When planning a safari holiday in the Kruger, it often boils down to affordability and we may find ourselves looking at self catering options rather than the more luxurious lodges within the park. The self-catering camps are most certainly comfortable but sometimes we really just want to spoil ourselves with a carefree holiday that has a little more luxury, less meal planning, and more activities.
There are some three star lodges in the Kruger National Park that are affordable and do in fact include meals and safari activities in their accommodation rates.
Mjejane River Lodge is one of those top 3 star affordable lodges in the Kruger National Park – nestled on the banks of the Crocodile River in the exclusive Mjejane Game Reserve. All fences between the Mjejane Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park were removed so that the animals could move freely. With only seventeen rooms, Mjejane River Lodge offers a relatively private safari experience. Every room has an en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, tea & coffee station, mini bar fridge, and a private patio overlooking the serene Crocodile River and the beautifully manicured gardens. Mjejane also offers its guests an incredible boma dinner experience beneath a canopy of stars and a local African dance group perform at a nominal cost. Game drives in the private Mjejane Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park are included during your stay. Night drives in the private reserve offer the opportunity to spot nocturnal species, affording a truly unforgettable safari experience.
Nkambeni Safari Camp is a lesser known camp that is positioned within a private concession and most certainly one of the top 3 star affordable lodges in the Kruger National Park. Nkambeni boasts 150 opulent timber and canvas tented suites with an en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a coffee making station. The facilities at Nkambeni are first class, including a large dining area, a bar area, lounge, swimming pool, boma area for evening braais, and a curio shop. Activities on offer at Nkambeni include morning, afternoon and full day game drives, night game drives, bush dining experiences, bush walks on the private concession, traditional African entertainment, and visits to local community projects.
The solar-powered Tangala Safari Camp nestles in the world renowned Thornybush Game Reserve which forms part of the greater Kruger Park. Considered to be one of the top 3 star affordable lodges in the Kruger National Park, this camp offers a very romantic and relaxed atmosphere, featuring four well-appointed chalets and six luxury tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and twin beds draped with mosquito netting. The facilities include an open air dining area, lounge, boma, bar, and swimming pool which all look onto a waterhole that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Dawn and dush game drives offer up-close encounters with the famous big five and other incredible species.
