Witrivier / Hazyview / Nelspruit Camping

[JacoE]

I cannot find an answer to my situation so I'm asking please.

We are going to Skukuza with our road caravan from the 26/04 - 03/05. So the plan was to stay at Malelane the night before and enter there the 6th.

So that plan totally changed with my daughter having to be in Witrivier on the 26't for netball trails that will probably last the whole day. Thus we will only be able to book in at Skukuza on Sunday the 27th.
Which brings me to where does one overnight on the 25th with our whole KNP-Caravan setup, be in Witrivier for the whole of the 26th, overnight again on the 26th and then continue to Skukuzu early on the 27th?

I was thinking about staying in Witrivier (or Nelspruit if if really has to) the night before, do the netball day and then continue to Hazyview on Saturday afternoon/evening, but I'm not sure if this is the best of ideas.
Otherwise perhaps take the caravan all the way to Hazyview on the 25th, drive back to Witrivier for the day and sleep in Hazyview again on the 26th, then continue on the 27th.

I also see there was serious safety concerns regarding Hazyview a few years back, not sure about these areas currently? This was also one of the reasons for the initial plan of entering via Malelane.

[FrancoisR12]

I would book the 1st two nights: 25th and 26th at Pretorius kop, using the Numbi gate would be the quickest to Witrivier but that gate is reported to be dodgy, I avoid it.

You could use the route from Pretorius kop to Phambeni gate (S3,S7), Hazyview to Witrivier - probably 2.5h hours if you obviously don't stop for sightings.

[AfricainHD]

I just think with a road van, and ease of setup etc. Book for the 2 nights at Numbi caravan park (in Hazyview). Clean, pretty quiet and good ablutions.

It is about a half hour between Hazyview and White River. Two quick stop and goes currently.

[JacoE]

I guess alternatively I can always keep it as it is at Malenlane for the Friday night, drive back to Witrivier the Saturday morning for the day, back to the camp at Malelane for the Saturday evening and continue in from there the Sunday morning as per the original plan. Just loose out on the one night at Skukuza

[RoelfleRoux]

I guess alternatively I can always keep it as it is at Malenlane for the Friday night, drive back to Witrivier the Saturday morning for the day, back to the camp at Malelane for the Saturday evening and continue in from there the Sunday morning as per the original plan. Just loose out on the one night at Skukuza

This is a good plan.
The toll gate at Malelane has a real sting to it, but other than that is a solid idea.

[OffTheHamsterWheel]

Benmarie is just outside Witrivier. Nice place with private ablutions at each campsite.

https://busahouse.co.za/caravan_park.htm

[Die SwartKat]

Very nice place. Camped there twice.

https://www.merrypebbles.co.za/

[Tom13]

I just think with a road van, and ease of setup etc. Book for the 2 nights at Numbi caravan park (in Hazyview). Clean, pretty quiet and good ablutions.

It is about a half hour between Hazyview and White River. Two quick stop and goes currently.

Hotel Numbi's caravan park is a great stopover for both the Kruger and Phabeni gate. Good ablutions as mentioned and great restaurants if you do not want to unpack anything.

[JacoE]

Is entry with a caravan via the N4 and Malelane not a better idea than R40, Hazyview-Kruger Gate?

[Tom13]

Is entry with a caravan via the N4 and Malelane not a better idea than R40, Hazyview-Kruger Gate?

I just like the scenery on the R40 more. The N4 to Malelane is probably easier with a caravan but I am not a fan of all the heavy trucks on that stretch.

[CraigWatt]

https://www.kiaatcaravanpark.co.za/

Kiaat in Hazyview next door to Sanbonani is very pleasant.

[JacoE]

Safety in and past Hazyview not a concern anymore?


I recon I should either camp in Malelane or Hazyview both nights

[Tom13]

The road to avoid is the R538 between White River and Hazyview to the Numbi gate. That's the one where there have been problems in the past.

[theRéhann]

The R538 to Numbi Gate had issues in the past, but a lot (and I mean A LOT) of investment in security has changed that.

The road is safe and Numbi Gate is 38km from White River. The only thing that would put me off is the speed humps when towing.

The suggestion of staying at Numbi Hotel's caravan park is a great one. Very safe, proper security, and good food at the two hotels.

[Gungets Tuft]

The R538 to Numbi Gate had issues in the past, but a lot (and I mean A LOT) of investment in security has changed that.

The road is safe and Numbi Gate is 38km from White River. The only thing that would put me off is the speed humps when towing.

The suggestion of staying at Numbi Hotel's caravan park is a great one. Very safe, proper security, and good food at the two hotels.

In a similar position, need camping for Sunday 27th April in Nelspruit or very close, but not in Kruger because we're having a dinner in Nelspruit and will be late for gates. Or maybe a B&B with secure off street parking for car and van.

[AfricainHD]

The R538 to Numbi Gate had issues in the past, but a lot (and I mean A LOT) of investment in security has changed that.

The road is safe and Numbi Gate is 38km from White River. The only thing that would put me off is the speed humps when towing.

The suggestion of staying at Numbi Hotel's caravan park is a great one. Very safe, proper security, and good food at the two hotels.

The R40 itself is perfectly fine for a van, as mentioned on my previous post there are two short stop and goes between white river and hazyview.

You also have some decent restaurant options at Perry's Bridge in Hazyview if not braaing.

[theRéhann]

In a similar position, need camping for Sunday 27th April in Nelspruit or very close, but not in Kruger because we're having a dinner in Nelspruit and will be late for gates. Or maybe a B&B with secure off street parking for car and van.

https://anexclusiveguesthousetoo.co.za/ in Nelspruit.

Security company's control room is on the same premises.

[JacoE]

Topolino's and Kuka Cafe's food pictures is busy influencing my decision as it stand now...

[cside]

From Hazeyview it is 15kms to Numbi Gate, and 14.9kms to Phabeni Gate. I would recomend taking the road to Phabeni from Hazeyview and avoid Numbi Gate, especially if going to Skukuza. Finding a place near Whiteriver and Hazeyview should be easy enough as there are a few good quality ones (Never camped at any but heard good reports). Going between Malelane and White River is a lot of effort. The N4 can be a night mare especially around holiday times as the Mozambique traffic can be horrible, even the trucks.

[JacoE]

I don't want to start a new thread, so...

I am playing with the idea that if we finish up early enough on Saturday in Witrivier, to go and see God's Window, before we camp in Hazyview again Saturday evening. It looks like there may be enough time.
Which route is the best and condition wise from Witrivier, the google suggested R537 and R532 via Sabie or back to Hazyview via R40 and then R535 via Graskop?