SANParks.org Forums

Internet cafe at Skukuza, otherewise "no" to the other camps you mention.

Hi to all,

I have found that the internet cafe's internet is Very slow. Most of the camps have 3G signal, so a dongle would work just fine.

Willie

I went with the dongle and, while it wasn't a fast connection, we could get online just fine. To save on bandwidth, save the mobile or low bandwidth links to your email, facebook, etc.

Shame 3Ds, I think that MTN doesn't have nearly as good KNP coverage as Vodacom.

I'll second that Arks.

I have taken my Vodacom Dongle to Kruger for the last 7 years, and have always had internet connection in the main camps.

At Skuks, you get 3G and a good signal, and at the other camps you get 2G, which is slow......but heck I'm in the park to see the wildlife. I just like to say "hi" on the forums, and send an occasional email to our kids!!

I could not upload photos to Flickr last year even at Skuks, but otherwise no probs.

A dongle is a wireless USB stick modem thingy you plug into your laptop.

My USB modem (dongle) has a vodacom SIM card in it.

I use "pay as you go" (prepaid) so I buy a data bundle and load that onto the SIM card.

Wilddog.prg the word started here.



The Aussies call a "plug and play usb modem" a dongle.

Wilddog.prg I think any modem(if modem is in proper working order) will work with vodacom sim card.

The "dongle" being discussed is more like the Australians name it than a true dongle.
A dongle is usually supplied with a purchased program for a computer and is a method of preventing piracy as the program will not run without the dongle.
Electronically the dongle supplies a code that allows the program to run.

The device being discussed (sorry I do not know it's proper name as I have never used one) is very similar to a cell phone but without a keyboard or display.
It's sole purpose is to interface a computer with the cellular network for data traffic so it is the equivalent of the Modem used at home to connect to a telephone / ADSL line.
Hope this helps a little.

For myself I use a MTN phone in the park and have a pay as you go MTN phone in my car using the car's outside aerial.
The car usually has reception for more than 50% of the time (including trips to Crook's Corner) whereas the phones have signal for about 20% of the time.
Around and in Skukuza we get a full signal and have also used Internet, both with the 3G capability of the phone and with the WiFi signal on a lap top.

This is a typical "Dongle"
It just fits into a USB outlet in your computer.
I wouldn't be without mine!!!

Here's what I did, coming from America.

I have a iphone 4s.
I made sure it was unlocked by my US carrier (Verizon).
I emailed the Vodacom store at the JNB airport, and they sent a link to order a data SIM card.
I picked up the SIM card after arriving.
The guy at Vodacom said my phone wasn't unlocked and that it wouldn't work.
This was really frustrating to me.

But when I got to Berg en Dal, my husband looked at my phone.
It was registered with Vodacom and worked just fine as a hot spot.
It was super slow compared to at home, but worked ok for checking email and posting on Facebook.

So if the Vodacom store tells you that your phone isn't unlocked - and you think it is - don't give up.
I think it is helpful to turn your phone off and then back on to get it to recognize the Vodacom SIM card.

Good luck!

This doesn`t sound too complicated at all! We`re also looking for a sim card + some sort of "internet access package" for our cellphone when we come to SA. Can you please share the e-mail address to the Vodacom store at JNB airport + link to order the data sim card (or pm me, please)?

Safarigirl

+27 11 3903362Fax: +27 86 554 9580email: jiamanager@Cellucity.co.za
Vodashop: O R Tambo Intl. Airport
Main Arrivals Hall
Tel: +27 11 394 8834Fax: +27 11 390 2020email: polo@cellucity.co.za
OR Tambo Domestic Arrivals
2nd floor Main International Arrivals Terminal
Tel: +27 11 390 3287Fax: +27 11 390 1834email: Nicholson@cellucity.co.za

Not sure if any of those would help Safarigirl.

Hi JeanniR

Please read here :

For those of you who have picked up phones/cards/dongles/??? at the Vodafone store at JNB, can you give me an idea as to how long it takes.
We are going to be on a very tight schedule with the plane landing at 9am and then our flight to MQP 2 hours later.
I am freaking out that the plane might be late, or custom lines long, or ???.
I am concerned about just getting from International section to the National section and getting to Kruger ASAP.
I don't think that I will have time to run into the Vodaphone store.
I want to get one of the dongle thingies.
If I fill out the paper work in advance, and email it to them, how long would you estimate it would take???

On our last trip, there was an MTN store at the Mpumalanga airport, but I don't think it is there anymore - Anyone know???
We rented a phone from them.
Do they have the dongle thingies???
Their website says there is a store in Malelane - has anyone dealt with them?
Is reception much better with Vodaphone???

We will need a phone for emergencies and I would love to have occasional internet access. (My US phone will not work in SA).
One time, we got our phone through Avis when we picked up the rental car and it was really easy.
On our last trip, they didn't seem to know anything about such things.

Thanks. Getting excited. Can't breathe.
Sorry if this is too many questions!
This time....Kruger from April 10 - May 21!!!! Be still my heart
Biyamiti > Lower Sabie > Skukuza > Satara > Olifants > Letaba > Bateleur > Punda Maria > Mopani > Satara > Skukuza > Lower Sabie > Biyamiti