The name Lake Panic was given shortly after completion of construction of the dam around 1975 when, during a massive thunderstorm, it was feared that the dam wall would give way, creating panic amongst the staff in Skukuza.
The hide is ideal for photography and large mammals like African Elephants are seen on a daily basis. There is a high incidence of Leopard sightings at Lake Panic, even during daytime! It is also a birdwatcher’s haven, with regular sightings of Grey, Purple, Striated and Goliath Heron, Malachite, Woodland and Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Thick-billed and Southern Masked Weaver and of course African Jacana. Such rarities like Western Osprey, Lesser Moorhen and African Openbill also turn up at Lake Panic every now and then.
Sometimes when one arrives at a hide it appears as if there is little movement. Yet sitting patiently for a few minutes will reveal a steady stream of activity. People who sit in a hide all day long often see much more than those who drive around searching for game. The beauty of the hide at Lake Panic is that almost anything can turn up!
We offer day trips to the Kruger Park with experienced guides with years of time spent in the Lowveld bush. Our team will pick up guests early in the morning from where they are staying, as game viewing is best before it gets too hot. Kruger Park gate times vary throughout the year, but most pick-ups will be at around 5am depending on where you are staying. We can arrange pick up from your accommodation venue in Nelspruit, Malelane, Marloth Park, Hazyview, or even from your rest camp inside Kruger if you are already in the park. We can also arrange to pick up guests at all the Kruger Park entrance gates in southern Kruger.
Your guide will focus on finding you the best of the Park, this including the majestic Big 5, different types of antelope, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodiles and many others. Your guide will also show you many different kinds of interesting local birds, like hornbills, eagles, the famous Secretarybird, colourful rollers, along with many different water birds. Learning about the trees, insects and general bush and nature around you is also on the cards. We will stop at picnic spots and rest camps throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and restroom breaks. A stop at famous Lake Panic is also guaranteed – you might even see the “resident” Leopard!
Depending on your personal preferences and budget, we can customise a day safari that meets all your requirements. To get more information about this trip or to enquire about a personalised Kruger day trip, get on touch with our expert team at info@naturetravelkruger.com and have a look at our Kruger Day Trip for more information.
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