WILD luxury

Sacha van Niekerk

Yes, you can go on a safari getaway on a budget

NOTHING quite compares to the thrill of rattling over dirt roads in a 4X4, but with costs extending beyond just the exquisite accommodation, all-inclusive cuisine, and wildlife excursions, they certainly don’t come cheap.

For South Africans looking to tick a bush adventure off their bucket lists, self-proclaimed “safarireviewer”, Mary-Jane Mphahlele (or @maryjaneexplores as she’s known to her nearly 30K Twitter followers), has put together a thread of affordable holidays under R3 000 for a two-night stay.

Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge

www.leopardslairbushlodge.co.za A place to experience the Lowveld like never before. “Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge is situated in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and offers guests an exciting bushveld experience. @ R1 570 (for) two nights,” said Mphahlele. The Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is 400ha of beautifully maintained bushveld, with hiking and cycling trails, bird hides, and game drive routes, allowing you to enjoy the myriad natural treasures that thrive in the area.

The Greater Kruger National Park is less than 1km from the resort, so you may hear lions roaring and hyenas screeching at night.

Raptors Lodge

raptorslodge.co.za

Raptor’s Lodge is a luxurious, private, self-catering establishment.

“An absolute stunner! Raptor’s Lodge is situated on the border of Hoedspruit and 31.4km from Orpan gate, Kruger National Park, offering an ideal self-catering getaway for safari enthusiasts at R2 000 for two nights.” Each unit has two luxury bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and luxury outside showers, one room with a super king bed and the other with two single beds.

Raptors Lodge

Southern Sands Eco Lodge

www.instagram.com/southern_ sands_ecolodge/

Glamping describes a style of camping with at-home comforts and, in some instances, resort-style services not traditionally associated with camping.

“There is something enchanting and very real about an African safari experienced in a luxury safari tent. Southern Sands Eco tents offer the most affordable safari tents in SA at R1 631 for two nights,” she said.

Mountain View Safari Lodge

mountainviewsafarilodge.com

Mountain View has just two private camps within the stunning Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve., giving their guests a true sense of solitude and exclusivity. Both are totally solar-powered, have spectacular mountain views, and are surrounded by Lowveld bush with no fences.

Mphahlele had rave reviews: “I’d pay double the amount to stay here. Absolutely gorgeous! Mountain View Safari Lodge is a privately owned 21ha property and is situated deep in the African bush within the Olifant’s river. R2 850 for two nights.”

Mountain View Safari Lodge

Moya Safari Villa

moyasafarivilla.co.za

Moya Luxury Bush Villa is situated in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, close to the charming town of Hoedspruit. Commenting on the spacious lodging, Mphahlele said: “Flowing, open-plan living and dining areas open out onto wooden decks with unsurpassed views of the African bush. moyasafarivilla is a perfect base for visiting Kruger National Park, panorama scenic route, Big 5 open vehicle safaris, Big 5 walks at R2 890 for two nights.”

Moya Safari Villa

Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge

ndhula.co.za

Some bush retreats are more about peace and tranquillity than animal spotting. At Ndhula Tented Lodge, Mphahele said: “If you’re not so crazy about the Big 5, you can get to spot some wild animals on the property, excluding predators. Ndhula Lodge is located in White River and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar and garden. Rates start at R2 071, including breakfast & dinner.”

Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge

Muluwa Lodge

muluwa.co.za

Upon your arrival, the sounds and fragrances of the bush waft gently into a vast thatched restaurant. An expansive wooden terrace leads down to an infinity pool with unparalleled views of the lowveld’s rolling hills and valleys. Muluwa lodge offers superb African luxury and accommodation paired with their warm and genuine hospitality. “Another affordable stunner on the list.” Rates start from R2 933 for two nights per person.

Muluwa Lodge

Kuwisa Lodge

kuwisa.co.za

Kuwisa Lodge is located in Bookenhoutplaats, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, in the shadow of the beautiful Waterberg Mountains. Mabalingwe is malariafree, unspoiled bushveld in the Bela-Bela district with undulating hills, stunning landscapes, dams, rich birdlife, and 36 kinds of wild animals, including the Big 5. According to Mphahlele, photos don’t do this place justice as Kuwisa Lodge is one of the province’s jewels. “This is an Out of Africa experience where you can escape to a luxurious privately owned bush lodge. Rates from R1 695,” she shared.