Johannesburg, Panorama Route & Kruger part 2 of 2

We arrived quite late into the Kruger National Park and made our way to the first of our two lodges that we were staying at – Motswari Private Game Reserve. On arrival at Motswari we transferred into a 4x4 for the short journey to Geiger’s Camp. This camp is part of the Motswari resort but is sold exclusively to small groups – Geiger’s can accommodate a maximum of eight. At Geiger’s there is a cook and butler to cater for whatever the guest requires and private game drives are also organised for those staying at the lodge. Our first game drive was early the next morning with a 5am start. Most lodges tend to offer two drives per day, one early in the morning and the other late afternoon – thereby avoiding the heat of the day, when animals tend to sleep anyway. One tip is to bring plenty of layers for going on safari as the temperature can change quickly and it is usually quite cold on the early morning starts. We saw lots of animals on our first drive, the highlights being lots of elephant and buffalo, it is great being able to get so close to these wonderful animals. In between our game drives we also inspected the main Motswari resort, which is a wonderful and where guests tend to return year after year. With only 15 rooms you get to know your fellow guests very quickly, and all the staff get to know you and what you require.

Then later we were off on our evening drive, again seeing the beauty of the Kruger and the wonderful animals that populate it, including a family of hyena before stopping for some sun-downers. Staying in Geiger’s Camp in you are well looked after in between your game drives, you are not only fed (and fed well) but you have access to all the resort facilities such as the wonderful infinity pool and nothing is too much trouble for Octavia and his wonderful team.

The following morning we had arranged a bush walk where Henry the Ranger allowed us to leave the vehicle and he escorted us through the bush. This was a great opportunity to see some of the smaller animals and insects that populate the bush. During our walk we also managed to see an elusive honey badger and some hyena. A particular highlight later that morning was when we came across a leopard which had killed an impala and stored it up a tree. It was amazing to be so close to this wonderful animal and see the lengths it went to protect its food.

After another amazing breakfast at Geiger’s Camp were off to our next Game Reserve at Kings Camp at Timbavati (also in the Kruger). This beautiful 5 star resort is open to wandering animals so you are escorted to and from your beautiful room during the hours of darkness by the wonderful Benjamin. The standard is as you would expect of a quality five star hotel, with impeccable service and beautiful rooms. Our first lunch gave us an example of this, wonderful food, prepared and served impeccably. In contrast to Motswari there is more to do at Kings Camp when not on safari with a gym and spa both on site.

Very quickly we were back into the wonderful routine or early morning and late afternoon game drives. I was also thankful of having brought layers with me as the temperature had dropped considerably since we had arrived in the Kruger only a few days before. On our drives we were able to add rhino, giraffe, hippo and ostrich to our animals that we saw and photographed – unfortunately the lions eluded us (however colleagues in other safari lodges nearby saw plenty of lions). This means though that I have a great excuse to return to wonderful Motswari and Kings Camp, both of which I thought are outstanding resorts. On our last morning game drive we had a surprise and our breakfast that morning took place in the bush where tables and a kitchen had been set up for everyone taking part that morning – this was another wonderful experience which underlines the quality of Kings Camp. Before leaving Kings Camp we also had the opportunity to inspect Waterbuck Private Camp. This four bedroomed private villa is a short distance away from Kings Camp and sleep up to eight people in complete luxury. It is also close enough that guests can use the facilities of Kings Camp or can be catered for just on their own with their own private chef.

Unfortunately all too soon it was time to return, so returning the hire car to the small (and charming) Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. This small airport which only has three scheduled flights a day boasts an outdoor patio area where you can relax and wait for your flights whilst being entertained by the antics of the local vervet monkeys.

Overall I had a wonderful trip to South Africa, which I thoroughly recommend as a great holiday destination. With the exchange rate so favourable at the moment South Africa offers fantastic value for money. Whilst driving in my hire car I found the roads to be great quality, petrol was very cheap and better still, they drive on the same side of the road as we do making driving really enjoyable and fun. The safari experience was excellent and a type of holiday I would really recommend for everyone to experience at least once.