Kruger National Park Travel Forum

We are looking at taking our 4 boys for a safari in the Kruger National Park area (ages range from 8 years old to 12 years old). In addition to game drives and our sons interacting with local children, we would love to experience places like (doesn't have to be these exact places -- places like them):

(1) Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre

(2) Endangered Wildlife Project at Kapama

(3) God's Window , Three Rondawels

We have been told by some people that we could have a good chance of getting a open-air guided safari drive by ourselves throughout the trip -- due to the fact we have 6 people. Do you think this is correct? What other ideas do you have for us having 4 boys with us (activities, lodgest, etc..)? We would like to be in South Africa at least 8-9 days. Our budget is $1400 US dollars per person (not including airfare).

Currently, we have been recommended to stay at "Marcs Tree Lodge" and "Tremisana Lodge" by Viva Safaris at www.valuesafaris.co.za. The company making that recommendation is ecoAfrica at www.ecoafrica.com. However, I can't find any reviews on either of these 2 specific lodges. It appears they are about 30 miles from the gate of Kruger National Park. They are in our budget.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. What about "Siyabona Africa Safaris"? Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

Hi

Marcs Tree Lodge is neer Hoedspruit and about 30myls from Orpen gate(Kruger National Park) it is a nice place to stay and in the middel of your quest.

1. Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is about 15min away (20KM)
2. Endangered Wildlife Project at Kapama about 10min (10km)to the gate but just acros the roud fron marc's.
3. God's Window , Three Rondawels is a day trip on its own, about 400km depends on the rout you take and what you want to see. There is also plenty waterfalls.
4. Yes youcan do a open-air guided safariin the kruger if you want sume info on a operator ican provide you with it. My recomendation is to fly in to Hoedspruit and get a car, do your own driving and use Marcs camp just for sleeping and relaxing.

If you want more info on playses to visset pls contact me.

LouisSa

LouisSA:

Have you stayed at Marcs TreeHouse? How do you know it? How is it a good match for families (4 boys ages 8 to 12 years old)? Are the bathrooms inside the TreeHouses or separate? Do you have electricity in the TreeHouses? My wife is a little scared about the "unfenced" feel for the lodge (I like the concept). She just wants to be assured everyone will be safe. Please tell me everything you know about this lodge. Thanks!!

LouisSA:

Have you stayed at Marcs TreeHouse? How do you know it? How is it a good match for families (4 boys ages 8 to 12 years old)? Are the bathrooms inside the TreeHouses or separate? Do you have electricity in the TreeHouses? My wife is a little scared about the "unfenced" feel for the lodge (I like the concept). She just wants to be assured everyone will be safe. Please tell me everything you know about this lodge. Thanks!!

Hi

No I have nt stay at Marcs yet but planing to do so soon. I am staying in Hoedspruit about 30km from Marcs. Yes I will say it is a good match even SA citezins can go there at there prises. Yes the bath rooms are esuite bathroom (bath and shower). Yes there is electricity. If you obay the rangers warnings you will be safe. Personely I dont know alote about Marcs. I know where it is but there is only 2 ways to get in, 1. you must work ther, 2. you pay to stay there.

check this websites:

http://www.roomsforafrica.com/establishment.do?id=2203#RoomTypes

http://www.ecoafrica.com/african/safaris/Viva-Safaris/6dayMarcsTreehouseexperience.html

http://www.internetads.co.za/adsa_more_info.php?key=&thisurl=&thistown=&id=1539&location=Kruger%20Region

http://toursaa.com/Search/Safari/All/Tours/1551/3_Day_Kruger_Fly-in_Safari.htm

If you want more info pls ask I will try and help. When do you plan to vicit?
If you want transport on this side I can give you sum names and adresses of lockel tour operators.

stay in hazyview....the hippo hollow or hotel numbi. its central, beautiful and good for kids.

I have been in marcs camp in 1996. It was one of the best days and nights. We did braai at the evening. There was no electricity in the tree house at that time. The shower and toilet were in a seperate house nearby. In the morning you can see the footprints in the sand. At night a big wild grass! eating animal walked below our house through the river. In the morning at sunrise we went on a lionsafari with plenty of white lions. We still have beautiful pictures of those lions on our wal. It is/was a small lodge. I still want to go once more. It is not luxurious but adventureous.