The Kruger is a popular safari destination because of its diverse landscape that allows for various fauna and flora to flourish. The two million hectare park is home to as many as 147 mammal species and over 500 species of birds. When visiting the Kruger, one is always faced with a decision between staying inside the park or outside in one of the lodges or hotels. The biggest benefits of staying in the park is experiencing that feeling of being isolated and enjoying early morning and evening game drives.
Going on safari can be very expensive but not if you consider self-catering rest camps or one of these affordable 3-star luxury lodges in the Kruger:
Mjejane River Lodge
Set on the banks of the Crocodile River in the private Mjejane Game Reserve, which forms part of the southern Kruger Park, is the exclusive Mjejane River Lodge.
Mjejane River Lodge boasts breathtaking river views and provides access to the Kruger Park by bridge over the Crocodile River.
Mjejanes has 17 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, tea & coffee stations, mini bar fridges and private patios that look onto the river.
The lodge facilities include a lounge and dining area, sparkling swimming pool, internet access, outdoor boma, and conference center.
The southernmost region of the Kruger is well-known for its incredible game viewing. One is likely to see the Big Five during their stay, along with other unique species such as cheetah, hippo and wild dogs.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is a small privately owned and run lodge that nestles in the 65 000 hectare private Sabi Sands Game Reserve, forming part of the greater Kruger.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge boasts 10 rooms, each with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, mosquito netting, air conditioning and patios overlooking the bushveld.
The lodge facilities include a lounge area, dining area, bar, pool deck with a swimming pool, and an outdoor boma.
The Sabi Sands is a great place to spot the Big Five and affords one the opportunity to enjoy off-road game drives and bush walks. Night drives allow one to view those animals that are most active at night.
Nkambeni Safari Camp
The eco-friendly Nkambeni Safari Camp is located close to the Kruger’s Numbi Gate and boasts 150 beautiful timber and canvas suites on stilts.
Each suite boasts comfortable twin beds, bunk beds, an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities
The facilities are exceptional and include a large dining area that overlooks the bushveld, a bar, lounge area, swimming pool, two outdoor bomas and a gift shop.
Nkambeni offers a wide range of activities, including early morning and afternoon open vehicle game drives within the private concession , guided bush walks, visits to the local community, traditional African dancing shows, tours along the Panorama Route, elephant encounters, visits to the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden and golf.
