Kruger Cottage… a vacation to remember
Serenity awaits We welcome you to Kruger Cottage, a charming thatch-roofed house in a unique area of the earth.
The cottage is located in Marloth Park, a buffer zone nestled up to the south edge of the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier game reserve.
Nature-watching opportunities abound!
Marloth Park is a tranquil, fenceless community that allows game animals to run free amongst the houses which are nestled in the natural vegetation. Located in Mpumalanga Province, Marloth Park is bordered by Kruger on the north, east and west sides, separated only by the Crocodile River and the Kruger boundary fence. It is considered a nature conservancy (no domestic animals allowed) and operates its own private game reserve for guests to enjoy.
The intruiging, life-bearing Crocodile River is a short 150 metre walk from Kruger Cottage, where an extensive walking path situated next to the Kruger southern boundary fence allows you an elevated view of all the wildlife that gathers at the water. Take a morning walk or drive with coffee cup in hand, bring your camera and binoculars and even a folding chair and be ready to see an amazing variety of birdlife, as well as an abundance of larger animals: hippos, wildebeest, crocodiles, warthog and perhaps even rhinos, elephants or lions.
A local shop provides the basic essentials and if you wish to eat at a local restaurant, there are two lodges from which to choose.
From Kruger Cottage, you can venture into Kruger Park through one of two gates (Malelane or Crocodile), both gates an easy drive of approximately 35 km. Drive in using your own vehicle, or choose a locally guided tour option.
Explore neighbouring countries
If you are looking for variety, Marloth Park is a great base from which to explore Swaziland and Mozambique. Its close proximity to these neighbouring countries (the Swaziland border is about 80 km away, and the Mozambique border even less) allows you to take easy day trips into Swaziland or to the beautiful, warm, unspoilt beaches of the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. Don’t forget to bring your swim suit and snorkel gear!
Secluded accommodations:
Kruger Cottage is a private, self-catering house that comfortably sleeps 6-8.
An open floor plan and vaulted thatch roof form a comfortable common area that connects to a large covered verandah, where a splash pool and braai (outdoor barbeque) awaits.
This unique house started as a traditional rondavel (circular house), which now constitutes the two smaller guest bedrooms and shared bathroom. Beautifully crafted additions form a fully functioning kitchen which shares a vaulted ceiling with the dining area and living room.
The master bedroom has a private (en-suite) bathroom. Cooling tiled floors throughout lead you to the verandah and pool where you can listen to the sounds of the hippos grunting in the river, the hooting of the owls and other wildlife as you enjoy the evening from the comfort of Kruger Cottage.
Kruger Cottage offers competitive rates. Linens are provided. Towels are available for an extra fee. Standard deposit, breakage fees, and linen laundering fees apply. The house is professionally cleaned once a week, but other arrangements may be made.
Transportation:
Marloth Park is located east of Nelspruit, between Hectorspruit and Komatipoort. Drive time from Johannesburg Airport is approximately 4-5 hours. Shuttle service is available from Johannesburg and Pretoria to Nelspruit. Car rental service is available in Nelspruit.
Rates:
Price per night for Kruger Cottage varies according to occupancy:
•R650 for 1-2 people
•R800 fr 3-4 people
•R900 for 5-6 people
•R1000 for 7-8 people
Kruger Cottage is private and peaceful
Animal-watching opportunities abound
Payment:
A 50% deposit will secure your booking, and the remainder is due prior to arrival. We accept payment via Paypal or direct transfer.
A refundable R300 breakage and key deposit is required.
Please note: there are no facilities to accept payment once you arrive at Kruger Cottage; payment must be made in advance.
Nearby activities and adventures:
We hope you enjoy serenity, peacefulness, tranquility, and solitude while you’re at Kruger Cottage. For those who are looking for a more active vacation, there are many sights and adventure nearby.
Animal watching:
Enjoy seeing a variety of African mammals and birds without ever leaving Kruger Cottage!
Expect to see an abundance of wildlife at closer range than you thought possible. Watch enthralled as zebras, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, bush babies, impala and kudu walk right through your back yard. Rest assured, however, that the dangerous carnivores such as lion, hyeana and leopards as well as elephant, are not present around the houses.
Within easy walking distance are multiple observation sites along the Crocodile River affording views into the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Further enhance your vacation with day and night game drives into the Kruger National Park (KNP). Crocodile Bridge gate is approximately 20 minutes away and the Malelane entrance iis a 40 minute drive. Night drives must be arranged in advance with a guide from the KNP… well worth it as you will usually see nocturnal dwellers of the park that you otherwise wouldn’t see.
Bird watcher’s paradise:
Kruger Cottage and surrounding area provides a bird watcher’s paradise. Bring binoculars and a bird identification book Birding in Kruger Park more images
Botanical garden:
This beautiful South African botanic garden is 159 hectares, with a cultivated garden area (about 25 hectares) surrounded by a larger area of natural vegetation (SSour Lowveld Bushveld). The Crocodile River and Nels River flow through the gardens, creating some spectacular cascades. The garden is home to over 600 naturally occurring plant species. Read more…
Elephant-back safari:
Enjoy a fascinating experience with the elephant whispers. Interact with these majestic animals up close with a range of activities, including elephant back rides and interacting with the elephants.
Golf:
For the golf enthusiast, combine sport with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy two different 9-hole courses in nearby Malelane and Komatipoort. An 18-hole course is available in Nelspruit. Combine a game-watching drive with a visit to the Skukuza Golf Course, located within Kruger National Park.
Or challenge yourself on an 18-hole championship course designed by world-renowned golfer, Gary Player. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to families of hippos and the magnificent creatures for which the river is named – Crocodiles.
Working closely with the Kruger National Park and nature conservation authorities, the golf course was specifically designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. It is a paradise for bird-watchers, a challenge for golfers and an opportunity to see and experience all the beauty of the bushveld.
Leopard Creek is accessible by invitation only.
Take an exhilarating ride across the Gorge at Graskop…the longest gorge ride in the world!
Hiking trails:
Hiking trails of all levels of difficulty (including overnight hikes of 2-5 day duration), are available nearby. See the beautiful scenery of the area and abundant birdlife in a completely different way!
For more information: Area trails – day & overnight hikes | Trail maps | The Fanie Botha hiking trail | South African trails
Horse riding:
Anyone serious about exploring South Africa on horseback and making it a big part of their holiday should head to the province of Mpumalanga. Stables and lodges operating out of or near to Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest and Nelspruit offer multi-night excursions leading you deep into the wilderness and offer prime game viewing of wildlife along the way.
For more information: Kaapsehoop Horse Trails | Induna Adventures
Neighbouring countries:
Kruger Cottage is close to the borders of both Swaziland (65km) and Mozambique (30km). Mozambique’s capital city, Maputo, is a 2 hour drive. Allow extra time to cross the border if you are traveling at the end of the month (pay day) and workers are traveling between countries.
Welcome to Swaziland
Mozambique – places to stay, things to do
Scenic drives:
The wonderful Summit route with God’s Window, Bourkes Pot Holes, Sudwala Caves, the Mac Mac Falls, and other attractions, is but 90 minutes away and definitely worth a visit.
Scuba diving:
To the east of Kruger Cottage lies the coastline of Mozambique. Although it will require more than a day-trip, if scuba-diving is your passion, you’ll enjoy the experience afforded by the wonderful staff of Liquid Adventures. In addition, the centre offers kayaking, surf school, kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving and Whale Shark encounters.
Dive adventures:
Experience the best of Mozambique diving, from large pelagics to nudibranchs, Mantas and Whalesharks.
•Registered Padi Dive Centre, with on site pool
•Courses from Discover Scuba up to Dive Master
•2 x 8m Superduck dive boats
•full range of rental gear
•Outstanding safety record
•World class dive sites with safe, friendly dive staff
•foreign languages welcome
•Dive and ocean safari packages a must
•Restaurant and bar facilities, with a great view
Daily Ocean safaris:
Experience the beauty of snorkelling with Whalesharks, Mantas, Dolphins and other creatures of the blue. Trips depart daily at 10h30. All trips led by qualified divemasters.
Visit the Unseen:
Liquid Adventures also runs kayak safaris to the islands in the Inhambane Lagoon, a special experience.
Tiger fishing:
For the angling enthusiast, Tiger fishing is available in nearby Komatipoort. Tiger fish are renowned for their fierceness and are regarded by many as being the best freshwater game fish in Africa.
For more information: http://nkomazisafaris.co.za/abouttigerfishing.html
Waterfalls:
Waterfalls abound…
•Lone Creek Falls
•Lisbon Falls
•Berlin Falls
•Mac Mac Falls
•Maria Shires Falls
•Bridal Veil Falls
Reviews:
Amazing stay at affordable price. Animals come right to your doorstep. We especially enjoyed the private pool. Eugene Stavast, South Africa – December 17, 2012
Perfect location for animal lovers! Neat, clean, and spacious cottage as advertised. Graham Keen, Malawi – May 7, 2012
Kruger cottage was beautiful. It was clean and comfortable. The splash pool was fantastic as the weather was soooooo hot!! Thank u Joan for your prsonal touches. Even though we didnt meet u, we felt your caring touch all over the house. Slie & Robert Ndlela + Bukiwe & Kumandi Mgobhozi, South Africa – March 9, 2012
