10 Places to stay

10 exceptional safari lodges around the Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is South Africa's most exciting safari destination. Our selection of the finest accommodation in the Kruger Park and its surrounding Private Game Reserves is where you will discover untamed beauty of Africa in its most stunning way.

Published in: December 2022
Reader count: 58,890

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Kruger National Park (South)

jocksafari

Jock, the first private concession within Kruger National Park, named after local legend Jock of the Bushveld, enjoys exclusive traversing rights on a prime 6000 hectare tract in the game-rich south. Jock offers its guests the experience of an old world safari at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. Each of the 12 charming thatched suites has its own private deck with plunge pool and a Sala, an outdoor day bed, outdoor shower and bathtub. All rooms overlook the dry riverbeds that are such a popular thoroughfare of the wildlife.

Jock Safari Lodge
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reservations@jocksafarilodge.com
+27 13 010 0019

jocksafarilodge.com

Klaserie Drift

Klaserie Drift

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

klaseriedrift_safari_camps

Klaserie Drift Misava Safari Camp is a secluded retreat located in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing, diverse flora and fauna, and varied topography. The camp offers breathtaking views of the savannah from its location perched hillside above the Klaserie river. Guests can relax by the infinity pool while observing game in the wild. Misava Camp features just six thatched suites, four of which are garden-view rooms and two with expansive river views that offer more privacy, a larger bathrooms with a view, and a spacious private veranda.

Klaserie Drift Misava Safari Camp
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info@klaseriedrift.co.za
+27 (0)15 793 2077

klaseriedrift.co.zo

The Outpost Lodge

The Outpost Lodge

The Outpost

Kruger National Park (North)

rareearthretreats

The Outpost is set in the remote northern part of the Kruger National Park, often considered to be one of the most scenic and diverse. The contemporary architecture uses simple, clean lines combining elements of steel concrete, steel, tent walls, glass and aluminum. This contemporary design emphasizes its beautiful surrounds but blends in with the unspoiled wilderness. 12 beautiful chalets perched on the cliff are designed in a loft style; sleeping, living and bathing areas offer a fantastic 180 degree views of the bush and the river.

The Outpost Lodge by Rare Earth
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reservations@rareearth.co.za
+27 11 568 0384

rareearth.co.za

Kruger Shalati

Kruger Shalati

Kruger Shalati

Kruger National Park (Skukuza)

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Kruger Shalati offers a truly unique and luxurious experience, with guests staying on a permanently stationed train featuring elegantly furnished carriages. The train is positioned on Selati Bridge, overlooking the Sabie River, the same spot where the first visitors entered the Kruger National Park over a century ago. Each carriage has been entirely reconstructed and expanded, with luxury rooms occupying the entire width of the train. The train's interior boasts an authentic African design, and the bridge has been extended to include a walk-out terrace with a breathtaking infinity pool.

Kruger Shalati – The train on the bridge
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reservations@krugershalati.com
+27 13 591 6000

krugershalati.com

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

royalmalewane

Find old-world romance in the African wild at Royal Malewane. The atmosphere of this classic lodge transports visitors to a bygone era, where exotic influences from Mombasa, Persia, and ancient times are evident in every detail. Guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations including six opulent suites, two grand royal suites, and the grand Africa House boasting six bedrooms. Each unit boasts its own private deck, pool, and dedicated staff to ensure a truly secluded and indulgent experience amidst the wild bushveld, with stunning views to complete the experience.

Royal Malewane by The Royal Portfolio
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reservations@trp.travel
+27 15 793 0150

theroyalportfolio.com

Kruger Shalati, the hotel train on the bridge

Royal MalewaneWaterside at Royal Malewane

Spa pool at Kamapa Karula

Kapama Karula

Kapama Karula

Kapama Private Game Reserve

kapamaprivategamereserve

Kapama Karula is one of the most stylish designed game lodges you'll find in South Africa. With its light, airy, open spaces and views from every angle, Karula is the flagship lodge of Kapama Private Game Reserve. Its name comes from the meaning “the place of peace”. Each of the 12 ultra-modern villas feature wrap-around glass sliding doors that open onto a large outside deck with private (heated) swimming pool and stunning views of the Klaserie River. For a special treat after an exciting game drive, head to the stunning new Spa for a relaxing massage or treatment!

Kapama Private Game Reserve
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res@kapama.com
+27 74 133 6874

kapama.com

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

sabisabireserve

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a spectacular experience, symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. The lodge lies sunken in a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape and uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Each of the 13 ultra-luxurious suites features individually designed furniture, a private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom and indoor & outdoor shower. The indoor-outdoor dining area overlooks a waterhole and the unending bushveld.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
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res@sabisabi.com
+27 11 447 7172

sabisabi.com

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati Lodge Collection

Timbavati & Klaserie Game Reserves

simbavatisafari

Simbavati offers four fantastic safari lodges, a trails camp and multiple villas within the Timbavati & Klaserie Reserves. Hilltop Lodge offers glorious views over the bush, dam and distant mountains. 8 luxurious tents with spacious private decks provide a romantic ambience. River Lodge has a traditional safari ambience and gets frequent visits by herds of elephant. Experience untamed African wildlife at Trails Camp, a luxury-yet-back-to-basics walking safari. Camp George is surrounded by a lush garden with huge fever trees and the stylish suites combine safari traditions with a modern arty twist. Waterside's beautiful setting right by the dam and the sophisticated decor of all suites made it our favorite.

Simbavati Lodge Collection
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res@simbavati.com
+27 87 151 4520

simbavati.com

Simbavati Camp George

Chalkley Treehouse Chalkley Treehouse at Lion Sands Game Reserve

Singita Sweni Lodge

Lion Sands

Lion Sands

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

morefamilycollection

Lion Sands is the only private reserve with access to the perennial Sabie River and boasts a collection of four stunning lodges. This area is famous for its record number of leopard sightings. River Lodge sits right on the river banks, allowing unparalleled game viewing. At Ivory Lodge you will experience complete privacy, each of the 8 water-side Villas with private pools is set apart by some twenty metres. For the nostalgic, Tinga Lodge opens onto river frontage with a camp-style look that is reminiscent of the ‘Out of Africa’ era. The family-friendly Narina Lodge is perched on stilts under a canopy of 100-year-old trees just up from the water. Soak up the sounds of the bush and sleep under a canopy of a million stars whilst staying overnight in one of the Lion Sands treehouses. You can be sure to have an unforgattable experience.

Lion Sands, a MORE Family Collection
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concierge@more.co.za
+27 10 109 4900

more.co.za/lionsands

Singita Lebombo

Singita Sweni & Lebombo Lodges

Kruger National Park

singita_

Two hidden safari jewels hidden in the southeastern reaches of the Kruger Park, right on the border with Mozambique. The private concession is well-known for the remarkable concentration of the "Big 5" and a large "Mountain Pride" of lion. Lebombo Lodge with 15 loft-style villas built on stilts is perched on a basalt cliff, while the intimate hideaway Sweni Lodge hosting just 7 suites, sits right on the banks of Sweni River. Both lodges were beautifully crafted from wood and large glass panels that let you see the pristine nature around you and offer ultimate privacy and first-class service.

Sweni Lodge & Lebombo Lodge by Singita
Lebombo Lodge on Google Maps
Sweni Lodge on Google Maps
enquiries@singita.com
+27 21 683 3424

singita.com

About Kruger National Park

Kruger is is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, spanning over 19,000 square kilometers and home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros) as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided safari drives, self-drive safaris, bush walks, and cultural tours.

Leopard

The best way to experience the Greater Kruger Area is by staying at one of the many luxury lodges and camps located within the park boundaries or the surrounding Private Game Reserves. Our expert travelers picked the most outstanding safari lodges for you! These accommodation providing guests with the opportunity to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat while enjoying the comforts of a luxury hotel.

Whether you are an experienced safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Kruger National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable African wildlife experience.

Alternative lodging options

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly way to discover Kruger, we recommend a self-drive safari and staying at one of the numerous national park camps, that can be booked directly with the South African National Parks on sanparks.org. Its also worth checking booking sites like booking.com for alternative lodging options in and around Kruger, e.g. in Nelspruit, Hazyview and Hoedspruit.

Best time to go

Generally, the Kruger Park can be visited all year around, but the different seasons offer different experiences. The dry winter months of May to September are considered the best time for game viewing as the vegetation is less dense and animals congregate near water sources making them easier to spot. Day temperatures in winter are pleasant but it can get chilly during the night.

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The summer months of November to April are characterized by heavy rains, which can make road conditions difficult and limit game viewing, but it also means that the park is lush and green, and the wildlife is more active. Many young animals are born during this time. January to March is the best time for bird watching as many migratory species are present.

Kruger National Park

A note on Malaria

Kruger National Park is located in a region where there is a risk of malaria, especially during the rain season. The park authorities are taking precautions to control the spread of the disease by providing mosquito nets and repellents to the visitors. Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria.

Useful Links for traveling to Kruger National Park

Published in December 2022. All listings on this page were independently selected and personally reviewed by our team of passionate travel experts. The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Do you have any feedback or suggestions regarding our guides, please contact us via the contact us page.

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