Madikwe Game Reserve doesn’t have camping and requires reservations for expensive accommodations. I didn’t know that and we didn’t do that.
So we drove from Pilansberg for four hours for nothing, turned around and two hours later camped by invitation for free behind the Wag-n-Biekie Bar in Groot Marico where it poured providing an excellent lightning and thunder storm plus a very soggy tent by morning.
After some discussion we decided not to visit Marakele National Park as it has very few roads drivable by a passenger car and we don’t have 4×4 so blew that off and instead got a very early start back to Pretoria, and thus we ended up driving in circles.
Took care of some quick shopping and of course lunch at Wimpy then headed north but had also decided not to go as far as Mapungubwe Nature Reserve on the South Africa, Botswana/Zimbabwe border.
A beautiful drive over Magoebaskloofe Pass provided views across valleys to far mountains and landed us at Hans Merensky Dam in Tzaneen to camp for the night.
Because it looked like rain we only set up one tent and the tarp just in case. This camp is owned by the local water affairs and could really use some maintenance. The bathrooms were falling apart and the grass definitely needed mowing but the view was superb.
No rain and shortly after sunrise we were on our way.
Where to? Kruger National Park of course as it’s a do not miss park no matter how many times visited.
What a pity about Madikwe Game Reserve, you live and learn! Could you not even drive through it though to see some of the animals? Take care Diane
Unfortunately no entry without a reservation.
Beautiful scenery, especially that sunrise. And judging by your bare legs, mosquitoes must not be a problem.
Thank goodness no mosquitoes.
Looks to me like your guardian angels are kicking your butt. What a long and arduous way you had to go to go to Kruger. I wonder what special adventures await you there.
The adventures at Kruger are magnificent!
Stunning pictures. And that’s what is great about staying three months … a little driving in circles isn’t a huge problem.
Really wasn’t that terrible except not going to Madikwe. But Kruger more than makes up for it.
Love the photos and I’m enjoying following your adventures! Safe travels ~
Thanks Patti. A belated birthday post card is coming your way. Wonder how long it will take to get there?
How fun! I’ll let you know once it arrives!
There are so many game reserves that cater for the upmarket tourists but luckily there are as many stunning alternative options. Pity you didn’t get to go to Mapungubwe but at least you saw Magoebaskloof. On to Kruger, ENJOY! (again)
The views on Magoebaskloofe were magnificent. Now added another SA mountain pass.
I like how you shuck things off and move on.
Why not, there’s still more to see than I’ll have time for in three months.