MPUMALANGA "BIG GAME" SAFARI LODGES AND COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most popular destinations. The area is best known for the famous Kruger National Park and we highly recommend the private "big game" game reserves of the Sobi Sands, Manyaleti and Timbavati on its western unfenced boundary. We recommend spending 3 nights on safari staying at small lodges with excellent guides. In addition, on the Drakensberg escarpment there are picturesque and historic towns like Pilgrims Rest, great trout fishing valleys and many spectacular sights like the Blyde River Canyon. It is possible to do a leisurely circuit of the region in a few days, staying at lovely country house hotels.

MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve is situated in the Sabi Sands, the largest private game reserve in South Africa and shares 33kms of unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. The camps are sited along the Sand River and irrespective of which camp is selected they all offer a 6 star game experience, virtually guaranteeing seeing the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) plus a plethora of smaller animals, birds and flora, in a 2 - 3 night stay. The award winning Mala Mala Main Camp (5 star) sleeps 50 guests in thatched rondavels with first class international facilities. Children welcome of all ages with baby-sitting available. Kirkman's Kamp (4 star) sleeps 28 guests in semi-detached cottages in true 192O's colonial style. Kirkman's Cottage sleeps 8 guests in semi-detached cottages and is ideal for small groups and families. Harry's Camp (3 star) sleeps 26 guests in Ndebele style rooms and the emphasis here is Harry-casual! Children over 8 welcome. All the camps have swimming pools and private vehicles can be arranged. 2000 rates from £184 - £ 336 pppn sharing.

Londolozi Game Reserve
Londolozi Game Reserve is situated within the game rich Sabi Sands and has received worldwide acclaim as one of Africa's most sought after safari destinations. Londolozi Main Camp accommodates 20 guests, Londolozi Bush Camp accommodates 16 guests including children, and Londolozi Tree Camp is the smallest and most exclusive, accommodating 12 guests. All these camps are intimate and very luxurious, nestled into the riverine vegetation overlooking the beautiful Sand River. Accompanied by expert guides in open Landrovers, guests are likely to encounter almost every major mammal at close quarters - leopard, cheetah, lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and more. 2000 rates from £ 387 - £419 pppn sharing. Children welcome.

Singita Game Reserve
Singita Game Reserve is one of the world's finest and most exclusive, with two lodges accommodating 18 guests each, in extravagant luxury double suites, each with their own private deck and plunge pools overlooking the Sand River Singita. Ebony Lodge is romantic and colonial whilst Singita Boulders Lodge is contemporary with a distinctly African style. Game viewing and guiding is excellent on an 18,000 hectare estate.
A modern fitness centre offers the ancient arts of Oriental acupressure, Ayurveda and traditional European massage. The African Trading Store boutique stocks a range of fashionable bush wear and African artefacts. 2000 rates from £308 pppn sharing. Children over 12 welcome.

Savanna Camp
Savanna Camp is on the western border of the Sabi Sands and accommodates 14 guests in either luxury air-conditioned tents or executive suites with swimming pools and lounge areas. The lodge adopts a colonial "Out of Africa" theme and dinners are served in a restored railway dining carriage. It's sister camp is Leopard Hills, on a hilltop overlooking a waterhole and accommodates 10 guests in luxury air-conditioned suites. Activities at both lodges include open vehicle game drives, walking safaris, and optional bush breakfasts and dinners. 2000 rates from £252 - £ 315 pppn sharing.

Tanda Tula Bush-Camp
Tanda Tula Bush-Camp is in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park. The emphasis is on a quality bush experience including the "big 5", and the camp offers subtle luxury in authentic African style, accommodating 24 guests in East African Meru tents with en suite bathrooms and wooden decks with riverbed views. Sleep outs at the hide overlooking the water-hole can be arranged. 2000 rates from £133 - £ 186 pppn sharing. Children over 8 welcome.

Other big game options include Nottens Bush Camp, Honeyguide, Khoka Moya Safari Lodge and Trails Camp, Ngala Camp, Garonga, Makalali.

The Coach House
The Coach House near Tzaneen, atop a magnificent plateau with sweeping views-of the Drakensberg and lush surrounding forests, is best known for its fine cuisine. Its 45 rooms offer elegant accommodation in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, and it is an ideal start to a self-drive trip of the Lowveld.

Blue Mountain Lodge
Blue Mountain Lodge is an elegant country house hotel in the heart of Mpumalanga and the first establishment in South Africa to become a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The 13 rooms and suites are individually decorated, embracing styles from Classical Regency, French Baroque and refined country. Facilities include a swimming pool, billiards, fishing, hiking trails, a heli-pad and it is a perfect base to explore the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim's Rest and game reserves.

Cybele Forest Lodge
Cybele Forest Lodge is an old farmhouse hotel (Relais & Chateaux) in the heart of Mpumalanga, accommodating 30 guests in suites, cottages and studios. A five course set dinner is served, described as classic French combined with traditional English and it is renowned. There are some superb walks on the 300-acre property as well as trout fishing and horse riding. A perfect base to explore the nearby attractions.

Other Mpumalanga properties include Mount Anderson Ranch, Walkersons, Shandon Lodge, Annandale House.