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Kruger Get-Out Point: Ratelpan River Hide

The area between the Satara and Olifants camps in the Kruger National Park is known for its rhino, cheetah and lion – and it also has one of the best river hides in the enitre park.

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The Ratelpan river hide, which overlooks the Timbavati River, is located on the S39, just a few kilometers from the Timbavati picnic spot. In my experience, the S39 is a relatively quiet road – you often have it all to yourself – and the game viewing it affords is very good.

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Like the road, the river hide is usually empty – proceed gingerly from your car to the entrance (looking out for baboons), and then just sit and soak up the sounds of the riverine bush. Hippos are often seen at Ratelpan, along with their nemeses the crocs, and often in great numbers – I count half a dozen of the latter in this post’s first pic.