Bernie Van Der Linde 
-
Bernie Van Der Linde
- August 18, 2023
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Need to know
Take the R532 from Graskop to the Blyde River Canyon which begins at Bourke’s Luck and ends at Three Rondavels.
Together with God's Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels are a highlight of any trip along
the third largest canyon in the world.
En route to the Kruger National Park, many travellers embark on a scenic journey through Mpumalanga, the “Place where the sun rises,” to be captivated by breathtaking landscapes. Known as one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations.. Mpumalanga is home to majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and impressive escarpments.
Book your 4 Day Kruger National Park and Panorama Route Safari HERE
The Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world, is arguably the most popular attraction in Mpumalanga. Known as the ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage and plunging cliffs. The Blyde River Canyon Reserve features natural wonders like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God’s Window.
As you journey along the famed Panorama Route, you are guaranteed sights of curious baboons, skittish bucks, and other wildlife. Naturally, many visitors combine the Panorama Route with a visit to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves.
Vagrants of the World has an insightful article titled “Driving the Panorama route South Africa – A complete guide”, which you can read for more information.
As you travel from Johannesburg International Airport to Limpopo and Mpumalanga, you’ll notice a stark contrast in weather. The Lowveld offers a milder, subtropical climate, perfect for year-round holidays. Spring, September to November, is an excellent time to visit for game viewing. From March to May, autumn also provides excellent weather due to minimal rainfall and winds. Winter, June to August, is the most popular holiday season for the Low Veld due to perfect, not too hot, temperatures.
Top 5 best accommodation near the Kruger National Park
We curated the top five establishments for discerning travellers en route to Kruger National Park. These guesthouses and hotels are renowned for their impeccable service, ideal locations, elegant accommodations, and a wide range of amenities.
Each establishment offers a unique experience, meeting every traveller’s needs.
Establishments are listed in no particular order!
Blyde River Wilderness Lodge
“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times”
Escape to the beautiful Blyde River Wilderness Lodge, surrounded by some of nature’s most incredible wonders. Nestled on the banks of the Blyde River, this thatched lodge offers a unique bush experience immersed in breathtaking scenery. The star attraction of this lodge is its location on the famous Panoramic Route and only 41 km from Kruger National Park’s Orpen gate.
With the majestic Drakensberg mountains as your backdrop, every sunrise is a masterpiece waiting to be admired and captured. At the Blyde River Wilderness Lodge, the wildlife is literally at your doorstep, with Giraffes, Zebras, Nyala, Impala, Wildebeest, and Bushbuck wildlife roaming freely and half-submerged crocodiles and hippos grunting along the river.
What Makes Blyde River Wilderness Lodge Unique?
The interior design is inspired by African culture, heritage, and traditions to reflect harmony with nature. Hand-made baskets feature against the walls and tribal artwork are showcased on scatter cushions to create a sense of African-Chic in the space. The lodge embraces earthy, rustic colours in rich, warm orange, yellow, brown, and red shades inspired by African sunsets, culture, and nature. The rooms feature African textiles and decorative prints in vibrant colours. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated in natural materials with hand-made beaded aloe bedside lamps. Due to the warm climate, interior architecture has been adapted to transition easily between indoor and outdoor spaces. For example, the rooms have large ceiling-to-floor wooden sliding doors open to large patios with views of the Blyde River.
Equally impressive is the list of activities and experiences nearby.
- Its location is on the Panorama route.
- Only 41km from Kruger National Park’s Orpen gate.
- Self-catering and Bed & breakfast options.
- Several hiking trails: Peninsula trail to Blyde dam (2.3km), Waterfall trail to Blyde dam (2.1km), Hippo Valley trail (permit need 16km)
- Expert advice and guidance from staff about activities in the region, including assistance with booking activities.
Best features of Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?
- Blyde River Wilderness Lodge is on the famous Panoramic Route
- Only 41km from Kruger National Park’s Orpen gate.
- Solar back-up power
- Accommodation includes a delicious breakfast (Self-catering options excluded)
- Optional three-course set-menu dinner is available in the resturant
- Two swimming pools in scenic settings with relaxing sun loungers
- On-site secure, free parking on the reserve
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport transfer (fee apply)
- Several tours by arrangement
- Nature trails on the reserve
What is the accommodation like at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?
- Luxury double or twin rooms with en suite bathroom, shower; and a cosy patio overlooking the Blyde River.
- Standard or twin rondavels with en suite bathroom with shower, Coffee and Tea facilities and minibar. (Waxbill or Hornbill)
- A comfortable cottage with a twin room, an en suite bathroom with shower, a cosy lounge and a kitchenette (Peacock cottage)
- A large private house with two bedrooms; one king-size bed with en suite bathroom and twin beds with en suite bathroom, a lounge, a Fully equipped kitchen, and dining area for four people, and a private rock pool with a secluded garden (Kimba House – accommodates four adults)
- A Large self-catering house featuring a double bedroom with en suite bathroom (bath and shower), a loft bedroom and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast seating area (Owl House – accommodates 4 Adults and two children)
- A self-catering cottage with one double bedroom, en suite bathroom with shower, kitchenette, comfortable indoor seating area and a balcony overlooking the Blyde River. (Kingfisher Cottage – accommodates two adults).
What activities and experiences are on offer at Blyde River Wilderness Lodge or nearby:
- Blyde boat trip: Enjoy a boat trip on the Blyde dam to experience the magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon. The tour, including a tour guide, takes you past the exceptional Kadishi Tufa Waterfall and the Three Rondavels. Guests may spot hippos, crocodiles and even fish eagles along the cruise.
- Quad biking through riverine forests and bush veld
- Paintball war games
- Micro lighting
- Game drives
- Hot air ballooning
- Nyani cultural village, which includes a cultural dance
- Horse safari
- Echo caves
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Several hiking trails: Peninsula trail to Blyde dam (2.3km), Waterfall trail to Blyde dam (2.1km), Hippo Valley trail (permit need 16km)
- Elephant encounters
Cape To Canyon Collection
The lodge belongs to the Cape to Canyon collection, which provides a diverse collection of accommodations ranging from bush lodges to luxury guesthouses, self-catering family accommodations and a boutique hotel:
- Blyde River Canyon Lodge: This fabulous African-inspired lodge is in an 85 hectares botanical reserve and sheltered by the majestic Drakensberg mountains.
- Blyde Hillside House is near the Panorama route and a 30-minute drive to the Kruger National Park.
- Auberge Daniella is a French-inspired homestead in Franschhoek, Western Cape, set against the backdrop of the Middagkrans Mountains. The elegant guest house comprises three luxury apartments to meet deserving travellers’ needs.
- 10 Villefranche is a luxury townhouse in the heart of Franschhoek, only 100m from the Huguenot Monument and within walking distance of world-class restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
How to get to Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?
Follow the GPS Coordinates and written directions on their website; click here.
Latitude (Lodge) S -24°21.200′, (Entrance) S -24.404173
Longitude (Lodge) E 30°49.650’, (Entrance) E 30.78196
The lodge is four and a half hours north of Johannesburg. GPS takes you to the gravel road entrance; please follow written directions and signposts from the entrance.
How to book Blyde River Wilderness Lodge?
Contact details: +27 (0)15 795 5305; +27 (0) 15 793 7404 (Cape to Canyon)
+27 (0) 15 793 2274 (Blyde River Wilderness Lodge)
Email: info@capetocanyon.com;
Email: Info@blyderiverwinderness.co.za
Visit their website for bookings and more information.
Pro Tip
Inform the lodge of your estimated arrival time, as the lodge does not have a 24-hour check-in service. The entrance main gate (approximately 6km from the reception area) is always securely closed due to the wildlife on the premises.
La Lechere Guest House
Experience African hospitality at its finest with a personal touch.
Meet Jan and Issabella Schurings, the owners of La Lechere Guest House, who left their legal careers behind to pursue their dream of living near the African bush. With over 25 years of experience in the legal service industry, they know what it takes to provide world-class hospitality. Immerse yourself in the beauty of South Africa and the Kruger National Park and let Jan and Issabella help make your stay unforgettable.
“Travel because life is short, and the world is huge”
Winner of the National Lilizela Tourism Award – Best 4-star guest house in South Africa 2019/2020
Where is a Lechere Guest House?
This world-class oasis and only seven minutes (5 km) from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
What can guests expect from La Lechere Guest House?
This multi-award-winning lodge expertly fuses French elegance and African chic.
Dazzling, sophisticated, and opulence are only some words to describe this guest house celebrating 25 years of service excellence. This 11-key guesthouse has tastefully appointed suites, each with luxe touches, two generous-size swimming pools, two traditional lapas, a stylish bar area, and a tranquil breakfast seating area. La Lechere has everything to meet discerning guests’ needs.
Don’t miss the fabulous three-course fine-dining dinner (available on request, additional charge) and top off your evening with a nightcap at the stylish bar area.
The owners, Jan and Issabella Schurings, understand the importance of making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and connected. For this reason, all their rooms are powered by solar energy. Even during load shedding or a power outage, guests’ rooms will continue to have power. Bonus, the guest house also has a borehole to ensure water is never an issue.
What makes La Lechere Guest House unique?
- Only 5km from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
- Fabulous English Breakfast (picnic boxes available for early game drives).
- Three-course fine dining dinner (on request, additional charge).
- Friendly and expert advice and assistance with booking safaris and game drives into the Kruger National Park.
- When you book directly with La Lechere Guest House, guests receive a generous 10% discount on their room rates.
- A fabulous website showing ‘latest sightings’ in the Kruger National Park.
Best features of La Lechere Guest House
- Only 5km from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
- Full English breakfast (Breakfast boxes for early risers) served in a stylish setting
- Three-course set-menu fine dining dinner (on request, additional charge)
- Stylish bar area
- Two traditional lapas
- Two swimming pools with sun loungers
- On-site secure, free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Massages and facials (upon request, additional fee)
- Airport shuttle to and from Hoedspruit Airport (additional fee)
What is the accommodation like at La Lechere Guest House?
The rooms of this esteemed guest house feature crisp and airy yet elegant and inviting bedrooms with a ready-to-snuggle vibe. The gracefully draped white canopies above the beds create a peaceful ‘Out-of-Africa’ experience in this magnificent stress-free setting adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Each room offers a private en-suite bathroom with a lavish shower; some even feature a freestanding bath. The rooms have modern amenities like air-conditioning, DSTV, free Wi-Fi, a handy safe, a powerful hairdryer, and complimentary biscuits, tea, and coffee. Their caring and attentive housekeeping staff will ensure your room is always immaculately clean.
What activities and experiences are available at La Lechere Guest House or nearby?
- The friendly and helpful management team is happy to assist guests in booking safaris to the renowned Kruger National Park. The guesthouse has close relationships with experienced private guides to organise an unforgettable tour for you.
- Full or half-day safaris to the Kruger National Park can be arranged.
- Phalaborwa town offers a hub of activities, including a local craft distillery or a cultural village experience.
- Safari boat cruise along the Olifants River
- Day trips to Blyde River Canyon
- Golf in the wilderness can be arranged at the Hans Merensky golf course.
A typical day at La Léchère Guest House
Start your day with their delicious full English breakfast, including fresh fruit salad, cereal, and yoghurt. Enjoy your meal on their scenic wooden deck overlooking the sparkling pool. And if you need to leave early for a game drive in Kruger, don’t worry – their caring staff will have a special picnic pack ready for you.
After an exhilarating day of game drives in the Kruger National Park, guest return to an extra memorable dining experience. The head chef usually prepares a three-course fine-dine dinner incorporating local and seasonal ingredients on selected days of the week. From succulent grilled meats to flavourful vegetarian options, everyone is catered for. Visit their Instagram profile for mouthwatering photos of their delectable dishes.
With tired bodies and full hearts, guests retire to their rooms, relishing the comfort and tranquillity that awaits.
How to get to La Léchère Guest House?
How to make a booking at La Léchère Guest House?
PRO TIP
Visit the La Lechere Guest House’s “latest sightings” section on their website, where they share valuable information about wildlife sightings in Kruger and the surroundings.
Iso Bella Vita Guest House
"True elegance, for me, is the manifestation of an independent mind"
The lyrics of the song “It’s a beautiful life” echo in my head as a write the article to pay tribute to Isobel, the matriarch after whom the guesthouse is named. In Italian, Bella Vita means ‘beautiful life’… “You can do what you want just seize the day; what you’re doing tomorrow’s gonna come your way. Don’t you ever consider giving up? You will find, oh oh oh. It’s a beautiful life, oh oh oh oh..”
Where is Iso Bella Vita Guest House?
Welcome to Iso Bella Vita Guest House, where we pay tribute to the remarkable woman who once called this uniquely designed guest house her home. Today, her children Leo-né and Ruan du Preez are proud co-owners of this magnificent Italian-inspired villa in Phalaborwa. Phalaborwa is the hub of wilderness tourism and a perfect base to explore the Kruger National Park.
This stately guesthouse is 5 km from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
What can guests expect from Iso Bella Vita Guest House?
- Elegantly appointed rooms some with direct access to the lush, manicured gardens or the pool.
- The 8 suites each have a vibrant colour theme representing shades found in the bush: the bright pink of impala lilies, the warm orange of aloe flowers, and the bright blue of malachite kingfishers.
- Bespoke function venue.
- Friendly and personal attention.
What makes Iso Bella Vita Guest House unique?
- Only 5km from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
- Delectable Breakfast in a warm and inviting dining room.
- Lunch and dinner on request.
- Warm and caring hospitality.
- Rooms with private lounges, garden access and private patios.
Best features of Iso Bella Vita Guest House
- Only 5km from Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa gate.
- Satelite TV (all channels)
- Full English breakfast
- Lunch and dinner on request
- Lapa and braai area
- Swimming pool with relaxing sun loungers
- On-site secure, free parking on the reserve
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport shuttle to and from Hoedspruit Airport (additional fee)
- Room service
- Laundry services (iron and ironing board on request)
- Function facilities for up to 20 guests
- Catering on request, platters on order
- Bar facilities
- Wheelchair accessible rooms
What is the accommodation like at Iso Bella Vita Guest House?
Iso Bella Vita Guest House perfectly blends classic and contemporary styles in their individually styled, eight-appointed guest rooms named after several well-known perfumes such as Dior, Estee Lauder, Oh’lola, La’vie est Belle, Bvlgari, Ellie Saab, Angel, and Alien.
Some rooms boast a separate entrance; one is a self-catering unit, while the majority are in the guest house. All the rooms have flat-screen TVs with all satellite channels, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, en-suite bathrooms, coffee and tea facilities, and a minibar.
What activities and experiences are available at Iso Bella Guest House or nearby?
Iso Bella Vita Guest House offers many of the same attractions listed for La Léchère guest house as they are located in the same town, Phalaborwa.
How to get to Iso Bella Vita Guest House?
How to make a booking at Iso Bella Vita GuestHouse?
Kruger Gate Hotel
The Kruger Gate Hotel lies on the bank of the renowned Sabie River right next to the Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger gate. This African-lodge-style hotel features elevated wooden walkways and giant canopies of Jackalberry, Marula and Acacia trees to create a comfortable bushveld experience but with all the comforts expected from a four-star luxury hotel.
What can guest expect from Kruger Gate Hotel?
- Stylish and spacious rooms in an incredible setting.
- The lodge-hotel has the most magnificent gardens where buck roam freely and monkeys have a feast.
- A generous buffet breakfast can be enjoyed in Kudyela restaurant (currently under refurbishment and scheduled to reopen on the 1st of September) with an indoor and outdoor setting.
- After sunset, a brass gong echoes through the night to announce the start of an African feast in the al fresco dining area (traditional lapa).
What makes the Kruger Gate Hotel unique?
- Right next to Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger (main) gate.
- An infinity pool with uninterrupted views over the Kruger National Park and Sabie River.
- Magnificent buffet breakfast in the indoor and outdoor Kudyela restaurant.
- Lunch can be enjoyed at Kudyela restaurant or at the pool bar
- Buffet dinner in the lapa with an extensive spread of local and international dishes.
- African-inspired luxury rooms with views of natural gardens and bush veld.
The private dining areas for special celebrations.
The speciality coffee shop with light snacks comes particularly handy to stock up for a game drive.
Best features of Kruger Gate Hotel
- Less than 1km from Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger gate
- Satelite TV (limited channels)
- Buffet breakfast (breakfast packs available for early game drives)
- Lunch in main restaurant or at pool restaurant/bar
- Buffet dinner in boma
- Two swimming pools with sun loungers (one with exceptional views over the Sabie River and Kruger National Park)
- On-site secure, free parking on the reserve
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport shuttle for all airports including OR Tambo (visit their website for rates)
- Room service
- Function and event facilities
- Two beautifully appointed bars (one indoor, one outdoor)
- Wheelchair accessible rooms
- Live Webcam
- Game drive concierge desk to book safaris
- Putt putt course
- Nkanyi Presidential suite with private pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa in the bush veld
- Convenience store and gift shop
What is the accommodation like at the Kruger Gate Hotel?
This African-lodge-style hotel offers a range of accommodations from deluxe king to deluxe twin, deluxe family rooms with two queen beds or two king beds, to kruger luxury rooms and suites including a presidential suite. There are also self-catering chalets.
We have stayed in the hotel for many years, and our favourite rooms are the newly built luxury kruger suites facing the Sabie River.
How to get to Kruger Gate Hotel?
The hotel offers airport transfer services. Visit their website for prices per trip.
How to make a booking with Kruger Gate Hotel?
Contact details: +027 013 735 5671
Email: info@krugergatehotel.com
For booking and more information visit their website.
Lamula Lodge
Where is Lamula Lodge?
Near the Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger gate lies a luxury lodge that pulses the rhythm of Africa’s heartbeat. Lamula Lodge is a villa steeped in African tradition with a vibrant, warm interior design and unprecedented architecture.
What can guest expect form Lamula Lodge?
- Absolute privacy.
- Spacious rooms and luxury amenities.
- Unprecedented views.
- Game viewing from all the rooms including the pool deck.
What makes Lamula Lodge unique?
- Only 7 km from Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger gate.
- The sparkling rim-flow pool with uninterrupted bush veld views.
- Game drives can be arranged with knowledgeable tour guides from Elephant Point.
- Guests can enjoy self-drives into Kruger.
- You are spoiled for choice when staying at Lamula Lodge. Travel buddies, Bernie and Petra, teamed up with specialist Kruger Park game rangers that can put together a custom itinerary for you to ensure you have a one-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Our guides will pick you up from the lodge and drop you off at Lamula after your game drive (and intimate picnic). Our guides can also arrange a private Kruger walking safari for you. It all depends on how adventurous you feel.
- Marked walking trails on the estate.
Best features of Lamula Lodge
- Less than 1km from Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger gate
- Satelite TV (limited channels)
- Magnificent boma in bush veld setting
- Heated swimming pool with sun loungers with exceptional views
- On-site secure, free parking on the reserve
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport shuttle for all airports including OR Tambo (request a quote)
- Private chef available to prepare all meals
- In-house African Spa treatments
- Tea and coffee stations in all rooms
What is the accommodation like at the Lamula Lodge?
The lodge offers four luxury suites, each offering uncompromised nature views. The primary suite is exquisitely furnished with a king-sized bed, while the other three suites have comfortable twin beds, which can be converted to double beds upon request. These suites are situated around an intimate nature courtyard.
The spacious indoor dining area has ceiling-to-floor glass sliding doors that open onto a private viewing deck with uninterrupted bushveld views. And then there is the fabulous lapa with a large seating area tucked away under indigenous riverine trees. It’s the perfect spot for stargazing, as the Kruger National Park is renowned for its incredible night skies. Picture yourself sitting here and enjoying a glass of bubbly surrounded by the African bush veld while the fire crackles and hyenas laugh in the distance.
This magnificent villa has so many outstanding features that it’s impossible to mention them all. The villa is fully serviced with bedding, bath towels, hair dryers, and all amenities. The proud owners of the Netherlands invite you to come and discover this one-of-a-kind safari villa.
To read more about Lamula, click on this link as we previously featured Lamula in an article.
How to get to Lamula Lodge?
Lamula Lodge is located at Elephant point, R536, Paul Kruger Gate, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
How to make a booking with Lamula Lodge?
Contact details: +27 (0) 13 880 0170
Email: eprecep@elephantcorp.co.za
For booking and more information visit their website.
Conclusion
While several unique guesthouses and hotels are in the vicinity of the Kruger National Park, we believe these top five establishments deserve to be acknowledged for exceptional guest services. These superior establishments are committed to showcasing South Africa as the ultimate destination of choice.
