Coga Cottage FAQ's
Around Marloth Park
Can we walk around Marloth Park?
Since dangerous game like lion, rhino and buffalo are confined to Lionspruit (a smaller game reserve within Marloth Park), you can walk freely around Marloth.
This gives an amazing feeling of being in the bush yet being in relative safety. You always need to be aware that the animals are wild and can be dangerous no matter how cute or tame they may look.
All of Marloth Park is guarded by security companies 24/7.
There is a curfew from sundown to sunrise, so please plan carefully to make sure you are back at the house before sundown if you do decide to take a stroll. The times vary between summer and winter but as a rule of thumb between 6 am and 6 pm.
Remember this is a wildlife area, we sometimes have lions and other predators wandering around.
Also, it is very easy to get lost as this is a dense bush area and the roads meander. Always take water, a map and a charged phone. Keep the phone number of Field Security on hand should you need assistance – 082-828-1043
Are there shops nearby?
Marloth Park has two shopping centres within 1km of the house. These centres have supply stores, butcheries, and bottle stores. laundry, deli, garage, hairdressers as well as restaurants, bakery and coffee shops.
You will get all your basic needs here between 8 am and 5 pm.
For larger shopping excursions, there are shopping malls in Komatiepoort – about a 20-minute drive from the house.
Are there places to eat Out?
Yes, there are many restaurants and places to have a drink around Marloth Park. There are also viewing points along the Kruger Park fence where it is great to park up and have a picnic.
Do we have to drive ourselves?
Most times it is more convenient to drive yourself around Marloth Park, but there is also the option of booking a Safari Vehicle with a guide. These guides really know their way around Marloth Park and Kruger Park.
Using a guided Safari Vehicle provides you and your guests the opportunity to relax and make the most of the bush experience.
We can assist with booking Safari Tours.
Cell coverage in Marloth Park?
There is reasonable cell coverage throughout Marloth Park, and Wi-Fi is available at the house.
Can you drink the water at Marloth Park?
We recommend that you do not drink tap water and rather make use of bottled water as it is readily available in most places and definitely in Marloth Park.
At the main shopping centre, there is a shop that prepares and sells filtered and purified water.
Do you have Internet / WiFi?
Yes, we do. We have a fibre network supply to the house. Internet is provided for free during your stay
Do we have to have a large group to book the house?
No, you don’t.
Coga Cottage has been designed in such a way that it can be comfortably used by a couple, a few friends, or groups of up to 11 persons. The two ground-floor rooms provide accommodation for a couple in one room and a family or group of up to four in the other.
Upstairs there are two additional rooms that cater for a couple in one and 3 adults or children in the other,
What about Cleaning?
The house is serviced on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by Justice the housekeeper.
Justice is also available on other days should you need his services. But the extra cost will be bor your account.
The house is fitted with a dishwasher and a washing machine to assist you during your stay.
Do you have a swimming Pool?
Coga Cottage does not have a swimming pool. However there is a public swimming pool at the Henk Van Rooyen park as well as a swimming pool at Die Boss restaurant and Pub. and don’t forget the Bushveld Atlantis Water Park with its slides and swimming pools.
What happens with loadshedding?
At the house, we have installed a generator that is capable of powering the house. In the instance of load-shedding, you can switch over the supply from municipal electricity to the generator.
Please note that the cost of fuel for the generator is for the account of the guest.
What amenities does the house have?
The house is fully provisioned. We provide towels and bedding. In the kitchen, we have a 4 burner gas hob, an electric oven, a microwave, an ice maker, a kettle, a dishwasher and a washing machine. We have 2 fridges – one in the bar area and one in the kitchen.
All pots, dishes, plates and cutlery are provided.
All you need to bring is toiletries, clothes and food.
What to pack?
The basics you need to bring your toiletries, clothes and food.
In addition don’t forget sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, lip balm, sunglasses, camera.
Summer – Comfortable, cool, breathable clothing, closed shoes advised for walks, sandals for day-to-day wear
Winter – warm clothing, closed shoes, beanies, scarves etc.
Can you feed the animals at Coga Cottage?
The house is frequented visit by many animals such as giraffes, warthogs, zebras, kudu, wildebeest, mongoose, vervet monkeys and baboons. Please note that these are wild animals and also can act this way.
You can feed some of the animals with apples, and fruit as well as the feeding pellets, but never bread. Mongoose enjoy raw eggs and meat and bushbabies enjoy sliced bananas and also fruit yoghurt.
You can also buy food for the animals in the park.
Please never try to feed the baboons.
Medical & Emergencies
Doctors and hospitals?
There is a medical clinic in Marloth Park and we have emergency first aid on call with our security company 24/7. There is also a helicopter evacuation service if it is needed.
In addition, there are local GPs in the area (Komatiepoort and Malelane – a 30-minute drive).
The nearest hospital is Nelspruit – 110km away.
Snakes, scorpions, spiders and other nasties?
As noted above, the nearest hospital is a fair distance away, so please take care when moving around the park and the lodge.
Should you encounter any of the above-mentioned creatures, do not engage. Remove yourself from their space, the room or the facility. Contact Field Security either by phone or by pressing the emergency button on the house key fob.
They will attend to the safe removal of the animal.
Is Marloth Park malaria risk?
We are situated in a malaria area and it is recommended you speak to your GP to organise a malaria prescription before you leave to visit. Make sure you bring enough of the medication with you for the length of your trip.
It’s in a “high-risk” area, particularly from October to May, and you will need to take precautions against malaria.
Note: local clinics have testing facilities and medication, should you be concerned or contract malaria.
Around the House
Do you have Internet / WiFi?
Yes, we do. We have a fibre network supply to the house. Internet is provided for free during your stay
Do we have to have a large group to book the house?
No, you don’t.
Coga Cottage has been designed in such a way that it can be comfortably used by a couple, a few friends, or groups of up to 11 persons. The two ground-floor rooms provide accommodation for a couple in one room and a family or group of up to four in the other.
Upstairs there are two additional rooms that cater for a couple in one and 3 adults or children in the other,
What about Cleaning?
The house is serviced on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by Justice the housekeeper.
Justice is also available on other days should you need his services. But the extra cost will be bor your account.
The house is fitted with a dishwasher and a washing machine to assist you during your stay.
Do you have a swimming Pool?
Coga Cottage does not have a swimming pool. However there is a public swimming pool at the Henk Van Rooyen park as well as a swimming pool at Die Boss restaurant and Pub. and don’t forget the Bushveld Atlantis Water Park with its slides and swimming pools.
What happens with loadshedding?
At the house, we have installed a generator that is capable of powering the house. In the instance of load-shedding, you can switch over the supply from municipal electricity to the generator.
Please note that the cost of fuel for the generator is for the account of the guest.
What amenities does the house have?
The house is fully provisioned. We provide towels and bedding. In the kitchen, we have a 4 burner gas hob, an electric oven, a microwave, an ice maker, a kettle, a dishwasher and a washing machine. We have 2 fridges – one in the bar area and one in the kitchen.
All pots, dishes, plates and cutlery are provided.
All you need to bring is toiletries, clothes and food.
Can you feed the animals at Coga Cottage?
The house is frequented visit by many animals such as giraffes, warthogs, zebras, kudu, wildebeest, mongoose, vervet monkeys and baboons. Please note that these are wild animals and also can act this way.
You can feed some of the animals with apples, and fruit as well as the feeding pellets, but never bread. Mongoose enjoy raw eggs and meat and bushbabies enjoy sliced bananas and also fruit yoghurt.
You can also buy food for the animals in the park.
Please never try to feed the baboons.
General stuff
When is the best time to visit ?
May – September
The dry season where you can expect to see wildlife around watering holes. The vegetation is thiner at this time of year (less leaves) so it makes wildlife easier to spot.
October – April
Wet season, but the best time to see newborn animals. The vegetation is full and green, and wildlife is in its best condition.
In the Kruger Park the babies also draw out the predators, so there is a high probability of spotting carnivores.
Kids on Safari
Children of all ages are welcome. As a parent or adult, you must be vigilant as to their whereabouts and safety.
What to Pack?
The basics you need to bring your toiletries, clothes and food.
In addition don’t forget sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, lip balm, sunglasses, camera.
Summer – Comfortable, cool, breathable clothing, closed shoes advised for walks, sandals for day-to-day wear
Winter – warm clothing, closed shoes, beanies, scarves etc.
What animals are in Marloth Park?
The Park is unique in that the wild animals are allowed to roam freely around the Bush Houses and Lodges.
Hence the opportunity to see Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck, Nyala, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Warthogs, Duiker, Zebra, Mongooses, baboons and monkeys around the cottages is very good.
What snakes are there in Marloth Park?
There are at least 54 species of snakes found around the Marloth area, of which only nine are deadly poisonous.
The common harmless snakes are the spotted bush snake, brown house snake, western yellow-bellied sand snake, marbled tree snake and the eastern tiger snake. We are also privileged to have the southern African python in Marloth Park.
Of the poisonous snakes, we have cobras, adders, boomslang and mambas.
However, if you encounter any snake, and it is unable to naturally get back to the bush and out of your way or you feel it is a threat, please always allow Field Security to determine the species and the appropriate course of action.
See the emergency section and information in our guide book.
Are there lions in Marloth Park?
Lion sightings are reported from time to time and leopards are known to roam in Marloth Park.
Information regarding these sightings is shared by WhatsApp to ensure your safety.
We will provide the WhatsApp number when you visit Coga Cottage.
Are there general rules for Marloth Park?
Yes, there are – you will find a link to them on a like on the footer of our website or follow this link
Basically, they address issues of common sense
- Always consider others in the park,
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Do not litter
- Be safe
Kruger Park and Surrounds
What is the nearest gate from Marloth Park to Kruger National Park?
Crocodile is Bridge Gate is the nearest entry point into Kruger approximately 14 kilometres from Marloth Park using your own vehicle to drive in the Kruger Park.
What are the rules of a game drive?
DO’S AND DONT’S ON A GAME DRIVE
- Do listen to your guide as he/she will provide the best advice applicable to your game drive, ensuring you have the best possible experience.
- Don’t try to call the animals to get their attention.
- Don’t exit the vehicle unless at a designated spot, and only with the approval of your guide.
- Don’t litter.
- Please note: the animals in Kruger are wild and sightings are not guaranteed. No two days are the same. Your guide will use their experience and knowledge to try to provide the requested sightings.
- Don’t feed the animals. It’s against the rules to feed them. If any of the animals associate humans with food, they may become dangerous and will have to be euthanised. They can feed themselves in their natural habitat.
- Do ask questions. There is so much to learn.
- Do have fun!
- Do make it a memorable experience.
Where can you eat in the Kruger National Park?
Where can you eat in the Kruger National Park?
All the Main Camps in the Park have a restaurant as well as a shop with a wide variety of food and beverage options. Over and above this you also have two outposts in the Southern Regional, Tshokwane and Afsaal, which offer a bush kitchen menu with local favourites.
All the Camp restaurants have a menu that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner and also has vegetarian options available.
Can we bring our own food to Kruger?
If you have a particular dietary requirement or you are staying outside the park and want to book a Day Safari, you are certainly welcome to bring your own food in. A day Safari guests can bring a cooler box with food, snacks, and beverages.
NOTE – no alcohol will be allowed through the entrance gate.
What are the Kruger National Park Gate times?
The entrance gates and camps gates have different opening and closing times based on the seasons and time of year. During the summer months (Oct-March) the gates open earlier and close later because of summertime sunlight hours.
Season / Month | Entrance Gates (Gates into the Park) | Camp Gates (inside the park) | |
Summer | October | 05:30-18:00 | 05:30-18:00 |
November to February | 05:30-18:30 | 04:30-18:30 | |
Autum | March | 05:30-18:00 | 05:30-18:30 |
April | 06:00-18:00 | 05:00-18:30 | |
Winter | May to July | 06:00-17:30 | 06:00-17:30 |
Spring | August to September | 06:00-18:00 | 06:00-18:00 |
It’s important that you understand these times and plan your routes should you self-drive. Remember you travel very slowly in Kruger Park – if you miss gate closing times fines are very expensive.
Is it worth considering a open safari guide and game viewing vehicle?
ABSOLUTELY !! Your guide’s personality, EQ, qualifications, general knowledge, and passion for their job will ultimately determine what kind of safari experience you will have.
Ultimately, your Guide is not only there to offer you accurate and insightful nature-based information but also to manage your well-being and your personal expectations.
Booking a safari with a Bespoke, Privately Guided Safari operator where you engage personally with the Owner or Guide will ensure that you get the very best from your Safari Experience.
A personal engagement and clear understanding of you and your dream safari before you depart makes your trip so much easier.
There are guiding standards, and you want to make sure your guide is FGASA qualified as a minimum. This is the most reputable qualification and FGASA guides are regarded to operate from the highest standards within the industry.
If you have any questions we have not answered please drop us an email at admin@cogacottage.com
Book your time at Coga Cottage now!!
Check our booking diary and select the days that suit you, book directly with us and save agency fees!