Is website south-african-lodges.com Legit?
 

I'm trying to book a last-minute trip to South Africa for August/September and of course many things are booked up or have limited availability. When looking at safari lodges near Kruger, for many of them the one site that is popping up on Trip Advisor is www.south-african-lodges.com. On one hand, I want to think that if it's coming up on Trip Advisor then maybe TA is in a way endorsing it, but then again I am wary if these lodges seem to be sold out everywhere else and prices seem to be lower than advertised on the lodge websites. Maybe the travel company buys up rooms and resells them? I don't know. Has anyone booked through this website before? Thank you!!!

I don't know of this specific website, but I have seen mention before of last minute booking sites that seem to have cheap rates, but on further investigation the rates are for South African Residents only.

I would telephone them and speak to someone in person. I don't think I would ever book safari accommodation online.

I only book directly with lodges online. I wouldn't use a third party site.

Some lodges post their specials on Facebook. If you have lodges in mind, check their Facebook. You're not really "last minute" yet. Most specials are within 14 or 30 days. Have a look at www.mtbeds.co.za - they post specials, but as Stokeygirl says mostly for SADC residents (one of the many reasons I want to be an SADC resident).

I just put together a last minute safari for mid May - I started on April 17. We use out of the ordinary lodges and they are always much less expensive than the overly expensive mass marketed lodges. We visit the same reserves, we just stay at the locally owned lodge next door to the expensive ones. We get great, personal service at the lodges we use and spend much less than most travelers. It's about the wildlife for us, not the accommodations or massages. We got one lodge on last minute special, so even more affordable. We also stay in national parks - such fun to drive yourself around with elephants, lions, and everything else. Love it.

Availability this year, especially July-August, is very tight. (Keep in mind there is a terrible drought so the end of the winter will be very, very dry). I had to be very flexible. It worked out perfectly.

If you are self driving, booking on your own is fine. If you need road transfers, charters or anything complicated, use an agent. I do all my own bookings, mostly online, and we rent a car to get around. Just be sure before you book that the logistics make sense. S Africa is big and everything takes a little longer to get to than google maps says.

Check out the Isibindi Lodges of SA, either via their website or Facebook, or check with Wild Wings to make lodging and even transfer arrangements if you wish.

Thanks I'll check out all these suggestions, though we are hoping to stay on Sabi Sands.