Candace_c

For the past several years we have spent the early summer south of Nelspruit, South Africa, at the wonderful Tomjachu Game and Nature Reserve. This year, we planned to go from about Nov. 1 to Dec. 9. Unfortunately, the owner of the reserve has booked the whole place for his own guests from Nov. 6 to the 18th.

We are now wondering what other alternatives we could consider.

1. Tomjachu is self-catering and charges about R700 per day for both of us for a two-bedroom cottage.

2. We have a car in SA (a 1990 Opel Kadet, but it runs!).

3. We have business activities to tend to in Nelspruit but we could be gone for a week or so with no problem.

4. We have a bunch of frequent flyer miles on SAA.

5. Birds are a must.

Any advice about accommodations roughly in this price range would be welcome.

Candace

janev

Candace I hope my response isn't dispppointing, but I am interested about where you can leave a car ? We are interested in travelling more in South Africa and the surrounding countries, and to have our own transport here would be great. Can I ask, are there places that you can pay to leave a car/landrover? In the UK people pay to leave their caravans at places where people have land and offer this service, is there something similar in south africa, but its possible to leave a car too?

When we visited Kruger last year we stayed in Sanparks accomodation and were pleased with that, to be right in the park, getting up early each morning & seeing some wonderful sightings each day. However, this accomodation may not be quite the luxury you are seeking, and it seems that most Fodorites prefer to be in other private accomodation. We were very happy with it and have already booked for next year for 18 nights.

wildwings

I agree, the Sanparks accommodation is in the same price range (about R700 per day for a bungalow) so if you are keen on a self-drive Kruger Park safari, I would recommend that. Another popular self-catering destination is Marloth Park, a residential game reserve on the southern border of Kruger, between Malelane and Crocodile Bridge. Some of the smaller houses or cottages here may rent out for a similar price as what you mentioned, and there are plenty of birds and animals around. (Incidentally, properties here are quite cheap, if you wanted to invest in your own property adjacent to the Kruger Park. Less than R200,000 for a 2000sqm plot).

Candace_c

Thanks for the good advice. We will definitely stay part of the time in Kruger, probably at Bateleur Camp. Two other locations we're considering are the Drakensbergs and St. Lucia.

JaneV: We do not require too much luxury. Actually my husband gets a bit exasperated by the "yuppie" feel of some of the fancy lodges. And we both dislike being herded around on a tour. Glad to see another Fodorite who isn't seeking luxury.

We leave our car at Tomjachu. We bought the car from the managers there, and they look after it, drive it once in awhile, get the inspections, etc. Lucky us! Otherwise, I don't know. I'd bet you could meet someone in your travels who would volunteer to park a car in the back corner of their property. At the least, someone you meet during your 18-day stay will have a good idea. (Note: It's not easy to buy a car as a nonresident. But we found a "dealing-with-the-motor-vehicle-department" service in Nelspruit that did all the paperwork for us for about R 70.)

wildwings: Interesting you should mention investing. Three years ago, we bought a great house in Nelspruit. It's very large, on a nature reserve, with a pool, garage, bachelor flat, etc. Fortunately or unfortunately, it has been rented continuously since we got it, so we have never been able to stay there. We use the rental income to make renovations on the house and to travel around SA. I recommend it!

But we have been warned to stay away from buying in Marloth Park because of a rash of break-ins and murders. Don't know what the situation is now, but renting might be a good option.

Again, thanks for the advice. If anyone has any ideas about lodging in the Drakensbergs, it would be welcome.

Candace

kimssouthafrica

Look at Abangane, Klaus is an avid supporter of tourism forums on the Trip advisor SA and I am sure that his lodge is equally as impressive. http://www.abangane.com/

www.kimssouthafrica.blogspot.com

kimssouthafrica

St Lucia is a beautiful, rustic untouched area, mostly for the naturalists. options are places in St lucia itself, such as Annes Guest House or Hluhluwe/Mfolozi Park hilltop or Mpila tented camp.
www.kimssouthafrica.blogspot.com

Candace_c

Wow! You folks are awesome. I think we've got it planned now.

Thanks,
Candace

Kieran_M

Reading this post has brought back the memories, I used to live in South Africa and we used to drive an old Kadet!

Anyway, I digress, I highly recommend visiting St Lucia, the Elephant Coast guest house is awesome. On the way why not spend a night or two in Swaziland at the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary? No big 5, but you take horse ride through the reserve, a different experience.