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The Question
Public Question Asked by Jacques Sting Gerber about Nelspruit
What makes a safari to the Kruger Park right or wrong?
I've heard people saying there is a right way (by visiting expensive private game reserves) and a wrong way (by visiting the Kruger National Park with a guide and his / her vehicle and over-nighting in the Park). I just want to know how and why they determine this?
Answers (4)
The Best Answer
Answered by Rodney Fagan , Johannesburg, South Africa
They are both the way to make sure that you see the most during your stay at either of the venues.
Additional information that you should be aware of is that the cat families are more active during the night and those private reserves do offer at a price of course night viewing.
So decide what it is you wish to spend
What you want to see
How much time you have to spend.
Then enquire in more detail.
Remember to first check out in what currency the private reserves charge you, some do quote Dollar rates.
Rather go for the SA Rand billing as you may have more value that way..
Answered by Jacques Sting Gerber , Nelspruit, South Africa
There is just no right and wrong way in terms of this question to do a safari / plan a trip to the Kruger National Park area in South Africa!
Yes, travel agents will sell you a package and obviously they will tell you their package is the right and only way to experience nature and this area.
BUT;
their way is not the only way and definitely not the "right" way as their is no right and wrong!
Consider this:
Which other animals are you going to see from visiting a private lodge / reserve other than the animals occuring in the area naturally?
Do you really require the services of a butler, a barman, a maseusse etc like at some of these private reserves or are you there to experience nature and the animals? Don't get me wrong, if this is your tipe of thing - then have a ball, but it is definitely not the "right and only" way.
With spending less money on the accommodation (by booking a private guide and staying inside of the Kruger Park), will you not have the "luxury" of spending more of your valuable time in the area?
And lastly; by getting a private guide in, will you not have a far better insight and understanding of the area by getting his full and undivided attention rather than being part of the private lodge's groups?
Private Lodges and reserves do have a place in the industry, they are (usually) far more expensive than the private guide who offers you accommodation inside the Kruger National Park's chalets and tents and or accommodation facilities outside of the Park. These private lodges and reserves have huge marketing budgets and guess who is paying for it?
At the end of the day it boils down to what you really want, BUT, please do NOT think that if you can't afford the Private Lodges / Reserves that you will be getting a raw deal or will be doing yourself in, private guides and companies DO offer a great service at a far more affordable budget, you just need to find them as they don't have the marketing budgets like the private lodges / reserves.
Answered by Darron Raw , Mbabane, Swaziland
Personally I find Kruger National Park a little bit crowded and too commercial. Neighbouring Swaziland as some quiet parks like Hlane, Mlilwane and Mkhaya where you can get to see plenty of game without being in a queue.
Answered by Paulo Fernandes , Weltevredenpark, South Africa
I personally dont think there is a wrong or right way to do the Kruger Park. For me the whole objective is to see the wild life (as I do photography). I have done the Kruger Park at a Luxury venue and i have done it with a private guide. for me what makes the experience memorable is the nowledge of the individual showing you around. I have enjoyed both ways of doing the Kruger Park and I would suggest basing your decision on what it is you are looking for in a tour / trip.
Comment by Jacques Sting Gerber from Nelspruit, South Africa
Darren, sorry I don't fully agree with you. 1. Should you get a qualified and registered guide to take you around he / she will make sure you'll get the best possible experience, 2. There is a reason why the Kruger National Park itself is so popular, don't you agree? 3. And as far as I know, these parks you've mentioned do not sport ALL of the "big 5", just some of them - I may be wrong here, but I recently read that these parks are in the process of re-introducing the species short on the "big 5" list, 4. The same will apply to the parks in Swaziland as the Kruger Park, is there a right and a wrong way to experience these natural places? I think not. 5. Should one go with your argument of peace and quiet and experiencing nature without being in a queue, then Gorongoza in Mozambique, Kgalagadi and Moremi comes to mind. 6. I'm not looking for a list of the "best" nature parks in Africa; this will certainly be a personal taste and therefor biased answer, what I am after is an honest opinion about the so-called right way of going on a tour or safari and inter alia the wrong way of doing this. Thanks for your input thus far.
Oct 07, 2009