We recently spent a weekend at the Grand Kruger Lodge, and it was an unforgettable experience for my family. We booked a two-night stay after I won a competition, and it exceeded all our expectations.
Location & Arrival: We drove 5 hours from Johannesburg to Marloth Park, and what a beautiful drive it was! The welcoming sight of two large kudu at the gates of Marloth Park made it clear we were no longer in the city. Grand Kruger Lodge is tucked away off a dirt road, surrounded by nature, making it the perfect escape.
Accommodation: Our chalet was stunning—two stories with bedrooms on each floor, air-conditioning (which we needed with 38-degree temps!), a small fridge, coffee station, and a lovely patio. A troop of mongoose living under our chalet provided endless entertainment for my son! The attention to detail in the rooms, the comfort of the beds, and the overall cleanliness were fantastic.
Dining: Both dinner and breakfast were exceptional. The four-course buffet dinner was divine, with plenty of variety. My personal favorite was the Amarula ice cream. Breakfast was another buffet treat with lots of delicious options. My son enjoyed sampling everything multiple times!
Activities: On Sunday, we took a self-drive into Kruger Park, entering through the Crocodile River Bridge gate. Despite a bit of a queue at the entrance, it was well worth it! We saw an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, and more. Though we missed out on a cheetah sighting (thanks to a crowded stop), we were thrilled with the number of animals we spotted—14 different species!
The afternoon brought a twilight drive in Marloth Park, where we saw impalas, kudus, giraffes, and waterbucks right in the gardens of the park. Our guide, Ellie, stopped along the Crocodile River where we enjoyed drinks, snacks, and a breathtaking sunset while watching hippos and crocodiles.
Spa: On Monday morning, I treated myself to a full-body massage at the lodge’s spa before our return journey. As someone who has had a fair few massages, I can confidently say this was one of the best! The therapist was incredibly skilled and left me feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Final Thoughts: Grand Kruger Lodge is a gem. The friendly service, delicious food, and relaxing atmosphere made for an unforgettable weekend. Whether you’re going for the wildlife or simply to relax, this is a must-visit! We left rested, happy, and already planning our next trip back.
A big thank you to Marshelle and the entire team for making our stay...
Read moreOur recent 5-day stay at the Grand Kruger Lodge was nothing short of spectacular! Nestled in the heart of Marloth Park, this oasis offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature, providing an immersive safari experience that I will treasure forever.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality that made us feel right at home. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was comfortable and memorable, attending to every detail with great care and professionalism.
The lodge itself is beautifully designed, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Our accommodations were spacious, immaculately clean, and beautifully decorated, offering stunning views of the natural landscape that surrounds the lodge. Waking up to the sounds of wildlife just outside our window was a daily delight.
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the safari adventures. Each day brought new and exciting encounters with Africa's majestic wildlife, expertly guided by knowledgeable rangers who shared fascinating insights into the lives of the animals we observed. The thrill of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, and many more in their natural habitat was an experience I will never forget.
The dining experience at the lodge was equally impressive. The chefs served a variety of exquisite dishes, each beautifully presented and bursting with flavors that reflect the local cuisine. Dining under the stars, surrounded by the serene sounds of the African bush, added a magical touch to our evenings.
Overall, the Grand Kruger Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience that combines luxury, adventure, and the breathtaking beauty of South Africa's wildlife. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the African wilderness. I left with memories that will last a lifetime and a deep appreciation for the natural world. I can't recommend this place highly enough!
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Read moreThis place is amazing, I don't even know where to start really. The rooms are amazing so cosy so comfortable and loved them. The pool was very nice,warm water very clean and doesn't smell too much of chlorine like most pools would. The game drive was so great, we got to see 4 out of 5 of the big five😁😀seeing the lion and the leopard was our (me and my sister) highlight 👌😍. Lewie, our game drive guide was so sweet humble and so patient 😊he gave us a great tour,he was so amazing. Bar man innocent and Rose who was helping us with everything and serving us, were so amazing,they treated us with love care and patience. Very very friendly and made us awesome cocktails❤️they also amazing(the pinacolada was everything 👌) . Big ups to the chefs as well Zandi and Prince the food was beyond delish wow👌. And the person who took us through from booking till we left the lodge, Suprice Nkosi. He was beyond,we felt realy special.so sweet so humble and always happy no matter what. So warm so patient so welcoming. He is so amazing ❤️and we got to see the owner and wow so so sweet. Always asking if we good what we need,and even ogernized morning yoga for us with Anne, what an amazing woman and yoga session wow👌Ohh and not forgeting the massages they were so relaxing and nice and mishack who transfered us from lodge to quad bikes. I honestly have never met kinder people. The humanity the love. Grand kruger lodge is so amazing 👌thank you to everyone. U made our outing an...
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