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Predators

It is difficult and unpredictable to find predators around Letaba. Certain roads may be great for leopards, such as the S46 and S47 along the Letaba River, for instance, but the sightings are inconsistent. Lions are often found on the S62, but the H9 is probably your best bet. Drive it early morning all the way to Phalaborwa Gate, but take the S51 loop on the western tip. Lions are often found near Sable Dam. Your best bet for cheetah is north of Letaba on the
H1-6 south, near Middelvlei Waterhole where it is very open.

Elephants and rhinos

Letaba is located in elephant country. There is no best elephant road in the area, but I have had very memorable sightings on the H1-6 south, just north of the camp. You should see elephants on the S46, S47 and S94. Also look for them in the Letaba riverbed when you have lunch at the cafeteria. Rhinos are not common, but may be seen on the H1-6 south and H15.

Zebras and giraffes

Zebras are common just north of Letaba on the H1-6 south. This area is very open and ideal for plains game such as zebra and blue wildebeest; impalas are generally found in the same area. Your best bet for giraffe is probably on the S131 gravel road, or to drive south to Olifants and search on the S89, S91 and S92 between Olifants and Balule camps. This is an excellent area for both zebra and giraffe.

Buffaloes

Letaba is also excellent buffalo country! I can't remember having driven the H9 without seeing at least one herd of buffaloes. On many occasions, I have found big herds on the H9, sometimes numbering over 500! They are also common on the H1-6 south and can be seen on most roads around Letaba. On some days you will find them drinking, feeding or resting in the riverbed in front of camp.

Scenery

I think the S46 is the most scenic road near Letaba; it runs on the bank of the Letaba River and gives you some incredible views over the riverbed. You are much closer to the water than on many other, higher river roads. A few gravel loops take you even closer to the bank! Some would argue that the S47 or even the short S95 are just as beautiful…

Birds

Birdwatchers will love the Letaba region! I always search for yellow-billed oxpeckers when I find a large herd of buffaloes on the H9. Also look out for raptors like the martial eagle when you drive through the forest-like area of the S94, just outside camp. On the S46 you might see great egret and goliath heron, along with a multitude of other waterbirds. Also look for bat hawks in front of camp or at the bridge over the Letaba River on the H1-6 south.