If like us before South Africa, you are a 'Safari Rookie', here's basically how it works. You have two options:
- Game Lodges: Stay in a Game Lodge inside the Park. Everything will be taken care of and included in the price: Accommodation, all meals, and game drives.
- Self-drive: Stay in camps in Kruger and drive your own car throughout the park (we tried that too on our last day, but got charged by elephants - Which trust me, might make you smile, but is truly terrifying in real life)
Therefore, I would be inclined to recommend the first option, also the safest. Self-driving is of course cheaper, but it's a totally different experience all together. Some people choose to do a mix of both, which is a good idea if you have enough time in the area.
Naledi game lodge: luxury wildlife safari experience
Naledi Game Lodge is a World Luxury Hotel and TripAdvisor award winning wildlife safari and luxury game lodge in the greater Kruger National Park area.
The lodge is located in an exclusive private reserve, the Balule Reserve, within the Greater Kruger National Park, which holds high natural densities of Africa’s Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard), and is therefore a perfect base for guided game-viewing from open safari vehicles.
Getting there
The suite
The lodge
catering
All meals include 3 courses. The chef, Dudu, comes in every morning to talk us through the menu and ask for any preferences and dietary requirements. She did not hesitate to personalise every dish to the taste of each guest. There is also morning and afternoon snacks included during the game drives.
The team
Game drives
Opa and Excellent our guide, driver and tracker were incredibly knowledgeable. We were lucky to spot rare wild dogs and black rhinos on our first drive. On our second day, we spotted a giraffe who had just given birth, and we got to witness baby giraffe's first steps and first feed.