Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge

Balule Nature Reserve: 2 Nights

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is situated in the vast Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The emphasis here is upon close-up encounters with Africa's spectacular wildlife, from the mighty elephant, the impressive lion or the miniscule termite. Evening game drives are conducted in specially modified open Land Rovers, giving guests excellent all-round visibility, as well as the excitement of meeting Africa's Big 5 close up. The rangers are well versed in ensuring that you have a thrilling and informative safari.

The main lodge is nestled under age-old trees with a panoramic view over the bush and onto a well-frequented waterhole. The shady lawns, with chaise lounges, create a wonderful scene of tranquility.  There is also a swimming pool to relax around as well. Lunch is served under the shade of a massive Acacia tree, with the chance of seeing animals coming to drink at the waterhole at this time. In the evenings, the boma showcases a crackling log fire, where dinners are often served.

The Tranquility Lapa is situated in a quiet area of the lodge and offers relaxing massages during the day. Indulge yourself with an Aromatherapy Massage, with only the sounds of nature to provide background music.

The accommodation consists of 6 African rondavels. These typical African dwellings are round huts with characterful thatch roofs. Each rondavel has an outdoor shower for a wonderful close-to-nature experience. There is also space for an extra bed to convert each room into a triple room if required.

There are also 2 family units. Each unit has 2 rooms with an interleading door for privacy. One room has a queensize bed and the other has 2 single beds - it is possible to add an additional bed into each room too, thereby accommodating up to 6 guests. Each room has its own bathroom facilities and an al fresco shower.

The Impala Lily Suite has its own private swimming pool, indoor and outside showers, a romantic free-standing bath and nothing but unspoilt nature as a view.

Satara Rest Camp

Kruger National Park: 2 Nights

Perfectly located to give easy access to the excellent game-viewing areas of the Central Region, Satara is one of the largest camps in the Park, with open spaces, an abundance of birdlife, and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Rustic and communal, the camp borrows much of its ambience from the rugged and untamed bush in which it is located. The flat plains around Satara are scattered with large Marula and Knobthorn trees, and ambient nights are characterised by the haunting noises of fruit bats, cicadas and crickets coupled with owl calls and the roar of a lion.

Some of the most popular animals to be seen in the area are giraffe, kudu, impala, waterbuck, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, buffalo, hippo, cheetah and hyena. Satara Camp also has a firm reputation for being one of the best spots in the Park for viewing large cats. Attracted by the herds of antelope that come to graze here on the fertile plains, lion, leopard and cheetah are often spotted stalking their prey nearby the camp – a spectacular sight that you’re unlikely to forget.

Expert guides and trackers are on-hand to take guests on game drives and walks, where they can spot the Big Five, learn about the intricacies of bushveld ecology and come to grips with nature at her finest.

Accommodation options include bungalows, guest cottages, guest houses and camp sites.

Facilities at the camp include activity information at the reception area, public telephones, post box, a Wimpy restaurant, deli, shops, laundromat, filling station, communal kitchens and bathrooms, basic on-site first-aid assistance, cutlery and plate hampers (available from reception), a day visitor picnic area and boma on the perimeter of the camp, an eco information centre and amphitheatre, and a swimming pool with a children's playground. Mobile phone reception is also available, as well as limited channel access DSTV televisions in the guest houses.

Skukuza Rest Camp

Southern Kruger NP: 1 Night

The Southern region of the Kruger National Park covers about one-fifth of the total area of the Park. Several excellent drives - especially those in the general area around Lower Sabie - combine exceptional scenery with a rich mixture of game and birdlife.

Highly scenic grassy savanna is rich in zebra and giraffe, while tall acacias and ever-graceful marula trees abound and provide welcome shade for herds of kudu and impala, while dainty steenbuck also find refuge from the blistering sun. It is no wonder, with all this game, that this area is known as 'Lion Country'!  The region also has an incredibly high density of rhino - both black and white.

Skukuza is the Park's headquarters, and by far the largest and most busiest of all the camps in the Park. It is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River - a great place to look for hippos and buffalo, especially in the early morning. All of the Big 5 can readily be seen in the vicinity of Skukuza. In the camp itself, there is a population of warthog who wander around keeping the grassy areas nice and trim! 

The enormous shop is well-stocked with foodstuffs, curios and even clothing and books. The licensed restaurant serves buffet style meals, or the adjoining cafeteria is ideal if you just fancy a quick bite to eat. There are also 2 swimming pools.

Accommodation ranges from bungalows which sleep up to 3, cottages that sleep between 4 and 6, and guest houses which sleep between 8 and 12.

Perry's Bridge Hollow

Hazyview: 2 Nights

The Lowveld area around the Kruger Park is beautiful, and there are several attractions worthy of a visit during your stay in the area. The small town of Hazyview is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the surrounding area.

The self-drive Lowveld Panarama Route includes highlights such as Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Lisbon Falls, the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes.

Other activities in the area include visiting the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which focuses on the conservation of rare, vunerable or endangered animals, enjoying a morning or afternoon tour at Moholoholo (a haven for the rehabilitation and care of abandoned or injured wildlife), visiting the Shangana Cultural Village, white water rafting, or taking an early morning balloon ride over the surrounding countryside.

The Kruger National Park itself is only an hours drive away, and is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and birds, including the Big 5.

Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel is set amongst trees in the heart of the colonial Perry's Bridge Trading Post. Here, you have a choice of restaurants to dine at in the evening, and Perry's Bridge Brewery offers an afro-chic ambience where you can enjoy the locally brewed lager. The Trading Post also boasts clothing boutiques, a deli and a curio shop, and guests can also experience a night of Shangaan dance and song at the neighbouring Shangaan River Club.

The 31 spacious rooms and 3 family suites offer relaxed, yet sophisticated accommodation in a beautiful indigenous garden setting. The colonially furnished air-conditioned rooms each feature satellite television, indoor and outdoor showers, mini-safes, tea/coffee making facilities, and a private patio with Lowveld views. Time spent at the swimming pool in this beautiful garden setting is bound to leave you feeling refreshed and revived.