BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys, I am heading to a meeting in Cape Town in late November. I plan to fly over to J'burg after the meeting and spend some time in Kruger. I looked online at the prices of car rentals.....do I really need one of those 4x4s with the tent on top or can I just get an inexpensive small car?

What is important for a November trip? Do I need air conditioning? 4x4? Can I just pitch a tent on the ground?

If I can get by with a small car, is it worth it to rent the camping gear there or would it be easier to bring my own tent and camp stove etc? I have all of the standard backpacking equipment, although I read somewhere that a chair to rest in during the evening was crucial, I don't think I have one that will fit in my backpack. Will I be sad without one?

I live in Alaska, so I am used to camping (i.e., I'm accustomed to completely roughing it out in the Alaskan bush). I assume camping in S. Africa will be easier because I probably won't have to worry about freezing.

Also, I read that most of the camp sites in Kruger have restaurants, is this true? Are they worth it or over priced?

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

Hi There

No you surely don't need a big car, but it is nicer to be higher up when driving through the Kruger, as you see a lot more.

Air-conditioning would be a good idea in November. There are base camps within the Kruger where you can pitch tents, check out www.southafricalogue.com for info on camps.

Not sure about renting gear here, so preferably bring your own. Many of the camp sites in the kruger have gas cookers (skottels) and/or braai places, so I would not bring your own stove, just utensils. A chair is nice if you have one

I am sure Alaska is more punishing than the Kruger, but be sure to bring plenty of Deet, and repellents.

most of the camp sites have canteens, but perhaps not all of them. you will have to check the link to the kruger from SAlogue.

air con in november might come in handy. but remember you will be driving with your wondows down most of the time in the park to spot, hear and smell the animals... we were there in april and had a renault megane with aircon but never used it in the park. it got quite hot though...
leave the camp early in the morning (6 am) when the gates open and take a nap in the afternoon like the animals do too...you can always go on a afternoon drive when it cools down around 4 pm or so...
you can sleep in permanent safari tents as well without having to pitch your tent every time. they cost around 200 to 300 rand a night per tent sleeping 2 people which i found quite reasonable and conveniant.
be sure to make bookings ahead for the park as it tends to be full at all times of year! you can make bookings through this site.
have fun! we saw some amazing stuff and all of the big five in 4 days!