Picture this.
Directly overlooking Crocodile River and Kruger Park, awaken to the “sound of Africa” as our resident pair of fish eagles proclaim this stretch of river as their own and out onto the deck to check as the permanent hippo pod settle back into the river after a night of foraging and the crocodiles on the sandbanks catching the early morning sun.
Relax over breakfast and enjoy the traffic as the animals come down to the river in front of you. Expect regular visits from elephant, buffalo, rhino, water buck among a host of other game while you prepare for your day ahead.
Plan your trip into Kruger as due to our position in Marloth Park between the Crocodile and Malelane gates it allows to enter in one gate and leave through the other so not back tracking on any routes and getting to see as much of the park as possible. Or spend the day in Marloth safely walking in the African bush or visit our fenced private reserve “Lionspruit” to find the ruling pride of lions among others of the Big 5. Or simply just relax on the deck with a good book while keeping an eye on the river activity and awaiting regular visits in the garden from zebra, warthogs and even giraffe.
Whatever you do ensure you get back to the house as afternoon becomes evening and enjoy sundowners with spectacular sunsets over Kruger Park directly in front of the house. Night is spent either at the fire pit enjoying a barbecue or once again on the deck listening to the night shift. Expect to hear the contact calls to each other of the hippo, the unmissable sound of the hyena and the thrilling and unmistakable call of the lions. Keep your eyes on the garden though as we usually get a visitor or two from a silent kudu to “Arnold” the resident duiker who lives behind the house before retiring to bed in eager anticipation of another fabulous day ahead.
If you want to learn the secret of where South African's holiday and experience an inexpensive but real safari experience then Majuli River Lodge is the ideal place. We hope we cover everything below but please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have or if we can offer advice on your safari experience.
The House
You rent the entire house to yourselves. You will never have to share. It is located with the Crocodile River and Kruger Park directly in front of you. This is rare and similar to a beach front property. There is a fence separating you from the Big Game that come up though so it means you can get to see and photograph animals like elephant metres away but still in a safe environment. You are surrounded by bush so expect regular visits in the garden too. Zebra, kudu and giraffe are common visitors.
It has two air conditioned bedrooms with a queen size bed in one and two singles in the other. There is a sleeper couch in the living room which allows up to 6 people to stay. There are two bathrooms with one shower (there is an outside shower too for when it gets hot). There is a fully kitted out kitchen with everything you need (oven, hob, fridge freezer, coffee machine, kettle, plates, pots, cutlery) for self catering.
A trip to South Africa is not complete without a bush braai and we have a fully lit pit outside with all the utensils needed for a memorable barbeque in the African bush. Or if it gets hot why not jump into our splash pool to cool down.
The best part of the house is the large secure decking area upstairs. This has over 3kms of uninterrupted views over the Crocodile River and Kruger Park. With other houses you have to drive around to get the views whereas you will have them right in front of you. The large deck is where you will spend all your time and is accessed through the fold away doors in the living room. There is a small bar there with fridge to keep your drinks cool and on hand. Being raised has another important benefit. I remember being nervous my first time in the bush, especially at night, but being on the deck allows you to experience all the bush has to offer without the feeling of being too exposed out in the open.
Our manager, Maritza, is a local from the bush and a real star. She lives very close by and is only a phone call away. She can book guided tours, replace bedding and towels, offer any advice about the park or just answer any questions you may have. She is there to help so if you have any problems or you need anything, just give her a call.
The house is fully alarmed and linked to a 24 hour security company in the park for added confidence.
Marloth Park
Marloth Park is a unique place in South Africa. It’s a 1500 hectare residential wildlife conservancy in natural bush right on the doorstep of Kruger with its own wildlife population, including zebras, impala, kudu, wildebeest, giraffes, warthogs, and several other species. It has two small shopping centres for food and other provisions off-license, and a fuel station. There’s also three excellent pubs, each with family style restaurants where you can eat or drink
