5500 Rand? If so, that's about $625 and that budget will indeed be difficult to meet in a private camp.

You could tour Kruger National Park on your own with rental/hire car for $300 per day, that includes car, gasoline, room, meals, fees for 2 persons. Or, stay in a lodge just outside Kruger NP and take guided tours in. Here's KNP web site if you'd like to know more - http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/
But staying in a private Sabi Sand camp is a very different experience (than KNP) and would do that if at all possible.

regards - tom

We had good experiences at Arathusa in sabi sand and shindzela in timbavati. Also check out the Africa on Foot camps (there are three in different reserves). I haven't been, but others recommend. They may all fit your criteria. There are no guarantees on sightings, but there is a good chance for all of those on your list. Arathusa had a resident hippo in 2009.

Have fun planning!!

www.elegantplaces.co.za/south-africa/safari/mohlabetsi-safari-lodge - to check availability
Approx R2800 per person - private camp but part of the greater Kruger Park. All meals included, guided game drives morning and evening with experienced rangers. We had a great experience saw Leopard kill last July and going again this July.

TS already has 3N booked in Balule GR, Claire.

Anne, if you want to keep the transfer costs down (ic fly out at the same airport you came in; Hoedspruit), then it's best to take a lodge in either Klaserie reserve or Timbavati reserve.

Lodges that I know within your price range;
- Africa On Foot and Shindzela (walks in morning, drives in afternoon)
- Gomo Gomo, Simbavati River Lodge, and nThambo (all drives)

I'm sure there's more within your price range, but I always pick one or two lodges of the above, and since I like them all and already know the people I haven't seen the other lodges there.

Ciao,

J.

Agree with J, especially if you're using HDS airport. The Timbavati reserve is much like Sabi Sand reserve, about 10 miles north of SS and bordering Kruger NP like SS. Look into Kings Camp there, but likely out of your budget. But they still might give you a deal. http://www.kingscamp.com/

regards - tom

Try Gomo Gomo in Klaserie. We'll be there the 3rd week in August so we might see you there!

I would highly recommend the following in the Balule Nature Reserve. Great value for money, excellent service!:
- Naledi Lodges - they have two lodges, one on the river (Enkoveni) and one with a great view towards the Escarpment (Bushcamp) and game drives and walks, etc all included in price. www.naledi.biz
- ToroYaka Bush Lodge, where you pay for game drives/walks as and when needed. www.toroykay.co.za

Sorry, made a typing error above. It should read www.toroyaka.co.za
Naledi can also be reached on www.naledibushcamp.com