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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sal" data-source="post: 1513948" data-attributes="member: 639">Hi TonyOK:Sat 14th:You probably can't see this on the map, but on the S28,Nhlanganzwani dam and Ntandanyathi hide are on two different side roads. We went to the dam this time and it was empty, but by the time you get there it will probably have water in again and will be worth visiting. The hide does not overlook the dam, but the Nhlowa river which is dry for much of the year. It was in poor condition this June, but, again, may be better when you go.The S28and S137 routes are usually very good for game- nice Cheetah country and keep an eye open for Duke the elephant, who used to be one of the great Kruger Tuskers, but has recently lost his second tusk. He is massive none-the-less and this is where he spends a lot of time. I think your first day will be lovely. Sun15th sounds great. The drive along the river road- allow plenty of time for this. there are usually a lot of elephant crosssing to the river. (Do not get in amongst a breeding herd, go gently!) Also a good road for predators, both lion and leopard. Lots of birds. About 7km from Lower Sabie on the RHS is a lookout point where the is a bank full of White-fronted Bee-eater holes. The bee-eaters are often seen around this region. The lake Panic bird hide is well worth allowing plenty of time for too. There are nearly always hippo to be seen, also crocs and plenty of birds. If you are going along the S114, go via Renosterkoppies Dam, its good rhino country. You do not have to go to Afsaal to see dwarf mongoose, they are all over the place and often run across the road. Look on any termitories as theis is where they often live. (But of course Afsaal is useful for the loo!)Mon 16thThis will also be a good day and you should have lots of sightings including lots of birds..  Keep an eye open for Mazithi and Kumana dams on the RHS of the road after Tshokwane. Lots of birds. Keep a look out for leopard in trees on the RHS of the road as you get closer to Satara - they like those tall trees that stand up above the veld. When you get to the Nwanetsi Road (H6) the H!-3 runs alongside a river with lots of big trees. Giant Eagle Owls like to sit in these trees. Also often elephant and buffalo here. Do bird Satara camp if you get a chance on one of the days you are there.Tues 17thThe S100 - an iconic road! You can see nothing or you can see everything! Keep a bit of time for Gudzani dam, its lovely. Masses of hippo and crocs, elephants often come to drink there, usually lots of waterbirds. Will you go from Bangu to the S89 and back along the tar?Ngotso dam is just off the tar, the parking area is a bit far from the water but there is usually game here. This is a big loop and will take a long time to do especially as you are going to N'wanetsi first. So if necessary you can cut out Bangu and take the S90 past Mavumbye. (another of these places which is wonderful one year and nothing the next!) If you do this, you should get back in time to do an afternoon drive out along the Orpen road. Visit Nsemani dam and then drive the 5km dirt road just before Nsemani to Girivana waterhole behind it. There may be Carmine Bee-eaters around here, if not i am sure you will see them further north on the Oliphants road.Sit at Girivana and just enjoy the peace and whatever comes to drink. Check out Nsemani on the way back again. This little drive has given me my best sightings and rich variety in the years I have been visiting Kruger. I have see leopard, lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, buffalo, wild dog,jackal, hyaena here (although not all at once)Wed 18thGood lion and elephant road. Take your drinks down to the lookout at Oliphants before the sun sets.Thurs  19thYou might find it difficult to fit in the S47 loop if you are doing a sunset drive and spending time in the Matambeni hide.I can't comment on the Northern section as I have only been up as far as Shingwedzi and that was a long time ago. I think the main thing is, be flexible, depending on what you see and how long a particular route takes. If you don't do them all - you'll be back one day!!!Re the Blyde river section. There is the De Wildt Cheetah place and there is also the Moholoholo rehab place south of it (I think.) They have a mix of birds and animals that either live there permanently because they can't be rehabilitated, or are in the process of being rehabilitated. It is fairly hands on. I'm sure you could Google it if interested.On Wed 25th If you stop at Graskop, there is a wonderful pancake eatery . . . .You are extremely well organised as far as route goes and have a good variety of scenery, animals and birds. You should have a ball!</blockquote>

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