Guest reviews for Tsendze Rustic Campsite

Kruger Balm

"Our son has just finished his engineering degree and wanted to take a few days off to unwind and think about his future. "Where shall we go Dad?" was his question, to which there could only be one reply - Kruger!
We got into the Tsendze Rustic camp without a hassle and had a good time before our trip gathering all the necessary camping gear together. Anticipation is always a feature in trips to the Park, as is the great moment when one is ushered through the entrance gate at the point of entry.
On our way up to Tsendze we saw lions in the river bed close to Skukuza, elephants by the dozen and then something special - a mother leopard strolling obligingly along the road towards us with 2 of the most gorgeous cubs. Later in the day we saw another leopard relaxing in a tree, so we were treated to an unusually fine first day's sightings.
Tsendze is relatively unknown, but for those who like camping and don't mind the trip to the northern part of the Park, it is unbeatable in terms of peace, atmosphere and a calling to return.
Our most pleasant surprise at Tsendze was a personal visit on the evening of our arrival by Elina, a Park official, just to bid us a very friendly welcome and to wish us a pleasant stay.
We travelled around the Tsendze, Mopani and Shingwedzi areas for 3 days, and although we didn't see too much out of the ordinary, we were quite content exploring the quiet sand back roads and soaking up the warm sunshine.
Each evening was spent chatting under a wonderful canopy of stars, with a piece of meat on the braai and a beverage in the hand.
Except for a surly cashier at the Skukuza shop, we experienced only friendliness and helpfulness by Kruger staff.
Our son has not settled on a job yet, but the few days in Kruger was a gift which allowed us to connect and chat about his future, it gave us the chance to realize again what a very special part of God's creation the Kruger is, and it gave us the confidence to say that the Kruger seems to be doing well."


- John Roux (SA) Guest sightings:

tsendze

"At the camp it was o.k except for no hot water in the showers. The rest was o.k"


- JAN oosthuizen (shout africa) Guest sightings:

positive critcism

"In our view Kruger is still one of the best game parks to visit anywhere in the world, and we have seen a few, BUT...
There are small things that need to be addressed which will make it even better and keep the existing standards in place!
Here are a few items to ponder on ;
1. Phalaborwa has a new entrance/exit gate which looks very nice indeed but,
1.1 The ablutions were filthy on entrance and exit three days later. Furtehrmore their was no soap or towels available on both occasions!
1.2 The ablutions, despite the renevations, have not been adapted or changed to accommodate disabled people. See steps to enter with no ramp or even a railing for fragile or invalid persons.
1.3 Once again, dispite the upgrade the parking areas do not cater for cars with caravan's or trailers, and
2. Our biggest problem is with individuals speeding along the main routes. We specifically made a point to find out who these speedsters are, as they have no respect whatsoever when you do a citing or take pictures.
In my view the culprits are mainly parks personel or vehicles making deliviries.
The reason why i make the above statement is that, in our case, none of the speedsters had any interest in the bush whatsoever, and were only interested in getting from point A to B! It was also noticeable that in none of the cases was their any sign of camping equipment oe other types of luggage normally assosiated with such a trip. PLEASE DO SOMETHING !
3. On a more positive note thanks for the routes that we may use with 4x4 vehicles that have been opened for the public. Gets you of the "busy" main routes!
4. Lastly, please complement the team that looks after Tzendze camp, as they were really outstanding!

Trusting that this input will be of use to the park.

Kind regards"


- dick de bruyn (rsa) Guest sightings: