If one has a little less time, it is only a 5-hour drive from Platjan to the Hoedspruit-Phalaborwa area of the Kruger National Park. The route goes via the impressive Soutpansberg mountains and through the subtropical area of Tzaneen and Magoebaskloof, where there are several beautiful accommodations. From Hoedspruit, aside from the SanParks accommodations, one can also choose from a large number of lodges in Balule, Klaserie, and Timbavati which range from mid-range to very luxurious. Balule is a very busy area with many ‘game viewers’ on a sighting, whereas this is much less so in Timbavati; however, this quickly translates into the price per night.
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