Kruger safari advice

[as02]

We are in the middle of deciding where to stay in Kruger. Considered the Sabi Sands properties but most of them seem out of budget except a few. Was wondering how different the experience is in an average-budget private reserve property vs. a high-end one? What really changes – safari experience/ food/ acco quality?
Just thinking whether it’s worth paying a premium for an upgrade or not.

[yorkshireRich]

We used one of the Sanpark properties in Kruger and although fairly basic, it was a brilliant experience.
You just get up early morning and drive and stumble upon some lions, it really was a magical experience.
You can also arrange game drives from there.

We also booked a private lodge (mid range-ish), £1500 for 2 nights, and even though it was very good, I have many more fond memories of being in Kruger national park itself.

Everyone will have different views but I read reports of people paying thousands for private lodges and not seeing hardly any animals. I guess my view is do both if time permits.

[Mandy]

We flew from Jo’burg to Hoedspruit and stayed in Rukiya Safari Camp (River House) which is in the greater Kruger area. We thoroughly enjoyed it and did morning game drive (we saw 4 of 5 no Buffallo) and sunset drive (non-big 5). Both were very enjoyable and very different. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was provided and the food was good. The camp is small and very well organised. We were with one other family on the drives. The guides were extremely knowledgeable. Some people also did an organised day trip to Kruger or if they had own car, did their own drive.

[Sandj]

We stayed at elephant plains in Sabi sands for 3 nights, amazing value for money. We stayed in the best rooms which were excellent. Everything included except drinks which weren’t expensive. Food was fine but not excellent. I’d say this was the only compromise for the price. I booked this through travel butlers, cheaper than booking direct. We saw loads and there were never any queues.
We also stayed at tanda Tula which was more expensive but still a great deal as the drinks were included and the food was excellent. Got a great price from Trailfinders.

[yonasl]

The differences between Kruger and the nearby “expensive” places are:
1) Kruger is a public park, the others are private land
2) You can drive your own car around Kruger. If you want you can book a private tour with an open top jeep. But they are still driving on the same roads inside the park
3) If you want to sleep inside the park or go off-road you can do that by booking the park accommodation or doing some of their own activities

I did both Kruger and Sabi Sands and the difference is a saving of hundreds of pounds per day and you get to see the same animals (it depends more on the guide you have than the place you are). Obviously going off road on a private domain feels incredible but we saw more lions and stuff like that in Kruger (not to mention we mixed driving on our own and getting a tour guide and it was amazing).