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We have 9 nights reserved at Kruger this September, starting at Lower Sabie, then Berg en Dal, Bushman's wilderness trail, then Satara and finishing up at Olifants.
We have a little bit of time beforehand, and thought about a couple of days at one of the private lodges, but NOT one of the super expensive ones.

We will probably fly into and out of Hoedspruit and rent a car there, so I am interested in knowing which lodges would be simple to drive to and would give us a little experience in game sighting before we set off on our own.
A nice bed and good food would be welcome also, but we really do not want to spend the Mala Mala or Singita kind of money.

If I could offer advice it would be to rather stay in one of the bushveld camps in KNP and my reasoning will be that the private reserves generally tailor sightings to suite the customer (they have spotters out who are in radio contact with the game drive vehicles) and the money wasted on the rental car while you are at a private reserve (one cannot drive with your own vehicle within these private reserves except to just get there) could be better spent in KNP .
I would also consider Rhino Walking Safaris , a concession holder within the KNP borders who offers walking trails with a touch of luxury at a relatively affordable tariff.

Have a look at these lodges. They are in Kruger proper, so a very short drive, probably cheaper, and offer real luxury.

Hi,
Has anyone stayed at either of these places in Kruger?
If so, what is your thoughts on the place(s)?

Is it too far to drive in one day from Mopani Rest Camp to Imbali?

Thanks!

SANParks relies on income from the private concession areas within the parks.
As information about them is listed on this website, if people are looking for that type of accommodation, it would be preferable to encourage them to visit one of the concessions within SANParks.

Hi,

Has anybody been to Imbali Safari Lodge in the Kruger before.

If you have, what is it like?

Thanks,

Samantha

I can give you a good rundown - stayed there in January.

The rooms are magnificent - just find a way to switch the jacuzzi off in the evening before you go to bed.
I found that quite was better than the hum of the pump

The people there were great but the service from the Restaurant staff was poor.
Quality of Food was great despite the fact that we could not get a proper breakfast on the last day.

When we were there it rained - but we were given really good Ponchos on the drive - when we were there the Landies did not go off road -
I believe that they are allowed to do so in their concession area.
Saw some fantastic sightings

I had a problem with the fact that a notice in the room advised not to drink the tap water - but they charged for drinking water - if you can't drink the tap water they must supply water free of charge. (Water is critical - so check that out.

We had some good viewing despite the rain - even had an elephant come right up to the deck to drink water out of the pool.

Enjoy it and let us have your comments when you get back.

I stayed at Imbali and Hoyo-Hoyo a couple of years ago and the guides went off road on the game drives which I felt was very strange.

The accommodation is fantastic, so to the service.

Anybody visited Pafuri private camp?
How did you like it?

Hi not sure which came you are referring to, but if its the one om the Northern Bank of the Luvuvu close to Pafuri,
I was fortunate enough to stay there for 3 nights.
Saw some interesting game as well.
Some of the scenery in the Makuleke concession is the best I have ever seen, like the Fever Tree forests and large baobabs to spectacular views of Lanner Gorge etc and walking in the Limpopo down to Crooks Corner.
Its worth a once off visit for sure if you have the money.
I luckily got to go for free.
The area is great for Thicktailed Bushbaby, Bushpig, a large herd of Eland,
many birds, including Pels and Gorgeous Bushshrike and many more.

I've done Imbali and Tinga before and trust me after a few days of lazing around it can get very boring. The only time you go out is with guided drives.

I have been to both Tinga and Imbali Lodge.

Most definitely Tinga Lodge, the only thing about Tinga they do not allow children.
If you want to spoil yourself, go to Tinga.
We landed at The Skukuza landing strip and where welcomed with Biltong, snacks, drinks the works,
We saw the big 5 in the first day.
The Luxury units are very private and the quality of the finishes outstanding,........it brings back to much memories .
they treat you like a king, in the mornings before going on a game drive you get Rusks, Coffee or tea, we made a joke with the staff and told them we want a chocolate cake, and the next morning we got one, awesome service.

Imbali is also good. if i can rate the rooms, i will give Tinga 10/10 and Imbali 7/10.

Even the Dining, lounge reception for Tinga is better.

If i had the money i will Go to Tinga every time. they are the best.

Hope this help.

Punda Maria is and it makes an excellent day trip to Pafuri. Great atmosphere, great trees, great birds, lots of Nyala, elephant, kudu etc. Visit Thulamela while you are there.

All in all, one of my favourite parts of the KNP.

Can recommend the Thulamela Walk
lp

Lovely up market and very smart camp. lovely deck overlooking a lot of water and birds. In close proxcimity to most major attraction found in the north. Beautifull big trees in and around camp.