South Africa is a country steeped in tradition and heritage, not least of which is the traditional braai. And where better to celebrate our heritage than in the bushveld? Nothing beats a lamb chop and boerie sizzling on an open fire and, of course, braaibroodjies and pap and sous on the side.

LekkeSlaap offers a wide range of accommodation options from coast to coast, but also a number of beautiful bush breakaways, perfect for a truly South African experience.

We have chosen 10 great stays in Marloth Park, a conservancy of 3000 hectares bordering the Kruger National Park, which offers some wonderful getaways! Here you can light a fire with wild animals coming right up to your doorstep to say “howzit”.

The beautiful Bush Cottage is an idyllic getaway spot with a direct view of the Kruger Park. It is also close to the Crocodile Bridge and Malelane Gates to the Kruger. The cottage has 2 bedrooms and a beautiful open-plan design, ideal for a group of 6 to 8 guests. Enjoy the view over the Crocodile River and the park with three sets of double doors opening onto a large thatched veranda with a splash pool, paved braai area, bush braai or bonfire pit. 

De Bruine Huis offers a charming bush break surrounded by the lush vegetation of Marloth Park and is ideal for a family or a group of friends. This two-bedroom unit has a fully equipped kitchen for the self-catering guest and an enclosed patio area with braai facilities, leading to a lovely splash pool. Come and enjoy the view over the river where you might even see elephants at play.

The absolutely beautiful Kruger River Self-Catering house is a 4-bedroom family house on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking the Kruger Park. Take a stroll along the river or bring your mountain bike along for easy rides in the veld. Relax at the pool while watching zebra and giraffe stroll by. You can take a self-drive through the Kruger or make use of one of the guided game viewing activities arranged by the staff. Each of the 4 en-suite bedrooms has air-conditioning and a beautiful private patio with stunning river views. Enjoy a luxury stay with a cleaning service and a live-in caretaker to look after all your needs.

Rejuvenate your senses, close to nature and far from the hustle and bustle of the city at the beautiful Manzini Swazi King Chalets. Each open-plan chalet offers accommodation for 2 to 4 guests, with exquisite décor and an African-chic theme. Each chalet boasts selected DStv channels, a private splash pool, braai facilities and a private deck.

Bushbaby Lodge offers accommodation in two separate lodges. The Bush Lodge can accommodate up to 6 guests and the Baby Lodge has space for another 2 people. You can also rent both to accommodate a larger group. Enjoy nature at its best with kudu, zebra, impala, bushbuck, duiker, warthog, mongoose as well as many bird species as regular visitors. A popular watering hole is situated just below the lodge, attracting a host of game and you can listen out for the sounds of lion, hippo and hyena during the evenings around the campfire.

Why not come and relax under the African kiaat tree at Umvangazi Rest, which offers accommodation for up to 8 guests. The house boasts an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area leading out to the patio, where guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful bushveld setting. There is also a splash pool, braai facilities and a boma as well as an upstairs deck. This is the ideal spot from which to keep an eye on the animals visiting the waterholes. Keep an eye out for warthog, monkey, baboon, bushbuck, zebra, and giraffe which roam freely through the park.

Eden Safari Country House offers accommodation in a five star establishment with all the luxuries you could possibly need on a bushveld break, including 400 thread count Egyptian Cotton linen and fluffy towels. The house offers all the necessities for a luxurious stay and a sparkling pool for those hot summer days. The outside braai facilities add to the relaxed atmosphere and the house has a high viewing deck where you can sit and watch the animals passing by. Here you can enjoy the luxury of having staff on duty 24 hours a day, ready to cater to your every need.

Villa Marula, a beautiful and spacious establishment, offers accommodation for up to 6 guests right next to the Kruger Park. The villa offers an elevated deck, patio, splash pool and braai boma. Enjoy the wildlife as they roam freely in the area surrounding the house with its open-plan living area and a separate, large, fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up a storm and enjoy lovely family meals.

Pemba Lodge is situated on the southern border of the Kruger National Park. This new double-storey thatched roof establishment offers magnificent views from all the rooms as well as the deck. The splash pool overlooks two waterholes and guests are more than welcome to enjoy a braai in the boma. This house is perfect for avid birdwatchers with over 300 different bird species in the area.

The Mjejane Bush Camp offers luxury bushveld accommodation on the banks of the Crocodile River with accommodation ranging from lodges on the riverfront to units in the bush overlooking waterholes and unsurpassed bushveld. Some of the facilities and activities you can look forward to include game drives, a clubhouse, a children’s playground, convenience shop, swimming pool, viewing deck and a mobile spa.

It has never been this easy to book a bushveld getaway as it is with LekkeSlaap! Make sure to take a look at our wide range of options, from tents and camps to guest houses and luxury boutique hotels, no matter where in South Africa you find yourself.

• Establishment photos: LekkeSlaap.co.za.
• Feature image: Oppidraai, Marloth Park, LekkeSlaap.co.za.