand frog lives here, as do the the nocturnal bushpig and the rare Sharpe's grysbok. There are samango monkeys, packs of wild dog, and the major water pans across the Wambiya sandveld are home to tropical fish, such as the rainbow killifish, not found anywhere else in the country. The sandstone hills, just west of Punda Maria, is the only place you can see the Natal red hare and yellow-spotted rock dassie, or hyrax.

The northern region

North of the Orange River is a semi-arid region covering 7 000km2 that sees very little rain. Here shrub mopane thrives in the hot, low-lying valleys, but five rivers provide narrow corridors giving rise to trees such as the nyala, the sycamore fig, the tamboti and the tall apple leaf.
The Letaba and Olifants rivers contain 60 percent of the park's hippo population. There are bushpig in the undergrowth of the Luvuvhu River and on most of the river banks you can see elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and kudu concentrated near a water supply.

The southern region

Bounded by the Crocodile River in the south and Sabie River in the north, the southern region also enjoys the jagged ridge of the Lebombo Mountains along the border with Mozambique, and the highest point in the park, Khandzalive, in the southwestern corner - almost in counterpoint to Pretoriuskop that lies in the west of the southern region.
The valleys are home to the Cape chestnut, coral tree and lavender fever-berry. White rhino occur here, particularly around Pretoriuskop, Mbyamiti River and south of lower Sabie. Around Pretoriuskop, known for its profusion of trees, is Ship Mountain, its hull-shape the site of an old wagon trail that crosses a stream marking the birthplace of Jock of the Bushveld. The combretum woodlands, also part of this region, attract kudu, impala, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, white rhino and elephant, while the scarcity of lion in this part of the park, makes way for the cheetah and wild dog.

Bush Walks

A bush walk is a great way to track game on foot, but also one of the most incredible ways to learn about the fragility of the ecosystems of the Kruger and to see the smaller animals and insects that tend to be ignored on the game drives. Take your own snacks and sunscreen as most of the camps in the Kruger do morning and afternoon walks.
Wilderness trails
Some wilderness trails in the Kruger are virtually untouched by humans, with names like Metsi-Metsi, Napi, Massingir and the Sweni Wilderness.
Most of these trails are two days with three overnights in rustic huts with ablution in reed-walled showers and flush toilets, but they're always in such demand that they're booked out way in advance. Here you need to be fairly fit as you'll average 20km a day, although this is at a leisurely pace.
The Lebombo overland trail
This is a five-day "wilderness experience on wheels" takes you from Crocodile Bridge to Pafuri, and deserves a mention here. It's an eco trail that takes you along the eastern boundary along the Lebombo hills (hence the name) from the extreme south to the farthest northern edge.
A maximum of five vehicles, with four people in each undertakes the trail that covers 500km.
The self-drive eco trail crosses rivers and encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery in the park. You'll overnight at Lower Sabie, Olifants and Shingwedzi restcamps. Professional guides will lead the trail and explain the terrain, rated as the best in southern Africa purely because of the rich diversity of fauna and flora en route.
Where to stay in the Kruger National Park.

There are a large number of rest camps, bushveld camps, lodges and even overnight hides, all run by South African National Parks Board.

Private operators have established lodges that offer luxury, guided game drives, and the freedom to move into the greater park area if desired.
These private game lodges offer a more intimate and exclusive experience of the vast Kruger.

 
The private game reserves

Flanking the western boundary of Kruger Park are several private game reserves. Together they form the heart of South Africa's big game country with the free movement of animals between the private reserves and the Kruger National Park.
The Sabi Sands reserve is home to Londolozi, Singita and Mala Mala; Timbavati and Claserie.
SANParks accommodation

# Restcamps: Most have electricity, a shop, communal kitchen facilities, laundromats, restaurants, public telephones and petrol stations. Info centres are located at Letaba, Skukuza and Berg-en-dal.

# Berg-en-Dal: Just west of the Malelane gate overlooking the Matjulu Spruit, Berg-en-Dal is bordered by a dam and dry riverbeds. Lovely trees offer shade to the pretty restcamp, which comprises bungalows, family cottages and guest houses.

# Crocodile Bridge: Right up against the Mozambique border and Maputo, Crocodile Bridge is an area famous for lions and rhinos. Crocodile Bridge lies on the northern bank of the Crocodile River, in the south-eastern corner of the Kruger. The accommodation is in basic bungalows and safari tents.

# Letaba: Lying in the bend of the Letaba River, the heavily shaded restcamp is great for bird-watching and elephants. It's close to the Phalaborwa Gate and includes a camping area, guest houses, cottages and bungalows.

# Lower Sabie: Right on the banks of the Sabie River, most of the game comes to you in this family-oriented camp only 35km from Crocodile Bridge. There are large lawns, huge trees, and a swimming pool. You can stay in a range of campsites, huts, bungalows, guest cottages, guest houses, and safari tents.

# Mopani: On the banks of the Pioneer Dam, this little restcamp lies in amongst koppies and Mopani trees. Thatched accommodation, with stone walls, is in bungalows, cottages, guest cottages and a guest house.

# Olifants: Olifants sits on top of a hill, set on rocky cliffs, that provides incredible views over the Olifants River. There are two distinct types of vegetation in this area - mopane shrub and rolling grass plains - and one is likely to spot elephant, zebra, impala, buffalo, giraffe and kudu as a result. Accommodation is in guest houses, cottages and bungalows.

# Orpen: On the western boundary of the central zone of the Kruger National Park, Orpen is a tranquil camp with scattered trees and wide-open plains that attract a large quantity of browsers. The waterhole, just outside the camp, provides sightings of lion, blue wildebeest, vultures and plovers, and accommodation is in cottages and huts.

# Pretoriuskop: This camp lies in a hilly area dominated by granite outcrops just 9km from the Numbi Gate in the south-west. Rare species like sable and rhino are seen here, as well as impala, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Accommodation is in guest houses, cottages, bungalows and huts.

# Punda Maria: One of two camps north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Punda Maria lies on a ridge in the northernmost reaches of the Sandveld, 8km from the Punda Maria gate. Some of the best bird-watching is to be found here and it's a good place to spot nyala. There are seven luxury tents, a pool, bungalows and cottages.

# Satara: Regarded as the best camp for viewing the big cats, Satara lies just 47km east of the Orpen gate in the knobthorn veld, which offers some of the best grazing in the Park, and the high number of watering places in the area translates into frequent sightings of antelope, zebra, giraffe and buffalo. Accommodation is in guesthouses, cottages and bungalows.

# Shingwedzi: On the banks of the Shingwedzi River this rest camp is prime elephant spotting country, filled with trees, bungalows and shady verandas. North of the camp is a riverine forest. Accommodation is in huts, a cottage and guesthouses.

# Skukusa: Skukusa lies right in Big Five territory on the banks of the Sabie River. Accommodation ranges from safari tents and bungalows to luxury bungalows, guest cottages and guesthouses.

# Tsendze: With the emphasis on "touch the earth lightly" - there is no electricity. Warm water is from gas geysers and lighting is solar-powered. It has a three-star grading and comes with open-air showers. The camp lies in the shade of leadwood, mopane and apple-leaf trees.
Satellite restcamps
# Balule private camp: Ideal for campers, Balule lies on the southern bank of the Olifants River, perfect for those who seek solitude.

# Malelane private camp: Just 3km from the Malelane Gate, this satellite camp is one of the smallest in the Park, accommodating just 19 people, and lies on the banks of the Crocodile River. Accommodation is camping or little huts.

# Maroela private camp: Overlooking the Timbavati River bed, Maroela Camp is an ideal place to spot leopard. It's about 4km from Orpen and Eastgate airport. The nearby Rabelais dam is also a good place to spot game.

# Tamboti tent camp: Self-catering safari tents are mounted on stilts overlooking the dry Timbavati River bed. The camp lies in a flat veld area and shares communal bathrooms, kitchen and food areas.

Bush Lodges

# Boulders: An exclusive camp, accommodating up to 12 people, Boulders is 50km north of Letaba. Raised thatched cottages allow the safe viewing of game. Solar panels provide energy for ceiling fans.

# Roodewal: Just 40km from Olifants restcamp en route to Timbavati, Roodewal accommodates up to 19 people in four cottages close to the Timbavati River, with a lookout platform in a huge nyala tree. Accommodation is in huts and a family cottage. Solar energy provides lighting.

Bushveld Camps

# Bateleur: Set on the banks of the Mashokwe Spruit in the northern savannah, Bateleur is the oldest and the smallest camp. A game-viewing hide overlooks the waterhole, including a floodlight for night viewing. Here you can spot hippo and crocodile. Accommodation is in guest cottages.

# Biyamiti: On the banks of the Mbyamiti River, this intimate camp lies in a wooded clearing, close to the old ox-wagon trade route. This is a good camp from which to spot the Big Five and black rhino, as well as wild dog and cheetah. Accommodation is in little cottages.

# Shimuwini: Shimuwini lies on the upper end of the Shimuwini dam on the Letaba River. The Letaba River is lined with big trees that include the baobab, and the dam provides hours of bird and game watching. Accommodation is in 15 family cottages.

# Sirheni: The northernmost camp, Sirheni lies on the dam of the same name in mopane veld. Accommodation is in 15 cottages.

# Talamati: On the N'waswitsontso River, Talamati lies in a large open valley about 31km from Orpen Gate with two hides overlooking a waterhole. Accommodation is in 15 family cottages.

Overnight Hides

# Sable: Just 10km from the Phalaborwa Gate, this is a unique form of accommodation. This bird hide by day transforms into overnight dwelling. The hide looks over the Sable Dam.

# Shipandani: Overnighting in a bird hide-away is a unique way of being close to elephant, buffalo and other creatures of the night that include nightjars and cicada. On the banks of the Tsedze River, Shipandani is close to the Mopani restcamp and sunset is a particularly gratifying experience.
This is the richly diverse land of the Big Five, the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, Pel's fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammal than any other African game reserve.