UNDER R500:
Tshukudu Tented Camp, Hoedspruit
Situated on a 5000 hectare private game reserve, Tshukudu Tented Camp offers an economical way to experience a safari adventure. It neighbours the Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park, and has fantastic views of the Drakensburg Mountains. Surprisingly, their accommodation is anything but sparse. There are great safari activities to enjoy, ranging from game viewing from a 4x4 safari vehicle to one-on-one encounters with rehabilitated animals.
RATES: From R410 per person sharing. This includes morning walk (of an hour and a half) and one afternoon game drive (approximately three hours) per day. A cook is available at R300 extra per day.
CONTACT: (015) 793 1884,
UNDER R1000
Falaza Game Park & Spa, Hluhluwe
One of KwaZulu-Natal’s most spectacular game reserves, Falaza Game Park and Spa is privately owned and offers an array of authentic bush experiences. Situated near to Richards Bay, it neighbours the World Heritage Site of St Lucia, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and Sodwana Bay. Accommodation takes the form of luxury tented houses, each with its own spacious dressing rooms, en-suite bathrooms and private sundecks.
RATES: From R850 per person sharing. All walks, game drives, horse rides and boat trips priced separately.
CONTACT: (015) 793 1884
UNDER R1500
K’Shani Private Game Reserve, Nelspruit
Situated just outside of Nelspruit, the K’Shani Private Game Reserve consists of 6000 acres of land housing more than 2000 head of game, including the white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and others. A five-star reserve, offers luxury to self catering accommodation and a range on outdoor activities on site, including abseiling, 4X4 self-drive routes, game drives, fishing, hiking trails and horseback riding – proving to be one of the most affordable game reserves in Mpumalanga.
RATES: From R1215 per person sharing. This includes bed, breakfast, dinner and a game drive. CONTACT: (013) 750 8100
UNDER R2000
Amakhala Game Reserve, Addo
Nestled in the Eastern Cape at the end of the Garden Route, Amakhala Game Reserve offers 7000 hectares of malaria-free game viewing as well as spectacular views of the Bushman's River. The lodges offers a host of accommodation options, which include two gracious colonial homesteads, three classic bush lodges, an historic inn and a Settler farmhouse. There are morning and sundowner safari rides to enjoy, as well as river cruises down the Bushman’s River.
RATES: From R1890 per person sharing. This includes accommodation, meals, selected drinks, and two safari activities.
CONTACT: (046) 636 2750
OVER R2000
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge, North West
On the Tweedepoort Ridge overlooking the plains and inselbergs of the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve lies the Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge. Because it’s situated near the Botswanan border, the reserve enjoys an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. Accommodation is safari chic at its best with modern finishings and décor, creating a wonderfully warm ambience. Best of all, Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge are firm supporters of ecotourism, so your stay benefits the entire community.
RATES: From R2450 per person sharing. This includes all meals, teas, coffees, game drives and return transfers to the Madikwe Airstrip
CONTACT: (015) 793 1884