Travellers seeking a little more solitude and fewer vehicles at sightings, tend to consider private lodges and camps in the Kruger National Park. It is important to realize that national parks are open to the general public, whereas private lodges and camps are more exclusive. In the bush, you generally get what you pay for so it’s always important to have a clear vision as to what you are expecting to experience during your stay.
Looking at the Kruger National Park, there are two categories of accommodation to consider. The first is rest camps that offer a range of self-catering accommodation options, and the choice of self-driving around the park or booking guided safari activities through the camp reception. The facilities are good and the accommodation is basic but comfortable. Booking a rest camp is the most affordable option in the Kruger and appeals to travellers on a specific budget.
But then there is the option of staying in privately owned lodges that are positioned within private concessions of the Kruger National Park. Looking at various three star lodges, guests can expect well-appointed bedrooms with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, a hospitality team that will attend to your needs during your stay, sumptuous meals prepared daily, and safari activities led by professional guides and trackers.
What really makes these private three star lodges and camps special is the exclusive safari experience they offer. Daily dawn and dusk game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles and explore remote areas of the park, offering incredible up-close encounters with the big five and other unique animal species. The private concessions share an unfenced border with the Kruger, allowing animals to move freely between the reserves. Game drives are generally restricted to eight to twelve people depending on the lodge or camp, and off-road driving is permitted within the private concessions. Guided walks with armed rangers are generally offered after breakfast and discover the various fauna and flora that make up this pristine wilderness.
Although private lodges and camps are more expensive than rest camps in the Kruger National Park, it is always important to consider the extra costs of meals and guided safari activities. These two elements could impact your decision when faced with the choice of a private safari experience over a self-drive.
