oldmanroo

Hi,
I am looking for a 3-4star lodge - Max $500/night/couple, not too far from Jo-berg.(by air or drive)
My wife is not able to exert herself a lot, so would someone be able to recommend somewhere she can observe the wildlife from a balcony, without stairs? We will be in SA from June 1/2005 for 5-6 nights
Thanks in advance,
Tim.

Roccco

nhala,

Jaci's is probably about $1,250 per night per couple, about 2.5 times more than oldmanroo's budget.

The only place in Madikwe that may fit the budget, but possibly not the 3-4 star rating, is Mosetlha Bush Camp:

http://www.thebushcamp.com/home.htm

It has wonderful reviews from past guests.

I would also make one other suggestion, which is about a 90 minute flight from Joburg, Matetsi Water Lodge in Victoria Falls. This meets the budget and is in the 4-5 star range for luxury. Plus, it allows gameviewing, canoeing, sunset cruises and daytime trips to Victoria Falls.

http://www.ccafrica.com/reserve-1-id-2-9

photoholic

oldmanroo,

Here are a number of more economical places that you could possibly visit:

1) Pilanesburg National Park- not exclusive but close to Sun city and well within your budget.

2) Have you looked at going the Waterberg?

Malaria free with a number of private reserves. Lapalala is a fantastic option. It is one of the largest private reserves in SA. It is in the process of going big 5 and opening up to tourism. Previously it has just been a reserve dedicated to Conservation- they have a massive black rhino breeding program, started under the leadership of Clive Walker.

Next door is a big five reserve, www.touchstone.co.za The dining area is spectacular, overlooking a watering hole.

There are other lodges in the area. It is not just the animals that are impressive, the landscape is spectacular. It is a mountainous region that will blow you away. The only problem here is that it will be very cold in the mornings!

Speaking of malaria, it is not really prevalent in June in Kruger. No need for anti-malaria pills at that time of year.

jck4

check this out, the Mankanyane. We will be staying there in Sept; another poster stayed there last month.

http://www.makanyane.com/

Roccco

Again, the rate for Makanyane, like Jaci's Tree Lodge, is far above the desired budget of $500 per couple per night, about double that price even in winter.

Hey, budgets being ignored, why not suggest Singita or Londolozi? While it is fun to throw out suggestions, it does not benefit the author of the thread when lodges double his budget are proposed.

napamatt

Makanyane is lovely but definitely out of budget, also it is not the best camp for game viewing from the lodge, there is the river but trips down to it within view of the common areas or rooms are not that common.

Jck4 we took some room photos that can be found under my trip photos thread, that might interest you.