Rent Your Own Game Lodge

Q: I would like to rent an affordable self-catering game camp or lodge in the Kruger Park to accommodate a group of friends. We would prefer the type of camp that we can book in its entirety, so that we are totally private. There would be up to 15 people in our group and we would prefer to pay less than R500 per person per night. Can you help? - Andy Wilson

A: There are two self-catering bush lodges in the Kruger Park that could meet your requirements. Both can be rented by a single party. Roodewal Bush Lodge, situated 40 kilometres from the Olifants rest camp, sleeps up to 19 people in one two-bedroom cottage and three bungalows. A special feature of this camp is a lookout platform that resembles a treehouse. It is constructed around an enormous Nyala tree, and hangs suspended over the banks of the Timbavati. The daily rate for this camp is R1760 for 1-4 guests and R340 for each additional person.
Boulders Bush Lodge, located 16 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp, accommodates 12 people in one two-bedroomed cottage and four separate en-suite bedrooms. This facility is unique in that it is the only camp that is completely unfenced. However, it is safe as it is built on stilts with interconnecting boardwalks. The daily rate is R1870 for 1-4 people and R340 for each additional guest.
Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R33 for South African residents, R66 for SADC nationals and R132 for international visitors. You can book both camps through www.places.co.za or www.krugerpark-direct.com.