DAY 1 Marakele

MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK

Bontle rest camp: Camping R325 per night for two people, plus R100 per extra adult and R50 per extra child (max six people per stand). Safari tent R1 470 per night for two people. Tlopi Tented Camp has more luxurious safari tents: R1 705 per night for two people. Motswere guest cottage: R2 935 per night for four people, plus R530 per extra person (sleeps eight). Children aged 2 – 11 get a discount.

012 428 9111; sanparks.org

big trees on the riverbank offer more than enough shade. Nyala (with power) R280 per adult; Matopi (no power) R230 per adult; children under 12 camp for free (maximum eight people per stand).

You get a discount if you book for three or more nights (the camps are popular over weekends – you have to book for at least two nights).

Seditse Safari Lodge is also part of Moriti. Chalet accommodation R375 per adult, half-price for kids under 12 (each chalet sleeps six).

079 515 6357 (Adéle); moriticamp.co.za

KOKOMORI BIRDER’S LODGE

This lodge, owned by Dian and Minda Geerkens, is about 25 km from the Grobler’s Bridge border post – you turn off the R572 towards the river. There are stone units (R400 per person) and an exclusive bush camp with no facilities – R350 per vehicle per night; it’s just you and the bush.

082 898 1631 (Dian); kokomori@mweb.co.za

BATELEUR TENTED SAFARI LODGE & BUSH SPA

This great lodge is south-east of Lephalale near the Palala River – it’s a good alternative if you want to stay longer and explore the district. You can overnight here and then continue our route from Day 4 – this way you won’t miss out on the Limpopo River. Bateleur offers game drives and sometimes animals are fed near the lodge – you can watch an eland with a beer in hand. The lodge has nine luxury safari tents: from R1 095 per night for two people (self-catering; options with meals also available).

082 529 5997; bateleurlodge.co.za