Recently we were invited to attend the tour operator’s tour in the Kruger National Park. On arrival at crocodile bridge we were greeted by the team who were to be our hosts over the next few days.
As always when you throw a bunch of people together from various parts of the Country, it is expected that at first everyone is somewhat reserved. Over the next few days it was surprising to see how strangers interacted with each other, and in most cases new friends were made.

After a brief site inspection of crocodile bridge camp, we were loaded into our minibuses and we set off for our first stop which would be hippo pools. A quick stop and walk to the pools gave us our first experience of the Kruger. Climbing back into our buses, we started our journey to lower Sabie, which would be our overnight camp for our first night. We were greeted by the friendly staff of lower Sabie, followed by sundowners on the restaurant deck.
Amarula was a sure winner. We then retired to our rooms to freshen up before departing on our night game drive.
To our surprise our game drive became a game braai. WOW, the food was amazing, and experiencing the African bush was an experience to behold. After the bush braai we returned to our camp, and everyone retired for the night. Bright and early the next morning we had breakfast followed by a site inspection, and then we were off. Our first stop of the day would be at Nkumbe look out. A short stop for everyone to stretch the legs and we were back on our journey.
Our next stop would be the Olifants camp. Everyone tucked in to a prepared lunch under the trees, and then we had our site inspection. On completion of the site inspection we headed off to Balule. Running short of time we were whisked around the camp and hustled back into the buses for our journey to Satara. On route to Satara we encounter a wonderful sighting. Our ranger estimated a heard of about 500 buffalo. But what made this even more special, there for all to see 10 Lion. Of course as we were already running late to get to our camp it was extremely difficult to tear everyone away from the experience. We did however make it on time to our next stop over, which would be the Satara rest camp.
On arrival we were taking on a tour of the camp, after which we were able to freshen up before heading to the day visitor’s area for dinner. Awaiting us was braai facilities, and each team was given a specific meal to prepare. It was great fun, and for most the meals that were prepared were tasty. A late night followed and at last we were able to get to our beds.
It goes without saying, waking up the next morning was somewhat of a challenge for a few. Breakfast was served and then we were on the road. Destination Skukuza.
Our first stop however would be a site inspection at Orpen and tamboti camps. On the road again, and our next stop was to be tshokwane picnic stop. We were greeted there by the Section ranger, and taken off to a nearby dam, where he explained in detail about the ongoing problems the dam is facing. We then followed the Ranger to his house, we again a wonderful meal was prepared for us. After lunch we headed for Skukuza. On arrival at Skukuza we had a tour of the camp and facilities, before freshening up. We all met at the night drive area, and we were taking to the nearby koppie, for a wonderful star gazing experience. On completion of the star gazing, we were treated to a meal at the local restaurant at Skukuza. After a long day, everyone welcomed the opportunity to head for bed.
Bright and early the next morning we were up and heading out for our walk in the bush. This turned out to be an amazing experience for first walkers in the bush. Returning to Skukuza, breakfast was served and we had to pack our bags and head down to the auditorium for a presentation and overview of the tour so far. Lunch was then served and we were off. Pretoriuskop was our final destination for the 2008 operators tour.
We were greeted by friendly staff with welcome refreshments. A tour of the camp followed, and most of the group used the opportunity to have a swim or relax before dinner. At dinner all the formalities were handled and we tucked in to a wonderful meal. Pulling our chairs up to the fire, we were able to reflect on what turned out to be a wonderful tour, and some great friendships were formed. Saturday morning started early for some, and at breakfast the final goodbyes were said. This tour was a wonderful experience and the professionalism and dedication shown by all staff of the Kruger Park, can be well commended. Thanks to all involved for a wonderful trip.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am and is filed under Kruger Park news and Facts. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.