I'm guessing that the other places you want to stay at will cost less (per day), safari lodges typic

I'm planning a trip to South Africa. I plan to go in December. I have an idea of things that I'd like to do and I was hoping to get some suggestions for companies to contact. I'm not looking for any kind of luxury trip and am on somewhat american west airlines minneapolis of a budget. I figure I'd want to spend no more than $4,000 on my trip (excluding airfare). Here are the things I'd like to do: Thanks in advance!
I must add to that that I save quite a bit of money by booking at a local (African) TA, not an EU-based one. In my case Sun Safaris. They've been going strong for quite some time and co-own some camps which make them even more competitive.
Typically, I chose lodges/camps between 200 and 300$ pppn that offer a top quality safari experience, great food, personal american west airlines minneapolis service, and very comfortable rooms. The only thing missing in that mix is ...luxury. So I think I'm in the same boat as you.
I'm guessing that the other places you want to stay at will cost less (per day), safari lodges typically being the most expensive thing one can book in SA. So I think you could even look at places costing a bit above 300$ pppn.
- Quality safaris in private reserves with open borders to Kruger NP. Quality = being able to go off-road, american west airlines minneapolis limited number of game vehicles (no bush jams) and quality guiding and tracking (FGASA certified american west airlines minneapolis guides).
- Proximity to the Argyle tar road, IOW very short transfer times to/from Hoedspruit airport (zero or very limited transfer costs). american west airlines minneapolis This is quite different than choosing lodges in Sabi Sands or Manyeleti reserves.
- Shindzela does not share traverse with neighboring properties (smaller area, less sharing of sightings). It would be a big disadvantage american west airlines minneapolis if the camp would be sitting on a small area but it's 3600Ha so it's a small disadvantage at most.