Your recommendations for the Eastern Cape

Hi there, I was browsing the forum and came across the question:
"But if anyone can explain this sudden passion for Marloth Park?"For me, it was a few years ago—I was leaving Kruger and wanted to get closer to the Mozambique border. I found this place while searching on Google Maps, cheap accommodation, and I was charmed by the spot. Now, every time I go to Kruger, I stop by there.
You’ll find giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and gazelles roaming freely alongside pedestrians. Predators also show up, and Marloth Park’s Facebook page posts alerts about them. There’s a really nice restaurant and a butcher shop where trophies line the walls—I ate the best Christmas cake there, super rich in calories. Last year, I camped for three nights by the Crocodile River. The park is on the other side, and you can see animals passing by. One year, a big cat was wandering around. Retired South Africans set up camp for the month and just observe.
You can walk around on foot and watch the animals. In short, I love Marloth Park.
I also like De Hoop, but my favorite spot is near Coffee Bay.

It still won’t be this year that we’ll get to know Marloth Park!
I just canceled in favor of a night in Biyamiti. A cottage became available, so I jumped on the opportunity. The call of the bush and the desire to be in the heart of Kruger were stronger than the comfort of Marloth’s pretty house.
Besides, at the price SANParks sells its basic-comfort cottages in the Bushveld camps (though this one does have a river view), the call of the bush really has to be strong

Actually, my comment is about the accommodation I had initially booked in Marloth Park. A really lovely and fully equipped house for 115 € per night. In Biyamiti, the cottage for 4 people costs over 200 €, and it’s clearly lower in terms of quality.
It’s not that it’s not good, it’s just that it’s not as nice but more expensive.
On the other hand, I think the Marloth Park house (Wild Whispers) is really a great deal for what it is… but it’s not inside Kruger.Regarding the entrance fee for Kruger and the Wildcard price, it’s clear we really felt the increase!

Hi there,
While reading your post, I had exactly the same thought as Attila.
Basic comfort.....?
With everything you’ll find in this accommodation:
Bathroom with shower and toilet,
Outdoor kitchen—all very well-maintained, especially considering you’re right in the bush with an amazing view.

Maybe it’s just us being the problem then
We must be picky and annoying!
Or maybe we just had bad luck with our SANParks accommodations—aside from Olifants and Talamati, we’ve had places that were poorly maintained (broken window replaced with cardboard, shower leaking everywhere, water cuts…).
That said, the cottages at Olifants and Talamati were great, and we loved the bush camp vibe at Talamati (the same vibe we’re hoping to find at Biyamiti).
I’ve never stayed at Biyamiti, so I can’t judge. I hope you’re all right and we’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Yes, Sanparks accommodations aren’t always the height of modernity or upkeep. You can get unlucky. Personally, I remember a really shabby bungalow at Lower Sabie.But when a bungalow is fully renovated, the price goes up... (I’d booked one like that at Pretoriuskop)Overall, though, I have pretty good memories.My bad accommodation experiences were more about the neighbors than the bedding.Ending up with a loud French neighbor—what a nightmare!But that can happen anywhere...I checked the current prices at Balule.
It’s still unbeatable compared to all the other safari destinations.The most beautiful place I’ve stayed in Sanparks was Tankwa, closely followed by Agulhas.
For a safari experience, Kiliekrankie in KTP.

HelloAnd the Golden Gate?

Hey MichelI did actually forget the chalets at Highlands Mountain Retreat! ;)
What a view! :O :P

Yes, when I booked at Golden Mountain, I passed by Glen Reenen.
I immediately realized I’d made the right choice with Golden Mountain!Night and day!For the cold, it’s in the mountains.
Accommodations, whether in parks or elsewhere, are rarely heated.I had the electric blanket on full blast in Dullstroom (private lodging), slept fully dressed at Tamboti, and was really cold at Mokala.That’s why I often choose the end of the southern summer for my trips to Southern Africa.The southern winter isn’t the right season, in my opinion.
It’s cold at night, the vegetation is ugly, and it’s crowded.On the other hand, the heart of summer isn’t great either because it gets scorching hot in the desert parks! But it can still be cool at high altitudes...Long live the shoulder seasons!

I’d hesitated between the two. I made the wrong choice We were much less cold at Thendele. The enclosed fireplace worked really well, and we had electric heaters in the rooms. Luckily, we only spent one night at Glen Reenen and two at Thendele. You can’t go wrong every time!I think this’ll be the last time we travel in July this year. The kids are leaving the nest (though the youngest is still hanging on and always comes with us ). We’ll soon be able to enjoy the joys of the shoulder seasons