The Kruger National Park may be on everyone’s bucket list but sometime the cash doesn’t quite fill the bucket enough to let you stay there. Spring is here, the animals are out and the plants of the Kruger are in full bloom and we think everyone should get a chance to see it. Here are the top ten places to stay just outside the Kruger for under R400 per night. Gates open at around 5:30am but there is no need to rush as these places are only a short drive from the park. Just remember not to get locked in as gates close around 6 pm (for precise gate times visit the sanparks website).
Sorabi Rock Lodge – R390 per person
Located in a private game park, this lodge is designed to envelope the natural rock and the interiors’ earthy tones reflect this theme. Game drives, river rafting and the Drakensberg make this an exciting place to stay. Share a self-catering chalet for two or four, then head to the nearest gate into the Kruger found in Phalaborwa. Click here to book.
Somersveugde Guest House – R350 p/p
Somersvreugde (the joy of summer) is a six bedroom guest house in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld, 50 kilometres from the Kruger National Park. All rooms are en-suite and the house sleeps a total of 16 guests. All rooms have a bar fridge, DStv, Coffee/Tea facilities, hair dryer, current magazines, fresh bath towels and white linen. Click here to book.
Blypek – R275 p/p
A three-bedroom thatched hideaway part of the Blyde River Botannical Reserve. With the river flowing in the backgorund, mountain peaks and natural lowveld habitat it is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. It is fully equipped for self-catering and only a short drive from the nearby gates into the Kruger such as Paul Kruger, Phabeni and Numbi Gates. Click here to book.
Lyttle Irving – R245 p/p
Converted from original horse stables, each unit leads off a Provençal, manicured courtyard and all feature a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom with either a bath or shower. A private barbecue area is provided, and for convenience, and your larder is pre-stocked. The nearest gates into the Kruger are the Phabeni and Numbi Gates. Click here to book.
Stoep Cafe – R300 p/p
The perfect place to stay while taking day trips into the Kruger, you can stay in either the house (sleeps twelve) or the chalets (sleeps four). Self-catering with all the amenities of home as well as a small garden with a place to braai. It is located in Komantipoort just before the border with Mozambique and only a short drive from Crocodile Bridge Gate into the Kruger. Click here to book.
Marula Wildlife Lodge 624 – R391 p/p
A luxury self-catering bushveld house in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. The animals roam freely around the lodges: buffalo, various antelope, warthogs, hyenas, beautiful birds and giraffe. You can often sit right on the patio and take pictures of the animals. A waterhole and elevated hide are just a few roads down from the lodge Gwarrie road. The nearest gates to the Kruger are the Orpen and Phalaborwa Gates. Click here to book.
Call of Africa – R300 p/p
A spacious guest house located in a private game reserve, immersed in the African bush. The viewing deck overlooks the Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, and the garden has a private swimming pool ideal for relaxing. A safari vehicle for up to 11 passengers is also available. Only 15 minutes from Crocodile Bridge Gate and 40 minutes from Malelane Gate. Click here to book.
Mallard Cottage – R315 p/p
The cottage has two beautifully appointed bedrooms, both have a sitting area. Outside in your private garden relax enjoying a drink or a leisurely meal while watching the birdlife in your private area of the garden and around the dam. Watch the zebras, blesbok, impala and mongoose playing in the veldt or wake up to the call of the fish eagle. The nearest entry to the Kruger is Phalaborwa Gate. Click here to book.
Big 5 Kruger Safari Lodge – R280 p/p
A truly beautiful lodge, fully equipped for self-catering and accommodating up to 21 people in luxury and comfort. Expect regular visits from wild animals such as warthogs, zebras and giraffes who roam around the property and can be viewed up close from the comfort of the lodge. Enter the Kruger through nearby Crocodile Bridge Gate. Click here to book.
Bezuidenhout B&B – R275 p/p
Warm and friendly hospitality in tastefully furnished rooms located a mere 6 km from the Kruger National Park. All rooms are en-suite and feature air-conditioning, minibars and complementary coffee and tea. Click here to book.
