holiday | Kruger Eden Lodge

Becoming Kruger Eden Lodge

bdu — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:11:07 +0000

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.

Fantastic Biggies and how to find them

bdu — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:01:50 +0000

Is it possible to see the Big 5 in just one day?

At the beginning of this post, it is important to note that Kruger Park is not a zoo. The animals are not always to be found in the same place. On the contrary: Surprises, unexpected observations but also disappointments are part of a nature experience of this kind.

With this in mind however, it is also true that many animals have preferred habitats and often also territories. In addition, there are certain activity times and typical behaviors. If you have this knowledge, you can significantly increase the chances of great observations.

The Big 5 are elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. The compilation is controversial, since it is a seemingly random collection that was mainly created with hunting aspects in mind. But because of their dangerousness and wildness and their claim to huge wildlife reserves and national parks, they still inspire us today.

Let’s plan a trip through Kruger Park to see all 5 in just one day: Our journey begins at Kruger Eden Lodge at 5:00 am: About 15 minutes later we are at the Gate Corcodile Bridge. Depending on the time of year, entry would be at 05:30, for example. We fill out the forms and are in the park before sunrise. Shortly after the gate there is the Shishangeni lion pride on the right. However, the area is a concession and may not be freely navigated. With a bit of luck, the lions will come further west and can then be found near the gate. There are also rhinos there, but you see them even more rarely. However, night safaris are offered on this route. If we’re not lucky during the day, we’ll make a note of it. We stay on the paved H4-2 towards Lower Sabie. We will almost certainly see elephants on the route.

Elephants will be found on any day visit to Kruger Park. However, their frequency does not diminish the incredible fascination that these animals exert on us. While some say there are too many elephants, if that is the case, eventually the balance will be restored. Either through diseases or through lions where they are on the menu, e.g. in Botswana.

After about 45 minutes we drive past Camp Lower Sabie onto the H4-1 towards Nkuhlu. There is a very good chance of lions on this route in the morning.

The Lions in Kruger Park are world famous. Almost everyone knows the photos when they are lounging on the street and the traffic is backing up. You rarely see them alone, but mostly in packs. Sometimes they are so close that you only have to reach out to touch them. However, this must and should be strictly avoided. You also must be early for them because when sun starts heating they seek shade and disapear.

As we drive along the Sabie River, there are always great views of the river. In addition to elephants, Cape buffalo are often found by the water.

Sometimes you can see huge herds of over 100 Cape buffalos, but also small groups of male animals called “dagger groups”. Buffalos are impressive. It is said that they scowl, as if they are owed money. Large buffalo are particularly feared and are responsible for around 200 deaths per year in Africa.

After about 1.5 hours we are in Skukuza and take a break. Of course we could have done that in Lower Sabie or Nkuhlu. But we wanted to be diligent. Leopards are also sighted daily along the route travelled.

Leopards are the most successful big cats. They have a huge range and are highly adaptable and incredibly fast and athletic. Leopards are the only Big 5 animal that will never allow themselves to be locked in or out of a wildlife sanctuary. They can appear almost anywhere. Outside of the reserves, however, they are very secretive and cautious and are almost never seen. Not so in the Kruger Park. They like to lounge lazily in trees along the road during the day, much to the delight of visitors.

From Skukuza we take the H1-1 towards Malelane Gate and then continue on the H3. Just before Jock Safari Lodge we turn left onto the gravel road of the S112 and drive the Biyamiti Loop via the S23 and the H2-2 back to the H3. Leopards are often spotted here, rhinos too.

There are white Rhinos and black rhinos in Kruger Park. The latter are very rare and hard to find. The former could actually be found anywhere if they weren’t ruthlessly poached. This is a tragedy and catastrophe. In desperation, the park management even started to saw off the horns of the animals. White rhinos like to use fixed places as toilets. Long before the animals themselves, you see these spots where baboons like to dig for giant dung beetle larvae.

Back on the H3 we drive back a little and take a break in Afsaal. There we strengthen ourselves with some Roosterkoek, a delicious bread on its own or for lunch. Then it’s back on the H3 heading south. We turn right onto the 120 onto the Steilberg loop. It gets a bit bumpy, but you can meet all the representatives of the Big 5 here. Then turn right onto the 110 and back via Berg En Dal towards Malelane Gate. This time turn left onto the H3 heading north and then turn right onto the S114 and then stay on the S25. All representatives of the Big 5 are also possible on this route.

You haven’t seen all the Big 5 despite all the effort, diligence and long distance? Never mind, now a night safari at the Crocodile Bridge Gate and the next day the tour again! Because even without the Big 5, the Kruger Park is a dream. We saw the magical giraffes everywhere, the loud hippos, the graceful impalas, the elegant kudus, the beautiful zebras, the rustic wildebeests, the gnarled crocodiles and countless other wonderful animals on land, in the air and in the water. To be observed in a unique paradise that one can hardly imagine in this size and beauty.

The post Fantastic Biggies and how to find them first appeared on Kruger Eden Lodge.

Best Holiday EVER! We had the best time of our lifes here.

bdu — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 04:59:10 +0000

My husband, our 2,5-year-old son and I just spent three wonderful weeks at the Kruger Eden Lodge. Coming from Germany the flight over night was surprisingly unproblematic, most of it was sleeping, even without any jet lag for we stayed in the same time zone. It’s a truly amazing accommodation. The rooms are chic and comfortable, the staff was super friendly and the garden is so beautiful with lots of big trees and different animal visitors every day. Our son had a blast discovering warthogs, monkeys, baboons, bushbocks, impalas, bushbabies and even zebras nosing around the garden right in front of us!

The lodge borders right to the Kruger Park. We just had to walk a few steps off the property and there was a pathway running along the fence of one of the most famous National Parks in the world. How cool is that?! From there, you have a wonderful view over the Crocodile River, with beautiful sunsets in the evening. We actually had an amazing encounter with an elephant there. For some reason he decided to walk right up to us to the fence. We got to see lots of elephants on our safari tours at the Kruger Park, but this was special – not watching it from the car, but standing so close to this wild, big animal. We also met a herd of zebras with a baby on our side of the fence. They were so curious, we could have stroked them.

These close animal encounters were a wonderful addition to our safari tours at the Kruger Park. There we got to see the Big Five, but also many, many more animals – small and big. We were completely overwhelmed by the density and variety of wildlife there and had different adventures every time we visited the Park. Starting a safari tour from Kruger Eden Lodge was perfect because the Crocodile Bridge Gate is really close and after an hour of driving through the park there is this really nice restaurant with a panoramic view in Lower Sabie – perfect for a late breakfast or an early lunch. We also did a night safari which we would definitely recommend as you get to see animals you don’t usually get to see during the day.

While staying at the Kruger Eden Lodge we enjoyed a day trip to the beautiful Botanical Garden of Nelspruit with its waterfalls. We also visited the mountains at Graskop where you can walk through tropical vegetation around a huge waterfall. My husband was even brave enough to take a bungee-jump-like leap with the big swing there! Another family highlight was a visit at the Elephant Whisperer’s. Our son still talks about how he stroked and fed a real elephant.

We already very much miss our days at the Kruger Eden Lodge. Having daily adventures, bathing in the warm jacuzzi while looking at the wonderful garden and its animal visitors and sitting around the campfire in the evenings having braai (traditional South African barbecue). We want to thank the team at Kruger Eden Lodge for this unforgettable holiday and will definitely return!

The post Best Holiday EVER! We had the best time of our lifes here. first appeared on Kruger Eden Lodge.