A good option would be Shindzela. They do excellent walking safaris on the borders of Timbavati and KNP. You can have one game drive and one walking safari each day or any other combination. Very good non-luxury tented accommodation.

Currently R1,400 pp pd - Rates include accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees and 2 x safari activities per day (game drives, and/or walking activities).

http://www.shindzela.co.za/default.aspx

See also lots of excellent TA reviews -

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g471860-d1567939-r106365462-Shindzela_Tented_Safari_Camp-Timbavati_Private_Nature_Reserve_Kruger_National_Park.html

Radelleski, I am in the same position as you. My budget is about R1000 pppn, for meals, lodging, and at least one activity, whether it be a drive or a walk.

I can see there are small, comfortable but not luxury places offering winter Specials now (we go in late July) with prices in the R1000 range. They are including bush walks, etc. in the package. I have a list of about 5 or 6 of them thus far and i am continuing to add to it.

PM me if you want to compare. I have pros and cons of each--some places rate highly for food but so-so on lodging, others have great guides but blah food....

For our budgets we can't be too picky, we have to compromise our priorities.

I would avoid Tsakane Safari Camp. While the guide was excellent and the accommodations satisfactory, there are safety issues and management issues that are below acceptable standards.

First of all, SAFETY is the number one priority. The vehicle used is old and unreliable and not up to the standards of the vehicles of the other camps. Zero tread on the tire. Further, the owner used the rifle for another event he sponsored, so our group (of 2) went out in an old unreliable vehicle without protection of a rifle... and, we did get stuck in the sand which was attributed to the poor tires.

Food was sub-par. Mostly because it was obvious they wanted to get by as cheaply as possible . We purchased a package that made it sound like a decent resort and it was way exaggerated.

We were supposed to have our "pick up" and return confirmed 48 hours in advance. The owner said he did it, but we have documented evidence he never called. It resulted in out sitting at an outpost several hours because mislead us by estimated the pick-up time.

The trip was booked through Viator and there is an investigation in process.

On the good side there was an excellent guide, and the staff was friendly and responsive.

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