Family group visiting Kruger late June 2007

[AKR]

We will be a group of 12, 3 families with 2 kids each- ages 9 to 16 who will be visiting Johannesburg the last week of June 2007. We wanted to do a one week safari in Kruger National park and possibly the Sabi Sands. The main objective is to show the kids the big 5 and to stay in places that have good game drives.

Several lodges seem to reject children under 12 while others charge full price for kids and appear to be fantastically expensive. While we understand a good lodge is expensive, I was wondering if any of you would be kind enough to give us some advice. Thanks very much.

[oliver]

Hi AKR,

I did a quick search for Kruger Park accommodation and found the following as one of the cheaper lodges on the site (as far as accommodation in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve goes anyway) - it does allow children under 12 and more importantly offers a special rate for them. You can view it below

http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/sab...ins-game-lodge

The lodge above is still more on the side of a luxury lodge - there is very cheap accommodation which is also available throughout the Kruger National Park but it is generally quite full and imperative to book in advance.

Let me know if this helps and whether I can be of any more assistance.

[AKR]

Oliver:

Thanks for your response. Elephant Plains seems like just what we need. A few more questions. I would like to break up Sabi Sands with one other area, say 3 days each. Are you familiar with the Welgevonden reserve which is close to JNB and appears to have a number of nice lodges at rates much less than Sabi Sands or Mala Mala. Or should we just say in Kruger the first few days, but where?

Given our relatively short time on Safari we would like the driving distance to not be too great; for example how long does it take from KNP to Sabi Sands or Welgevonden to Sabi Sands. Game viewing, especially the big 5 are important for the kids to see. I understand Sabi Sands and Mala Mala are excellent for this. I am not sure about the direct comparison between the closer parts of Kruger and Welgevonden. Doing a game drive in an open vehicle is also important.

Finally, do you recomend we use a travel agent to do the bookings or do them directly? I am told the price is virtually the same as the TA's get some discounts to which they add commissions and can also take care of transporatation and other details. Any recommendations for a good TA.

Thanks again

[Ming]

Hi AKR
If driving is an issue then you should leave Welgevonden game reserve out. Welgevonden is 3 hours North from Joburg . The kruger is 5 hours NE from Joburg. If you start your safari in the Sabi sands game reserve then its not advisable to travel another 5 hours west to Welgevonden game reserve. Its best then to move 100km southwards and spend the other 3 nights in the southern Kruger park region. You could take day trips to Pilgrims Rest, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke Luck Potholes and much more. Take a look at http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/gra...ccommodation/1

You will get excellent value for your money and will get to see one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Lastly is always cheaper to book directly, the lodge will advise you on the best form of transportation etc and save you cash.
If you looking for accommodation in the Welgevonden game reserve see http://www.johannesburg-direct.com/w...-and-nungubane

I am now trying to decide between two lodges for our six night safari. Elephant Plains as I understand the game viewing is very good in Sabi Sands(game viewing is a priority); Akeru Lodge in Timbavati Reserve and MKune Falls in Kwala Zulu. All three fall into the category of affordable luxury lodges and I will need to pick two of them.
My questions are as follows:

1. Elephant Plains is 30% more expensive than the other two as their standard rooms (the really good deal) are not available for our dates. Is the Sabi Sand that much better than the other two reserves in late June to not miss.

2. Which of Akeru or Mkune Falls would you pick. I had read a post a while back where Rocco had commented Mkune Falls is "warmer" than Akeru in the winter. Anyone been to both and which one would you pick.

3. Does going to both Akeru and Mkune Falls, omitting Elephant Plains make any sense?

4. Logistically, how far are these three from one other? We will either fly into Hoedspruit or drive from JNB (with an overnight stop). However, on the last day of safari we need to fly into Capetown so if one of these camps is too far from an airport that is a logistical consideration. In summary I am trying to figure out the distance/time between a)the airport to each camp b)Elephant Plains to Akeru; Elephant Plains to Mkune Falls c) Akeru to Mkune Falls.

Any other comments would be welcome. Thanks very much

Hi AKR

Have you looked at the some of the sanparks accommodation on kruger park direct? Take a look at Berg-en-dal http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/bergendal/bergendal

It offers great value for money and is ideal for families. Do yourself a favour and check the satellite images of the camp you thinking about staying eg http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/bergendal-map.html.

Also take a look at the accommodation by Map for the Kruger National park http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/maps.html, this will give you a great perspective of the region and distances between the camps.

I think it’s a great idea to experience Mkuze Falls in Kwa Zulu Natal. Akeru is great lodge and you cant go wrong in Timbavati reserve. I personally prefer Sabi Sands, the best lodges in SA are all there. It will be nice for you to spend a few days in Sabi then move south to Mkuze Falls http://www.durban-direct.com/pongola...lls-game-lodge. This will give you a nice insight into the Zulu culture.