SANParks.org Forums

October 2005:

As you all know Satara is undergoing some renovations. From what I could make out from some plans posted in the foyer area of the camp, the camping sites are also getting a face lift and it looks like they will now be demarcated and more taps and elec points are to be put in.

This pic is of what I assume a new ablution block - but it is so close to the fence. It looked like one might still be able to camp between it and the fence. I could not get close enough to investigate as the area was cordoned off.


Satara campsite - pic taken looking west.

This pic was taken from inside the camp of the new day visitors area presently being built.


This one was taken from the road leading into the camp. The building is on one's left approaching the camp.

The pool was completed and landscaped just before Mid December 05. It is now "settled" and really a welcome addition to the camp. It is located in the area between where reception was and the petrol station. Further upgrades and to the entrance and Day Visitors area were done.
You will not believe the camp is the same when you see it from the road before entering!

My only small gripe is the Pool is set a fair distance from the Camping Ground area, as i can only afford to camp at Satara with my family.... no "budget family accommodation"!

Perimeter bungalows at Satara - BD2V

Unit # 167



Unit # 179

Again of Zebra – she makes a nice photo

We stayed in Hut no 161 at Satara for eight fantastic nights on our last visit. It was wonderful just sitting on the stoop at night listening to the lions roaring. A spotted hyaena walked past along the fence nearly every night! you could hear it approaching and we would wait expectantly for it to pass our hut, Magic! We did enjoy having a perimiter hut it was so private and you were not overlooked.

The plaque in the background.

I see that the Rudy Frankel "cottage" is available again! It was burnt down and has now been rebuilt. We have been most fortunate in securing this prime cottage for our January trip. For anyone who does not know it - it is on the right as you drive in the gate at Satara and has a waterhole directly in front of it with a floodlight which you have the control over! One year we only did a morning drive and then came home and slept the rest of the day in preparation for an all night vigil. We were not disappointed - lion, leopard, hyaena, african wild cat, genet, buffalo and elephant kept us entertained till the early hours of the morning when we could finally no longer keep our eyes open. Oh and I nearly fogot the mole in the lounge!!!!!!!!!!!!

New swimming pool at Satara:

Paul if you are planning to get into the camping thing, it is always a good idea to get a nice long extension cord…you might not need it on this specific trip, but you will possibly need it on the next. We learned the hard way

I notice a number of forumites have mentioned in recent trip reports the new Satara entrance, does any one have any pictures of the new entrance they can share with us?

Sorry I do not have a pic, but will try and descibe it in words to you. I last saw it when it was still being tarred.

If you look towards Satara from the road passing directly in front of the camp and imagine where the 'old' entrance was/is, to the left of that is the new day visitors and swimming pool area and to the left of that again is the new entrance to the camp which leads directly onto the parking area where the turning area is (at the end in other words). Hope this gives you some idea

It looks .

A simple wire gate , not the nice old stone and plaster entrance with the camp name on it .
It is right next to where the loops are that the game drive trucks parked at , alongside the shop .

Call me a traditionalist if you want

I am disappointed in the new gate and quite honestly can see no reason for the new gate. When i was there in November 2006 the new gate was made out of diamond meshing and has no character at all. Maybe this is a tempory measure and a more aesthetic entrance is on the cards.
regards

I think I read on a trip report that they intend to move the old gate, I think it was Pardus that mentioned it
I preferred the old entrance but then again I can't see the point of many of these changes
I think my age has something to do with it

I sure hope they plan on relocating the gate, for me the entrance gates to the camps are all part of the experience... at the end of a long day out game viewing, or when arriving for the first night to stay at camp, I get a good feeling entering the gates.