Private Lodge in Kruger Park

Q: We are planning a family gathering in July and would like to stay at a lodge or camp in the Kruger Park. There will be 10-13 people in the group. Are there any self-catering camps that can be rented for private use at an affordable rate? - Shane Villiers.

A: You don't say what you regard as affordable, but you can count on spending around R500 per person for exclusive use of a camp or lodge. The Roodewaal Bush Lodge, which is located 40kms from the Olifants rest camp, can be rented in full by a single party. It sleeps a total of 16 guests on a self-catering basis. The daily rate is R4720 for up to eight people. Each additional adult costs R510 and there is a R260 charge for additional children. 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. An alternative is Boulders Bush Lodge, which is located 25 kilometres from the Mopani rest camp. This facility accommodates 12 people, with a daily rate of R2470 for up to 4 people and then R510 for each additional adult and R260 for children. This rustic camp has no perimeter fence, but raised cottages and platforms make it safe for guests. The camp is powered by solar energy, but there are not plug points. There is no cellphone reception. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website. Besides the accommodation charge, guests also have to pay a daily 'conservation fee'. This currently costs R48 per person per day for South African residents. International visitors pay R192 for adults and R96 for children under 12 per day. For further details and booking, check out the www.krugerpark.co.za website or telephone central reservations on 021 422 3111.