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Part 10 -- The Grand Kruger Lodge
In planning this part of the South African trip, we carefully researched all of the options and decided that we wanted to base our five-day stay near the southern border of Kruger National Park. That would allow easy access to the Park, Mozambique, Swaziland, and the mountain Escarpment north of Nelspruit -- all on good roads. We settled on the Grand Kruger Lodge because it was in the Marloth Park Nature Conservation area bordering Kruger park, between the Crocodile and Melelane Park entrance gates and offered guided trips to all the places we wanted to go. This is a four-star lodge in an area where the wildlife freely roams through the property. http://www.grandkrugerlodge.co.za/facilities.html We were met at the Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport by the owner of the lodge, Leon Visser, and transported to the lodge that he lovingly designed. The entrance into Marloth Park is a graveled road off the N4 that leads several miles back into the bush. Along the wayside while driving in we observed a rhino, several giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and impala. We had picked the right place to stay. The lodge itself was very luxurious and staffed by attentive people (including "Doctor" and "Computer") whose sole purpose was to make our visit pleasant . And they certainly did that. The meals were all gourmet delights freshly made with healthy ingredients. Superb South African wines accompanied the dinner options. Trips were customized by Leon to take us to the places we wanted to see, and his 18-year experience in the area made possible trips and sights that we could never seen without his expertise. Over the next five days he became a friend as he personally drove us to all the sights we wanted to see. We are deeply appreciative for his help. Every day we did something different: a game drive through the southern section of Kruger, a fascinating trip to the Matsame Cultural Center on the way to Swaziland city of Mbabane, a day trip into Portuguese-speaking Mozambique and lunch on the Indian Ocean at the famous Costa do Sol restaurant in the city of Maputo, a night game drive operated by the Kruger Park rangers, and a long excursion into the Escarpment to see wonders like the Pinnacle, the Potholes, God's Window and the old mining town of Pilgrims Rest. Leon took us into colorful markets and negotiated low prices for the things we wanted to buy, got us through the bureaucratic maze at the border crossings and re-entry into South Africa, told us the history of the area, and pointed out the dozens of animals and birds that he knows very so well. THe elephants were the most impressive. When we reluctantly had to leave after five days, he drove us back to the Nelspruit airport and bade us farewell. Thanks to Leon's personal efforts, it was a wonderful visit to this very interesting part of the world. We now have memories that will last a lifetime. (The End) |
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I'm glad to have read these.
Hello Again Caveat
I'm one of the people who responded when you were wondering about the name issue. I'm glad your experience of Sth African immigration officials was as painless as mine have been. Thanks for these posts. I have read them all and I'm really pleased that your trip turned out so well. Perhaps I'll postpone visiting the US though. Air travel there sounds like a nightmare. Regards Michael |
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Part 10 -- The Grand Kruger Lodge
Hello,
I was very glad to read your review of your stay at the Grand Kruger Lodge and how much you enjoyed it. I myself am booked in to spend some time there in late Jan. '06. The night game drive operated by the Park Rangers sounds particularly interesting. I have also made a note of the other features you mention, such as the Pinnacle, the Potholes, God's Window and Pilgrim's Rest. I have heard a lot of people say the elephants were the most impressive, but I am a big fan of the big cats. I am particularly looking forward to a horseback adventure through a section of the park. Thank you for sharing your adventure here, it is both interesting and informative. |
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Part 10 -- The Grand Kruger Lodge
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Part 10 -- The Grand Kruger Lodge
Hi caveat,
Thanks once again for the information, and for the reply. I certainly will tell Leon Hi from the couple from Arizona. It all sounds very exciting....except maybe for the woman unfortunately killed....and the lion on the hood.... I am particularly looking forward to a horseback adventure through a section of the park. I should have stated that this is not a part of the Kruger experience, I have relatives who live there, and they are organising this feature especially for me. Sorry for the misunderstanding... Regards, Keith. |
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