Cheap Africa Travel - Kruger National Park
African Safari
Many of the lodges in and around the Kruger National Park have become so expensive that it is impossible for the normal person to afford anything but standard rest-camp accommodation. That is, until the new Pinnacle lodges in the Southern part of the Kruger National Park opened up in 2005 making South Africa safari an affordable budget option.
Camp Shawu and Camp Shonga are two small 6 tented lodges situated in a concession in the Kruger Park proper. The lodges are very similar in both layout and accommodation – it is really only the location that differs with Shawu overlooking a dam and Shonga enjoying bush views.
If you are one of those people who hate tenting (like me!), then this is your chance to score brownie points with the avid campers. That these tents aren’t really tents in the traditional sense can remain our secret!
These large luxury tented structures are fitted with a romantic four poster bed, an open plan bathroom and a large veranda. They are built for relaxing and enjoying the soothing sounds of the wild.
The safari is done on open 4×4 vehicles with an expert ranger and tracker. Game is prolific in this southern part of the Kruger National Park and we saw everything from leopard and lions to giraffe and elephants. Because the lodge operates on a concession, there are no other cars or tourists about and you have this little piece of Africa all to yourself.
I visited the lodge with a bunch of friends, which was fantastic because there was lots of space for us to gather for drinks, chats and board games. But the lodge does have a romantic element to it, with the stunning tents and lovely private areas to get lost in.
These camps are so versatile that I would recommend them to anyone wanting a luxury experience at a budget price, be they honeymooners, a romantic couple or a group of friends or family.
