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After 10 days in the Cape Province, we were beyond excited to make our way to Kruger National Park, for our very first safari. So we hopped on an early flight from Cape Town to Hoedspruitt, our heads full of images from Disney Lion King. Although the landscapes weren't at all what I'd pictured, that didn't make this first safari any less wonderful.
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.
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
We flew into Hoedspruitt airport, which is about 1h away from the Lodge. Naledi Game Lodge organised a transfer for us in a luxury 4x4 vehicle. The drive into the reserve was already an experience in itself as we spotted our first giraffe! In theory, you could self-drive to the Game Lodge, but we highly recommend you arrange a transfer with the hotel instead. You won't need your car during your stay, and when you see the road, you'll be happy you didn't drive it yourself!
The suite
Due to limited availabilities, we stayed in the Paperback Suite. Guaranteed immersion from the second you step in! This luxurious suite is beautifully decorated, very well equipped, and even had perfect wifi (all impressive, considering you are in the middle of nature!) The suite has an indoor luxurious bathroom, as well as an outdoor shower.
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The lodge
We were greeted with welcome drinks on our arrival and given a welcome tour of the lodge. There are many areas to relax, and take it all in - Including several observation decks.
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catering
We were so impressed with the quality of the meals at Naledi Game Lodge. The meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are served in a different area of the lodge every day, with different table set up and decorations. Every detail has really been thought through. You enjoy meals sharing a table with the other guests, which in my opinion, makes the exchange and experience so much more special.
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.
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.
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The team
The team really went above and beyond from the minute we stepped into Naledi Lodge. Looking at this picture alone makes me smile! The lodge being quite small, it gave us a chance to really exchange with the team, their experiences in South Africa, living in the bush. The guides are SO knowledgeable it's mind-blowing! Everyone's positive energy throughout the trip just made the experience extra special.
Game drives
What a first safari experience! We went on two game drives a day. 5:30am and 16:30 for about 3 hours. We were in a very comfortable (impressive) open 4x4. Here again, every detail has been thought about: Water bottles, warm fleece covers if you get cold, thick ponchos if it rains.
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.
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.
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bush walk on request with expert tracker
You can request to go on a guided bush walk. Of course, I jumped on the opportunity to go and learn more from Excellent, our guide and tracker. We walked for about an hour, Excellent taught us how to track animals, and we spotted more giraffes!
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