Experience the Majestic Wildlife and Scenic Beauty of Kruger National Park
A careful blend of stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, excellent visitor facilities, and a welcoming ambience, the 1,963,268-hectare Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa’s safari destinations. Renowned as one of Africa’s premier national parks, Kruger spans an impressive 352 kilometers from north to south and averages 60 kilometers in width. This vast wilderness is crossed by seven major rivers that support an incredible diversity of wildlife. The park is home to 147 mammal species, 507 bird species, 118 reptile species, 52 fish species, and 34 amphibian species. The abundance of wildlife in Kruger is truly remarkable, featuring more than 132,000 impala, 38,000 zebra, 27,000 buffalo, 17,000 blue wildebeest, 19,000 elephants, 6,000 giraffes, 3,529 white rhinos, 1,660 lions, 1,000 leopards, 430 wild dogs, and 120 cheetahs. Visitors can explore the park along 3,922 kilometers of roads, with 11 entrance gates providing easy access to the park’s diverse regions.
Private Game Lodge Safari: Exclusive Experiences in Kruger
Bordering the southwestern side of Kruger National Park are numerous private game reserves and concessions that offer some of South Africa's most luxurious and exclusive safari experiences. These private reserves, such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, and Klaserie, are integrated into the greater Kruger ecosystem with no fences between them, allowing wildlife to roam freely across vast areas. This seamless integration provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Choosing a private game lodge for your Kruger National Park safari is an excellent option for those with time constraints and a desire for a more personalized experience. Private lodges range from rustic to ultra-luxurious, catering to various budgets while offering high-quality game viewing experiences. The absence of fences in these reserves means that animals move freely, and guests can explore open terrain in a 4x4 vehicle accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. Wildlife sightings are strictly regulated, with a maximum of three vehicles allowed at any one sighting, ensuring a respectful and immersive experience.
For an exceptional safari experience, we recommend a minimum of two nights in any one camp to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the Kruger region.
Premier Private Lodges within the Kruger National Park
Here are some of the top private lodges within the Kruger National Park and adjacent private reserves, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences:
Imbali Safari Lodge
Nestled within the heart of Kruger National Park, Imbali Safari Lodge offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience. The lodge’s luxurious suites provide sweeping views of the surrounding bushveld, and guests can enjoy guided game drives and bush walks to explore the park’s rich biodiversity.
Jock Safari Lodge
Situated on 6,000 hectares of pristine wilderness at the southern tip of Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge combines luxury with the adventure of a classic safari. The lodge offers private game drives and guided walks, allowing guests to discover the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the region.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Experience sheer luxury at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, an upmarket 5-star retreat located within Kruger National Park. The lodge features elegantly appointed suites with private decks and pools, offering a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness adventure.
Ngala Game Lodge
Meaning ‘lion’ in Shangaan, Ngala Game Lodge was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated into Kruger National Park. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including guided safaris and bush walks in the heart of Kruger’s wilderness.
Plains Camp
Plains Camp offers a unique safari experience with four luxury African explorer-style tents overlooking the spectacular Timbitene plain and waterhole. Guests can enjoy guided walks and game drives in a private wilderness concession within Kruger National Park.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Rhino Post Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, offering an exclusive safari experience in a private concession within Kruger National Park. The camp’s location provides excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings and guided bush walks.
Tinga Private Game Lodge
Located at the confluence of the Sabie and Sand Rivers, Tinga Private Game Lodge lies in the heart of Kruger National Park. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences, including private game drives and river safaris.
Fitzpatrick's Lodge
Fitzpatrick's Lodge at Jock Safari Lodge provides a more intimate experience with just three suites, perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy and personalized service within the Kruger National Park.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Hamiltons Tented Camp offers an exclusive, luxurious safari experience in Kruger National Park. The camp’s six spacious tented suites are reminiscent of the 19th-century explorer era, providing a unique blend of adventure and comfort.
Shishangeni Private Lodge
Located within the Kruger National Park, Shishangeni Private Lodge offers luxury accommodation and excellent game viewing. The lodge is known for its friendly service and opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife.
Premier Lodges in Sabi Sand Reserve
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Arathusa Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and intimate safari experience with eight chalets and five thatched rondavels. The lodge is known for its excellent game viewing and personalized service in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Leopard Hills traverses over 10,000 hectares in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve, providing guests with exclusive access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the region. The lodge features luxurious accommodations and expert guides to enhance your safari experience.
Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands offers a range of accommodations, including the recently refurbished River Lodge, and the exclusive Ivory Lodge, located in the southern portion of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve is known for its excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious amenities.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi has long been the benchmark of luxury lodges in the sabi sand. They have 5 lodges as in Founders Camp, Pioneer Camp, Tree Camp, Varty Camp and their Private Granite Suites. Each camp offers something amazingly different and all offer exhilarating game drives and guided bush walks in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences, providing guests with a truly immersive safari adventure.
MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala shares a common border with Kruger National Park and is part of a conservation area that spans 5.5 million acres. The reserve offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, with luxurious accommodations and expert guides to ensure an unforgettable safari experience. They have two camps as in: Main Camp and Rattray's
Singita Private Game Reserve
Singita is located on the bank of the Sand River, providing luxury accommodations in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve offers world-class safari experiences and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
Savanna Private Game Reserve
Savanna offers a unique safari experience with luxurious tented accommodations and exceptional game viewing in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its high standards of service and incredible wildlife encounters.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi is an unspoiled part of Africa that is ecologically and geographically integrated with the adjacent Kruger National Park. The reserve offers three lodges and a range of luxury accommodations and diverse wildlife experiences.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Ulusaba is situated in the famous Sabi Sand Reserve, offering exclusive accommodations and spectacular game viewing opportunities. The reserve is part of the greater Kruger National Park and provides guests with a luxurious safari experience.
Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve
Cheetah Plains offers a unique safari experience with luxury private villas and a focus on sustainability and conservation. The reserve is known for its exclusive accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing in the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Inyati Game Lodge
Inyati Game Lodge is a luxurious lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve, offering an exclusive safari experience with a focus on personalized service and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Notten's Bush Camp
Notten's Bush Camp provides a more intimate and rustic experience in the Sabi Sand Reserve, with luxurious accommodations and guided game drives offering a unique and immersive safari experience.
Premier Lodges in Timbavati Reserve
Kings Camp
Kings Camp is a luxurious lodge situated in the middle of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The lodge offers spacious suites, excellent game viewing opportunities, and a serene setting for a relaxing and adventurous safari experience.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Rated as one of the top game lodges in South Africa, Tanda Tula Safari Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp offers luxury tented accommodations and guided game drives to explore the rich wildlife and landscapes of the region.
Tanda Tula Field Camps
Tanda Tula Field Camps offer a more adventurous safari experience with mobile tented camps that move through the Timbavati Reserve. This setup allows guests to experience different parts of the reserve and enjoy a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Umlani Bush Camp
Umlani Bush Camp is a classic African safari camp located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp is Fair Trade in Tourism accredited and offers a unique and authentic safari experience with guided game drives and bush walks.
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Motswari offers a traditional safari experience with luxury accommodations and personalized service. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp provides a more rustic yet comfortable safari experience with tented accommodations and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Shindzela offers guided safari activities and a close-to-nature experience.
Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala Tented Camp, situated within the Timbavati Reserve, offers an intimate safari experience with luxurious tented accommodations. The camp provides personalized service and a range of safari activities, including game drives and guided bush walks.
Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River within the Timbavati Reserve. The lodge features luxury tented suites and chalets, providing a serene setting for game viewing and relaxation. Guests can enjoy daily game drives and bush walks led by experienced guides.
Timbavati Safari Lodge
Timbavati Safari Lodge offers a blend of comfort and adventure with its thatched chalets and traditional African rondavels. The lodge provides easy access to excellent game viewing and diverse safari activities in the Timbavati Reserve.
Bateleur Safari Camp
Bateleur Safari Camp offers a luxurious and intimate safari experience in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp features stylish accommodations and provides excellent game viewing opportunities, including the chance to see the Big Five.
Mafunyane Private Lodge
Mafunyane Private Lodge provides an exclusive safari experience with just four luxury suites, ensuring personalized service and privacy. Located within the Timbavati Reserve, the lodge offers game drives and bush walks with expert guides.
Other Premier Private Lodges and Accommodation Near Kruger National Park
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge is a luxury lodge within the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. The lodge offers elegant suites and diverse safari activities, including game drives and guided walks.
Chapungu Tented Camp
Chapungu Tented Camp offers a classic safari experience with luxury tented accommodations in the Thornybush Reserve. The camp is known for its intimate setting and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane is an ultra-luxurious safari lodge in the Thornybush Reserve, offering opulent accommodations and world-class service. The lodge provides exceptional game viewing experiences, including guided safaris and bush walks.
Buffelshoek Safari Camp
Buffelshoek Safari Camp offers an authentic bush experience with traditional African safari-style accommodations. Located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, the camp provides a rustic yet comfortable setting for wildlife viewing.
Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps
Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps are located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve and offer luxury tented accommodations with excellent game viewing. The camps provide a range of safari activities, including game drives and bush walks, in a pristine wilderness setting.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and exclusive safari experience in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. The lodge features spacious suites and provides personalized service and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve offers luxury tented accommodations and diverse safari experiences in a malaria-free area. The reserve provides excellent game viewing and a range of outdoor activities, including game drives, guided walks, and fishing.
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Kapama Private Game Reserve offers a variety of luxury lodges, including Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp, Kapama Southern Camp, and Kapama Karula. Each lodge provides unique accommodations and exceptional safari experiences adjacent to Kruger National Park.
For more information or to tailor your Kruger National Park safari with any of these premier lodges, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to creating a bespoke itinerary that meets your unique preferences and ensures an unforgettable African adventure.
Bordering the southwestern side of Kruger National Park are numerous private game reserves and concessions that offer some of South Africa's most luxurious and exclusive safari experiences. These private reserves, such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, and Klaserie, are integrated into the greater Kruger ecosystem with no fences between them, allowing wildlife to roam freely across vast areas. This seamless integration provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Choosing a private game lodge for your Kruger National Park safari is an excellent option for those with time constraints and a desire for a more personalized experience. Private lodges range from rustic to ultra-luxurious, catering to various budgets while offering high-quality game viewing experiences. The absence of fences in these reserves means that animals move freely, and guests can explore open terrain in a 4x4 vehicle accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. Wildlife sightings are strictly regulated, with a maximum of three vehicles allowed at any one sighting, ensuring a respectful and immersive experience.
For an exceptional safari experience, we recommend a minimum of two nights in any one camp to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the Kruger region.
Premier Private Lodges within the Kruger National Park
Here are some of the top private lodges within the Kruger National Park and adjacent private reserves, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences:
Imbali Safari Lodge
Nestled within the heart of Kruger National Park, Imbali Safari Lodge offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience. The lodge’s luxurious suites provide sweeping views of the surrounding bushveld, and guests can enjoy guided game drives and bush walks to explore the park’s rich biodiversity.
Jock Safari Lodge
Situated on 6,000 hectares of pristine wilderness at the southern tip of Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge combines luxury with the adventure of a classic safari. The lodge offers private game drives and guided walks, allowing guests to discover the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the region.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Experience sheer luxury at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, an upmarket 5-star retreat located within Kruger National Park. The lodge features elegantly appointed suites with private decks and pools, offering a perfect blend of comfort and wilderness adventure.
Ngala Game Lodge
Meaning ‘lion’ in Shangaan, Ngala Game Lodge was the first private safari reserve to be incorporated into Kruger National Park. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including guided safaris and bush walks in the heart of Kruger’s wilderness.
Plains Camp
Plains Camp offers a unique safari experience with four luxury African explorer-style tents overlooking the spectacular Timbitene plain and waterhole. Guests can enjoy guided walks and game drives in a private wilderness concession within Kruger National Park.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Rhino Post Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, offering an exclusive safari experience in a private concession within Kruger National Park. The camp’s location provides excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings and guided bush walks.
Tinga Private Game Lodge
Located at the confluence of the Sabie and Sand Rivers, Tinga Private Game Lodge lies in the heart of Kruger National Park. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences, including private game drives and river safaris.
Fitzpatrick's Lodge
Fitzpatrick's Lodge at Jock Safari Lodge provides a more intimate experience with just three suites, perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy and personalized service within the Kruger National Park.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Hamiltons Tented Camp offers an exclusive, luxurious safari experience in Kruger National Park. The camp’s six spacious tented suites are reminiscent of the 19th-century explorer era, providing a unique blend of adventure and comfort.
Shishangeni Private Lodge
Located within the Kruger National Park, Shishangeni Private Lodge offers luxury accommodation and excellent game viewing. The lodge is known for its friendly service and opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife.
Premier Lodges in Sabi Sand Reserve
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Arathusa Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and intimate safari experience with eight chalets and five thatched rondavels. The lodge is known for its excellent game viewing and personalized service in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Leopard Hills traverses over 10,000 hectares in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve, providing guests with exclusive access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the region. The lodge features luxurious accommodations and expert guides to enhance your safari experience.
Lion Sands Game Reserve
Lion Sands offers a range of accommodations, including the recently refurbished River Lodge, and the exclusive Ivory Lodge, located in the southern portion of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve is known for its excellent wildlife sightings and luxurious amenities.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi has long been the benchmark of luxury lodges in the sabi sand. They have 5 lodges as in Founders Camp, Pioneer Camp, Tree Camp, Varty Camp and their Private Granite Suites. Each camp offers something amazingly different and all offer exhilarating game drives and guided bush walks in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional wildlife experiences, providing guests with a truly immersive safari adventure.
MalaMala Game Reserve
MalaMala shares a common border with Kruger National Park and is part of a conservation area that spans 5.5 million acres. The reserve offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, with luxurious accommodations and expert guides to ensure an unforgettable safari experience. They have two camps as in: Main Camp and Rattray's
Singita Private Game Reserve
Singita is located on the bank of the Sand River, providing luxury accommodations in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve offers world-class safari experiences and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
Savanna Private Game Reserve
Savanna offers a unique safari experience with luxurious tented accommodations and exceptional game viewing in the Sabi Sand Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its high standards of service and incredible wildlife encounters.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sabi is an unspoiled part of Africa that is ecologically and geographically integrated with the adjacent Kruger National Park. The reserve offers three lodges and a range of luxury accommodations and diverse wildlife experiences.
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Ulusaba is situated in the famous Sabi Sand Reserve, offering exclusive accommodations and spectacular game viewing opportunities. The reserve is part of the greater Kruger National Park and provides guests with a luxurious safari experience.
Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve
Cheetah Plains offers a unique safari experience with luxury private villas and a focus on sustainability and conservation. The reserve is known for its exclusive accommodations and exceptional wildlife viewing in the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Inyati Game Lodge
Inyati Game Lodge is a luxurious lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve, offering an exclusive safari experience with a focus on personalized service and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Notten's Bush Camp
Notten's Bush Camp provides a more intimate and rustic experience in the Sabi Sand Reserve, with luxurious accommodations and guided game drives offering a unique and immersive safari experience.
Premier Lodges in Timbavati Reserve
Kings Camp
Kings Camp is a luxurious lodge situated in the middle of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The lodge offers spacious suites, excellent game viewing opportunities, and a serene setting for a relaxing and adventurous safari experience.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Rated as one of the top game lodges in South Africa, Tanda Tula Safari Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp offers luxury tented accommodations and guided game drives to explore the rich wildlife and landscapes of the region.
Tanda Tula Field Camps
Tanda Tula Field Camps offer a more adventurous safari experience with mobile tented camps that move through the Timbavati Reserve. This setup allows guests to experience different parts of the reserve and enjoy a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Umlani Bush Camp
Umlani Bush Camp is a classic African safari camp located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp is Fair Trade in Tourism accredited and offers a unique and authentic safari experience with guided game drives and bush walks.
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Motswari offers a traditional safari experience with luxury accommodations and personalized service. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp provides a more rustic yet comfortable safari experience with tented accommodations and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Shindzela offers guided safari activities and a close-to-nature experience.
Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala Tented Camp, situated within the Timbavati Reserve, offers an intimate safari experience with luxurious tented accommodations. The camp provides personalized service and a range of safari activities, including game drives and guided bush walks.
Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River within the Timbavati Reserve. The lodge features luxury tented suites and chalets, providing a serene setting for game viewing and relaxation. Guests can enjoy daily game drives and bush walks led by experienced guides.
Timbavati Safari Lodge
Timbavati Safari Lodge offers a blend of comfort and adventure with its thatched chalets and traditional African rondavels. The lodge provides easy access to excellent game viewing and diverse safari activities in the Timbavati Reserve.
Bateleur Safari Camp
Bateleur Safari Camp offers a luxurious and intimate safari experience in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp features stylish accommodations and provides excellent game viewing opportunities, including the chance to see the Big Five.
Mafunyane Private Lodge
Mafunyane Private Lodge provides an exclusive safari experience with just four luxury suites, ensuring personalized service and privacy. Located within the Timbavati Reserve, the lodge offers game drives and bush walks with expert guides.
Other Premier Private Lodges and Accommodation Near Kruger National Park
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge is a luxury lodge within the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. The lodge offers elegant suites and diverse safari activities, including game drives and guided walks.
Chapungu Tented Camp
Chapungu Tented Camp offers a classic safari experience with luxury tented accommodations in the Thornybush Reserve. The camp is known for its intimate setting and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane is an ultra-luxurious safari lodge in the Thornybush Reserve, offering opulent accommodations and world-class service. The lodge provides exceptional game viewing experiences, including guided safaris and bush walks.
Buffelshoek Safari Camp
Buffelshoek Safari Camp offers an authentic bush experience with traditional African safari-style accommodations. Located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, the camp provides a rustic yet comfortable setting for wildlife viewing.
Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps
Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps are located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve and offer luxury tented accommodations with excellent game viewing. The camps provide a range of safari activities, including game drives and bush walks, in a pristine wilderness setting.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and exclusive safari experience in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. The lodge features spacious suites and provides personalized service and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve offers luxury tented accommodations and diverse safari experiences in a malaria-free area. The reserve provides excellent game viewing and a range of outdoor activities, including game drives, guided walks, and fishing.
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Kapama Private Game Reserve offers a variety of luxury lodges, including Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp, Kapama Southern Camp, and Kapama Karula. Each lodge provides unique accommodations and exceptional safari experiences adjacent to Kruger National Park.
For more information or to tailor your Kruger National Park safari with any of these premier lodges, please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to creating a bespoke itinerary that meets your unique preferences and ensures an unforgettable African adventure.
