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By Enid Mathieson

Commercial Project Manager


WIN 7 nights in the wild and luxury of the Greater Kruger valued at R73 000!

One lucky reader stands a chance to WIN a travel package of 7 nights in the wild worth more than R73,000!


Competition is NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to our winner:

  1. Gunther Botes

Naledi Bush Lodge

1-night stay for 2 people valued at R11,790

Located in Balule Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, Naledi Game Lodge offers its exclusive Bush Lodge, with four secluded suites set in the atmospheric bushveld; overlooking a dry river bed. From Bush Lodge’s high viewing deck, you’ll gaze across rugged bushveld to an elephant-enticing waterhole, and onward to the “Blue Mountains” of the Drakensberg.

A perfect place to experience the big five with our guides and trackers, in open safari vehicles, guided bushwalks, and time to sit and enjoy the African bush in one of our Hides. Or, you could simply relax by the pool and enjoy the subtle fragrances of the bushveld, the sensation of dappled African sunlight on one’s skin, and moments of deep silence punctuated only by calls of the wild.

Among Naledi Bush Lodge’s many charms is the variety and flexibility of our idyllic accommodation. Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a trio of travelling companions, or a family group with grandparents and young children, Naledi will have the ideal suite (or combination of suites) for you.

We strive to be flexible in accordance with your needs, and will be delighted to assist you in selecting a suite – or indeed any combination of suites – that will maximise the comfort and luxury experience of your stay with us.

Naledi Game Lodge founder, Kjell Bismeyer, still oversees daily operations, and his team’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and cuisine has repeatedly seen Naledi win the highest certifications from Booking.com and Trip Advisor. Naledi is also an African Continent Winner and Global Winner in the Luxury Safari Retreat category of the annual World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Naledi Bush Lodge provides reliable cell phone coverage plus free Wi-Fi throughout the Lodge, and all suites include an en suite bathroom, full air-conditioning, plentiful bottled water (at no additional charge), insect netting, and complimentary tea / coffee making facilities. All Covid Protocols are strictly adhered to and all staff members are fully vaccinated.

Visit naledigamelodge.com for more info.

Naledi Balule (@naledigamelodge) • Instagram photos and videos

https://www.facebook.com/Naledigamelodge

Xanatseni Private Camp

2-night stay for 2 people valued at R16,700

Xanatseni Private Camp is located in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, and consists of 5 luxury en-suite rooms with open views onto the watering hole and bushveld.  Xanatseni also has a Tseni two-bedroom family suite which can be booked out as a villa option offering a private guide and vehicle. 

Within the main area of Xanatseni, you will find a lovely swimming pool, bar, main dining area as well as a bush boma perfect to enjoy pre-dinner drinks. Should you wish to sweat it out during your safari stay, there is a gym available to all guests.

Game viewing at Xanatseni is conducted in an open vehicle and provides guests with the opportunities of seeing a myriad of wild animals including, but not limited to, the big 5 and a vast number of bird species. Come and enjoy a safari holiday, after which you will leave and feel like family!

Visit Xanatseni.co.za for more info.

Pafuri Tented Camp

1-night stay for 2 people valued at R13,500

Situated between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, the 26 500-hectare Makuleke Contractual Park is the meeting point of a multitude of habitats, resulting in a region of extraordinary scenic beauty and biodiversity. The concession is by far the most diverse within the whole of Kruger with almost three quarters of the Park’s bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, and tree species being found here.

The area has also long been regarded a destination of choice for southern African birdwatchers. Pafuri Tented Camp is positioned along the Luvuvhu River, shaded by the giant trees that overhang the camp, shrouded in history and incredible biodiversity of the region, offering guests an immersive experience different to any traditional safari location.

Visit returnafrica.com for more info.

Moditlo River Lodge

1-night stay for 2 people valued at R12,600

Moditlo Private Game Reserve offers a distinctive and luxurious Big Five safari experience for local and international travellers alike.

The main lodge at Moditlo is a structure of warm, natural wood and thatch with ample verandas that wrap around dining and entertainment areas. Here, you will find a crystal-clear swimming pool, restaurant, curio shop, communal lounges, and a bar. Specifically designed to maintain the surrounds that the lodge humbly inhabits, the structure immerses into nature and welcomes you to do the same.

Luxurious bedrooms allow for relaxation in understated elegance with white Percale linen, gentle air-conditioning, and utter privacy. The spacious rooms are a perfect retreat for an undisturbed evening slumber and the private decks are an ideal setting for everything from a morning coffee to an evening nightcap – all while enjoying uninterrupted views of the African bush.

Days at Moditlo are spent lounging next to the pool, enjoying mouth-watering meals and excellent wines, and soaking in the bliss of the African Bushveld.

The highlight of your stay is guaranteed to be your daily game drive with the excellent team of nature guides and trackers who will help you encounter the extraordinary animals of Africa in an intimate setting. The guides at Moditlo have been hand-picked for their vast knowledge of the area and its animals and will enrich your mind by sharing their experience.

Should you wish to deeply relax, the Moditlo Spa is the perfect place to refresh and recuperate. Here, the tranquil sounds of the bush and enriching African ingredients will sooth and revive your body and soul.

Moditlo is the ideal breakaway from the rushed nature of everyday life. Here, life slows down, and the focus is shifted to the simpler things in life: rest, nature and good food and wine. What more do you need?

Visit moditlo.com for more info.

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

1-night stay for 2 people valued at R14,400

Experience responsible, eco-conscious tourism, affordable accommodation, and staggering biodiversity, including the highly publicised big five. Enjoy our relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and let us show you Africa’s heartbeat.

Rhino Post Safari Lodge, situated 30km from Skukuza in the Kruger National Park borders the famous MalaMala Game Reserve. Twice daily, on road, game drives conducted on both the private concession and in the Kruger Park offer excellent game viewing.

Set on the banks of a riverbed this 16 bed lodge has 8 canvas, wood and thatch bush suites carefully positioned with impressive views of the riverbed from the bathroom, outdoor shower and patio deck.

On our doorstep, a mere 30 minute drive from Rhino Post, is Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris, from where exclusive walking safaris are conducted. The ultimate safari experience has got to be discovering nature on a walking trail.  Plains Camp, on the only officially declared wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park was established specifically to provide this unique and exciting experience. Plains Camp’s focus is on exploring the 12 000 hectares of unspoilt reserve allocated for our exclusive use on foot, with short game drives to finish off afternoon walks. Our trails’ guides are highly qualified and experienced conservationists.

This respect is reflected in the camp itself, a shady tented haven which nestles under a thicket of knobthorn trees, overlooking the Timbetene Plain and waterhole. The décor is reminiscent of a bygone era of luxury, with authentic antiques and the finest white linens.  With only four en-suite tents, the ambience and service is personal and intimate.  For the adventurous, a walk to the Sleepout Decks can be booked, where the guide cooks a traditional South African “braai” over an open fire, and the night is spent under the stars listening to the night sounds so far removed from civilisation.

Visit rhinopostsafarilodge.co.za for more info.

The Zarafa

1-night stay for 2 people valued at R6,500

The Zarafa is the ideal sanctuary for those who seek the balance of mind, body, and soul in the comfort of modern luxury while enjoying classic Thai and Balinese touches around every corner. Enjoy warm African hospitality in Asian luxury with world-class service. Our spacious one-bedroom villas are decorated in a Thai-Balinese style featuring four poster beds with mosquito nets. Each villa has a separate lounge with flatscreen TV and DStv. All bedrooms are airconditioned. Each villa has a private infinity edge swimming pool with panoramic mountain views. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner in their private teak and coconut wood gazebo overlooking the pool, valley and mountains. 

The Zarafa’s restaurant sits beautifully in an elevated position with breathtaking views over the Sabie valley. With a selection of delicious dishes inspired by local favourites and Asian flavours, Zarafa is ideal for a relaxing lunch or a romantic dinner for two. Savour unique flavours in the privacy of your own villa with our in-villa dining service. Cherish an intimate dinner for two in the comfort of your own villa, with the beautiful setting of mountain views, magical stars and surprises. The Zarafa offers a host of attractions on our doorstep.

From a safari in the Kruger Park to a day trip along the Panorama Route and from African cultural experiences to adrenaline-inducing adventure activities – there is so much to see and do in the area. The Zarafa is situated in a region known for its beautiful scenery and prolific wildlife. Nearby attractions include the spectacular scenery of God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pilgrim’s Rest, the Blyde River Canyon and of course the Kruger National Park – South Africa’s largest game reserve with its abundance of wildlife including the Big 5.

Visit thezarafa.co.za for more info.

Competition closes Sunday, 27 February 2022 at midnight.

Ts&Cs apply. Competition will run online and in print. By entering the competition, you accept The Citizen’s standard terms and conditionsPremium members get an automatic entry to all citizen.co.za competitions.

*Additional Ts & Cs:

  • All travel expenses will be for the winner’s own account including flights, car hire, Uber, etc.

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Kruger National Park (KNP)

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