Lodge Activites
At Crocodile Bend, each day invites you to step into the rhythm of the wild. Sunrise and evening game drives with our knowledgeable ranger reveal the secrets of the bush, while guided walks, golf, and daily excursions offer diverse ways to explore and unwind. Whether you seek adventure, discovery, or quiet moments by the river, every experience is designed to connect you more deeply with this extraordinary landscape.
Sunrise and Evening Bush Drives
Begin and end your day with unforgettable journeys into the wild. At dawn and dusk, our award‑winning ranger Samuel — recognized as Guide of the Year 2023 — leads you along the Crocodile River and into the surrounding bush. Morning drives reveal the first stirrings of wildlife, while evening outings capture the golden glow and the emergence of nocturnal creatures. With Samuel’s deep knowledge and keen eye, each drive becomes more than a safari — it’s a masterclass in the rhythms of nature and bush storytelling.
Bird enthusiasts will find Mjejane especially rewarding, with over 500 recorded species ranging from majestic fish eagles and colorful kingfishers to elusive ground hornbills and migratory bee-eaters. The riverbanks and acacia thickets come alive with birdsong, and Samuel’s ability to identify calls and spot camouflaged species adds a layer of magic to every outing. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, Mjejane offers a front-row seat to one of South Africa’s richest avian spectacles.
Golfing near Crocodile Bend River Lodge
For enthusiastic golfers, world‑class courses are close at hand. The championship Leopard Creek Golf Club, designed by Gary Player and host of the annual Alfred Dunhill Championship on the European Tour, offers iconic play beside Kruger National Park (Contact: +27 (0) 13 791 2000). Malelane Golf Club provides an excellent nine‑hole course with a splendid clubhouse (Contact: +27 (0) 13 790 0281). Komatipoort Golf Club, ranked among South Africa’s Top 5 nine‑hole courses, delivers a rewarding round near the Kruger border (Contact: +27 (0) 82 888 0188 | +27 (0) 83 258 4915). Nearby Skukuza Golf Club, set in the heart of Kruger National Park, offers distinctive play where wildlife and wilderness form part of the experience (Contact: +27 (0) 13 110 4660 | +27 (0) 79 168 9859).
Guided Bush Walks - Mjejane Game Reserve
Join a ranger‑led bush walk at Mjejane Game Reserve for an immersive experience in the wild. Offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, these walks last 3.5 to 4.5 hours and include a drive to and from the walking area. At R550 per person, it’s a chance to explore the bush on foot, spotting wildlife and learning about the environment up close. Comfortable natural‑colored clothing, closed walking shoes, a hat, binoculars, camera, snacks, and a backpack are recommended. Water is provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Contact: +27 (0) 82 786 3815
Day Trips into Kruger National Park
Guests at Crocodile Bend River Lodge can enjoy unforgettable day trips into the Kruger National Park. Access is available through either Malelane Gate or Crocodile Bridge Gate. Day trips can be booked in advance, and the Kruger Gate Registration Form can be downloaded for convenience. Guests may choose to self‑drive into the park or meet our ranger at the gate to experience the wonders of Kruger in an open safari vehicle. Guided drives with our ranger are available at R2500 per drive, offering an immersive and expertly led safari adventure.
Tiger Fishing on the Komati River
Discover the thrill of tiger fishing with Taurus Tiger Fishing Charters. Outings take place on the nearby Komati River, one of the few places in South Africa where these powerful game fish can be caught.
Trips are guided by experienced fishermen and include all tackle, bait, and equipment, making them suitable for both seasoned anglers and beginners.
Each half‑day session runs from 6am–12pm or 12pm–6pm at R700 per person, with birding and river cruises also available.
Contact : ( 082) 220 9602 or email: taurustigerfishing@gmail.com
Local Dining Options While Exploring
Crocodile Bend River Lodge is self‑catering, giving guests the freedom to prepare meals at their own pace. Most visitors find everything they need right at the lodge and feel no need to eat out. For those spending time exploring the surrounding area, however, we can recommend a few nearby restaurants:
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Mjejane River Lodge – Just a short walk from Crocodile Bend River Lodge, Mjejane River Lodge offers a relaxed safari‑style restaurant experience on the banks of the Crocodile River. Guests can enjoy drinks and light meals from the terrace menu, or pre‑book for the buffet. Walk‑ins are welcome for drinks and casual dining. (Contact: (0) 13 792 7000)
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Tambarina (Komatipoort) – Famous for mouth‑watering Portuguese dishes and fresh Mozambican seafood, offering a true taste of the region. (Contact: (0) 13 793 7057)
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Buhala Lodge - Buhala Lodge offers excellent dining, but availability depends on lodge occupancy. Guests are advised to call ahead to confirm if the restaurant is open to the public. (Contact: (0) 83 272 2150)
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Hamiltons Restaurant (Malelane) – À la carte dining in lush gardens, open daily from 11h00 to 22h00, with most dishes made in‑house. (Contact: (0) 13 790 3421)
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Buhlebethu Restaurant (Pestana Kruger Lodge) – Serving meals throughout the day, with stunning riverbank views where hippos and crocodiles are often spotted. (Contact: (0) 13 790 2503)
Other Daily Excursions
Thompson Tours offers full‑day adventures like eSwatini mountain tours, Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, or historical tours of Maputo. Thompsons Tours: +27 (0) 13 790 0401
Elephant Back Safaris – Kwa Madwala
Enjoy close interaction with elephants on a guided safari. Kwa Madwala Mobile: +27 (0) 82 779 2153
Chimpanzee Eden – Jane Goodall Institute
Visit this sanctuary near Nelspruit dedicated to rescuing chimpanzees. Chimp Eden: +27 (0) 13 745 7406
Sunrise Drives ○ Bush Walks ○ Sundowners at the River ○ Sunset on the Deck