A Short History Of The Kruger Eden Lodge

There is not much history about the Kruger Eden Lodge as it is new. But of course there was something before that.

Story of Marloth Park
Marloth Park Holiday Township was incorporated on December 7, 1977, covering an area of ​​approximately 1548 hectares divided into 4000 lots totaling 55% of the area. Marloth Park is named after the Aloe marlothii. The Aloe marlothii owes its name to the German-South African botanist, chemist and pharmacist Dr. Rudolf Marloth (1855-1931), who made a name for himself with research into the Cape flora. Many other plants were named after him. He originates from the same district in Germany as the current owners of the Kruger Eden Lodge. Aloe marlothii blooms from May to August, during the dry season. Flower color ranges from deep orange-red to yellow and can grow up to 4 m tall.

Marloth Park has its own reserve called Lionspruit which was established in 1992 and covers a total of 1500 hectares and 96km of driveways. The property of the Kruger Eden Lodge consists of 3 plots:
Buffel Street 4456, 4457, 4458. There are no other properties between the Kruger Eden Lodge and the Crocodil River that borders to the Kruger National Park.

The thatched main house with 2 bed rooms was built around 1992 and used as a private bush retreat. About 2001 the owners changed and a spacious thatched guest house with 2 additional bed rooms was built. However it remained for private use only. In 2019, the current owners acquired the ensemble to use it as a private base camp for their travels throughout South Africa and for game drives in to the Kruger National Park. It was extensively and completely rebuilt and modernized.

“The idea of the conversion was a high quality but plain elegance that doesn´t compete with nature but blends in harmoniously.”

Founding Kruger Eden Lodge
One day the idea came up to share this jewel with the public and make it accessible to other guests during the unused time. The name was obvious from a quick glance at the beautiful trees and animals in the garden.The guests loved it.

Then Covid hit. But instead of simply closing up, the decision was made to use the time to expand and modernize.

The following extensions were carried out before end of 2022:

– New construction of a generator house
– New construction of a modern staff residence
– Conversion and extension of the old garage into a guest house with 4 rooms and a reception
– Extension and construction of a large terrace with jacuzzi
– In addition, the neighboring property could be acquired with further modifications
– Conversion of the garage into laundry, storage and a room for nature guides
– Building a generous boma- New construction of a gym with fitness equipment
– 1 Luxury Thatched Bungalow with 2 bed rooms and an additional outside shower 

The following building will be completed by Mai 2023:

– 1 Luxury Bungalow with 2 bed rooms and an additional tent on its outlook platform 

Since 01. of Oktober 2022, the team of Kruger Eden Lodge awaits all guests with great pleasure.

We want to give you an unforgettable time at this magic place.

The post Becoming Kruger Eden Lodge first appeared on Kruger Eden Lodge.

How and where to legally and safely walk around in the Kruger Park

For real Kruger Park fans and die-hard nature lovers, there is hardly anything more exciting than walking in the Kruger National Park. In addition, sitting in the car for a long time is tiring and you long for some exercise.

At first this doesn’t seem like a good idea. From the car you can see hundreds of dangerous animals such as crocodiles, elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, wilddogs, hyaenas and poisonous snakes in an unimaginable density. You might think that you can hardly get a few steps far. Of course, the animal inhabitants of Kruger Park also have to survive somehow. However, they are usually faster and/or can see, hear, smell better, have better reflexes and/or better camouflage or have natural protection like armoring or weapons.

However, our ancestors also had to walk, but paid a high price for it. Even today, some people want or need to walk through Kruger Park. There are the rangers for example, who do this day in and day out. But they are always in pairs, have a lot of experience, are armed and unfortunately also very endangered.

If you want to hike in the park as a tourist, you can only do so with a professional and armed escort on fixed routes. You can find a number of interesting offers on the Internet. Professional walking safaris should therefore not be considered further here. In fact, there are also other safe ways to get out of the car and move around freely. Be it for exploration, for relaxation and movement or simply for the feeling of freedom. We are concentrating more on the south because it is easy to reach from the Kruger Eden Lodge.

Observation hideouts
There are a few hides scattered throughout the park. For example the Gardenia Hide on the S119 or the hide at Lake Panic near the H11. These are positioned at strategically favorable locations such as rivers, reservoirs, mud pools, etc. Here there is always the possibility to get off, walk a few steps and observe or photograph animals directly and without a fence or car doors.

Picnic places
The public picnic areas such as Nkulu on the H4-1 or Afsal on the H3 are not fenced. You can move freely there and also walk a few hundred meters. Many animals visit these picnic areas because sometimes something falls off. There are often good opportunities for photos here.

Bridges
You can disembark on high bridges that are already within the park but before the entrance gates, such as Malelane Gate or Kruger Gate. But not on flat bridges, such as Crocodile Bridge. On bridges behind the gates, disembarking is generally not permitted. But there are a few exceptions, especially further north, where signs allow this. Yellow lines limit the safe area, but you should always stay close to the vehicle.

View points
At some view points, such as the Stevenson-Hamilton Monument on the S22 or Granokop on the H1-1, you can leave the vehicle and explore the area. Some signs indicate the boundaries of the areas. There are fantastic views here. Also ideal for some gymnastics.

Skukuza Golf Course
The golf course is located directly in the Kruger Park and is not fenced! Some photos then also show hyenas, leopards or wild dogs on the green. Another highlight is a tee across Lake Panic, where hippos and crocodiles lie. Balls that land in it are lost forever! Guests who do not play are also welcome, but are not allowed on the pitch.

Half marathon
Once a year a half marathon takes place in the Kruger Park. Running there is a dream for every long-distance runner. However, the places are limited. The entire route is well guarded, but the race often has to be interrupted because lions, wild dogs, elephants, etc. claim parts of the route for themselves.

Campsites
The campsites are an exception and do not really belong in this list because they are fenced. But because of their size, you don’t really notice it that way. There you can sometimes walk a few kilometers, often with magnificent views. There are also restaurants, pools, cinemas and shops. In Berg en Dal you can find a view on a reservoir and the Rhino Walking Trail.

Walking the fence
Walking along the fence in Marloth Park is particularly popular. The trail starts a few meters from our lodge. In principle, this trail is not in the park either, but it leads several kilometers along the Crocodile River and offers a constant view on the river and the Kruger Park with everything in it. On our side of the fence you already see a lot except the Big 5 which makes it a lot safer. However, you shouldn’t hike alone, as the fence isn’t really tight and even lions make it through sometimes. Please infrom yourself before you start walking. 

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