Gesa’s Favourite Kruger Trip

4th, 5th & 6th Nights: Bateleur Eco-Camp

One of Gesa’s all-time favourite camps in Southern Africa, this hidden gem is located in and amongst thick vegetation alongside a dry riverbed in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This is an eco-friendly camp that’s power supply is entirely solar and the whole ethos of the camp is that of low impact.

The accommodation here is in the form of luxury tents with thatched roofs that have an en-suite toilet and gas heated shower. You can choose to sleep with the canvas all the way down or leave it open with only a mosquito mesh as a barrier. The camp has only a two-strand fence which is to keep elephants from destroying the vegetation and water pipes.

The guiding standard at Bateleur is of the highest in the area. The guides are excellent and are specialists in tracking animals on foot, an activity which is an absolute must-do according to Gesa! There is no better satisfaction than walking in the footsteps of a white rhino, seeing what they get up to by reading the signs in the sand, then finally finding and approaching them on foot. This is the pinnacle of guiding skill and makes for breathtaking and memorable safari experiences.

7th ,8th, 9th & 10th Nights: Pafuri Camp

Your last stop, typically the highlight, is the Makuleke concession. Set in the most North-easterly tip of South Africa it forms the border of three countries – South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique which, is also known as Crooks Corner.

The camp is stretched-out along the permanent Luvuvhu river. Each guest tent is on stilts and located on the edge of the river with fantastic views of the comings and goings of animals to the river. The tents are very luxurious with a large balcony, and both inside and outside showers! The accommodation definitely will not disappoint!

The wilderness here is massive, unfenced, unspoilt and wildlife is free to roam across the borders. The area has a number of long roads which take you on a journey through many different habitats and unique areas, each with their own appeal and intricacies. However, Makuleke also has huge sections of wilderness which one can only access on foot and this is where the secrets of its long history and beauty lies. The animals here are much wilder than the previous two locations and this allows for a glimpse into how wildlife was in old Africa before the commercialisation of wildlife viewing. You will find yourself enjoying the forests, the flood plains, the sand veld, the views and history both on and off the vehicle alongside local guides who know Makuleke intimately.

This ancient wilderness holds a special place in Gesa’s heart and is on her “must see and experience” list for Southern Africa.