While the rest of the country layers up, you can escape the cold by heading North for the Winter. The Kruger National Park and nearby destinations stay pleasantly warm during the winter months. The dryness of the bushveld makes this time of year perfect for game viewing excursions.
Top Areas to Stay
1. Graskop
Graskop in Mpumalanga is the perfect place to visit this winter if you enjoy crisp air, cosy fires and exploring the great outdoors without the sweltering heat. View some of the country’s most iconic landmarks like God’s Window, the Pinnacle or the Blyde River Canyon. Here are some places you can stay when visiting Graskop:
Mac Mac Forest Retreat
This retreat is located in the heart of Sabie, not far from Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest in the picturesque province of Mpumalanga.
A Pilgrims Rest
This guesthouse in Graskop is ideally located on the edge of the Drakensberg region. The retreat is situated as a stopover for travellers en route or travelling from the Panorama Route.
2. Hoedspruit
Known as the “Safari Capital of South Africa” for its proximity to iconic wildlife reserves and natural wonders, Hoedspruit is situated at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg in the Limpopo province on the railway line from Tzaneen to Kaapmuiden. Here are some places you can stay when visiting Hoedspruit:
Ingweyame Lodge
This beautiful, tranquil bush lodge is situated in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and boasts magnificent free-roaming wildlife such as zebra, warthog, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu and much more. This estate can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests.
eKhaya Bush Villa
Located in the heart of South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld, on the border of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, this boutique guest villa can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests. This private nature reserve in Hoedspruit is home to a variety of iconic wildlife species, and this dedicated wilderness area forms part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
3. Phalaborwa
The town of Phalaborwa is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. This mining town is located east of the Drakensberg mountains and north of the iconic Olifants River. Home to the Phalaborwa Gate, and entry point into the Kruger, Phalaborwa offers a prime location to set off on your safari experience. Here are some places to stay while visiting Phalaborwa:
Elephant Walk Guesthouse
This popular guesthouse in Phalaborwa is frequented by guests from all over the world. The property is just a stone’s throw away from the entrance gate to the Kruger National Park and can comfortably accommodate up to 26 guests as it offers rooms and a camping terrain.
Masorini Bush Lodge
This beautiful lodge is a hidden gem located on the outskirts of Phalaborwa, and offers self-catering chalets to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. The bush lodge boasts a variety of game that freely roam the grounds, such as impala, waterbuck, guinea fowl, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an elephant or two!
4. Hazyview
Hazyview is a small sub-tropical farming town in Mpumalanga, renowned for its large banana and macadamia nut industries, and a popular South African safari destination. Located a mere 18 minutes from the Kruger National Park, you can easily embark on your safari getaway. Here are some places to stay while visiting Hazyview:
Kiaat Bungalows
Ideally situated on a farm in the Sabie Valley, bordering the Sabie River, the environment is peaceful and quiet. During your stay, you will be surrounded by nature and an abundance of birdlife. Kiaat Bungalows is approximately 8km from the Phabeni Gate, providing guests with easy access to the Kruger National Park.
Masasana's Rest
Masasana’s Rest is tucked away in orchards, with nature’s magnificent beauty right at your doorstep. This self-catering destination boasts comfortable, well-maintained cottages from single or couple chalets, twin-room chalets to family rooms accommodating up to 36 guests in total. Masasana’s Rest can assist guests in booking activities such as hot-air ballooning, river rafting, game drives and more.
5. Marloth Park
Marloth Park is a wildlife sanctuary and holiday destination situated on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. You can view Big Five animals across the river in the Kruger from Marloth Park, as most of the sanctuary is nestled along the Crocodile River that borders the stunning Kruger National Park. Animals can be seen approaching the water from the look-out point. At night, you can often hear lions roaring just across the river, which is a unique and thrilling experience.
La Kruger Lifestyle Lodge
The lodge is tucked away in the beautiful bushveld and features decks built around the existing Marula tree and other bushveld trees. The lodge specialises in Big 5 and Kruger National Park experiences for guests to enjoy. Marloth Park is home to a wide range of wildlife and birdlife, including zebra, giraffe, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, bushbuck and warthog. After a day visiting the Kruger National Park, guests can relax and enjoy the sunset.
Maqueda Lodge
This destination is a luxury boutique family-run game lodge situated in Marloth Park bordering the Kruger. This lodge is surrounded by nature with the wild bush hugging the entire lodge, and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests. With exciting game drives and safaris in the Big Five territory, you are likely to spot some of the most iconic animals of Africa.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy winter escape in the mountains or a warm bushveld getaway surrounded by wildlife, the Kruger National Park and its neighbouring towns offer something for every kind of traveller. Swap the cold for golden sunsets and crackling fires with unforgettable safari experiences. Book your stay with BookNow.co.za today!
