Mid July I was offered the great opportunity to visit the Greater Kruger on a site inspection. It allowed me a better insight into the area, the style of the various lodges, as well as driving distances and times. Besides an exhausting schedule, staying at a different lodge each night, I had an unforgettable time, experiencing everything from the more basic tented accommodation, offering a truly authentic bush experience, to top luxury accommodation of greatest comfort.

Starting in Johannesburg I traveled via the Panorama route to Savanna game reserve in the prestigious Sabi Sands. This luxury camp offers accommodation in rooms with a tented feel, giving it a very cozy and romantic atmosphere. Savanna stood out because of the extremely friendly and accommodating staff. Patrick our ranger made our game drive not only interesting but also fun and entertaining, and thanks to his amazing bush knowledge and ability to track animals we ticked off the “Big Five” in just two game drives.

My next stop was Singita game reserve, also in the Sabi Sands and just a few kilometers to the east of Savanna.  Singita is definitely the right place for those looking for the ultimate in luxury, privacy and exclusivity - both lodges here, Boulders and Ebony, are truly mind blowing! The rooms have great views and are equipped with everything you could possibly wish for. After just 10 minutes in the room we spotted some buffalo’s in the riverbed below, so you don’t even have to go on a game drive here to be treated to great sightings.

My journey then took me north to the Manyeleti private game reserve and Honeyguide, which offered a completely different experience to any of the other lodges. The tented accommodation on raised platforms is more basic, but this is without a doubt the place that offers you the most authentic bush experience of all. The lodge has a fantastic feel to it, with everything being more relaxed and life at “African bush pace” adding to the wonderful bush experience that awaits you here.

From the Manyeleti I traveled north again to Motswari in the Timbavati reserve. This was another lodge that exceeded my expectations. The warm welcome, friendly staff and very homely atmosphere of Motswari made me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped into the lodge. Our very knowledgeable ranger, Godfrey, was truly amazing and offered us the best game experience that week – a pride of lions with cubs playing and drinking at a water hole.

Going south, but staying within the Timbavati reserve I continued to Tanda Tula, renowned as the most luxurious tented camp in South Africa. Here the accommodation was so inviting and comfortable that I could have spend the rest of the afternoon right there. The food and service was absolutely amazing, making it ideal for honeymoon couples or those looking for luxury without sacrificing proximity to nature.

My last stop took me out of the Greater Kruger and a 2 hour drive north to the greater Makalali conservancy. Garonga was the perfect way to end an amazing week. The lodge is unique in its way and perfectly combines a relaxing bush experience with game viewing. I loved the fact that the lodge offers different private venues for dinner, has spa facilities, and offers other extras like a sleep out under the stars and a bush bath making it ideal for honeymoons or anyone who wants to unwind in an unhurried safari environment.

My recent visit has reinforced my belief that the private lodges of the Kruger are unique and special.  I can not think of any where else in Africa where you will have such a good chance of seeing all of the ‘Big Five’ up close, and in a truly wild setting.

Note:  For any of you who may have the impression that a Kruger safari is a ‘soft’ option click here to see some U-Tube footage recently taken in the Kruger.  Amazing!

Contact andrea@hiddenvintage.com for a tailor made itinerary including a safari in the Greater Kruger.

Last chance to make the most of South Africa’s off season specials including:

3 Nights for the Price of 2:
The Elephant House, Addo Elephant National Park.  Valid until 30 Sept.
Jatinga Country Lodge, Mpumalanga.  Valid until 30 September

 
4 Nights for the Price of 3
River Manor, Stellenbosch.  Valid until 30 Sept.
Tsala Treetop lodge (Plettenberg Bay) when combined with Gorah (Addo Elephant National Park).  Valid until 15 Sept.

Value Added Specials
Complimentary bottles of wine, dinners, massages, picnics, oysters, game drives and reduced prices on our Sizzling Special Offers pages.

 
5 Rivers Safari Special
For those of you looking for value from December through to March contact us for info on the 5 Rivers Safari Special in Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi strip.  Authentic, independently owned and managed safari lodges at only US$325 / person / night.

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