One of the largest game reserves of Africa, Kruger National Park, is a premier safari destination that offers an incredible opportunity to observe African wildlife in their natural habitat, particularly the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos). Staying inside the park itself is often recommended as it is considered to be the best possible way to experience the beauty and magnificence of the bush and its unique lifestyle. Private lodges located within concessions (land licensed out to private operators) are ideal because you get an unbeatable combination of advantages, like knowledgeable rangers by your side, access beyond main park roads for sightings, and comfortable accommodation with full privacy. Check out our list of top 10 safari lodges in Kruger National Park, South Africa, and pick the one that suits your needs.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Luxe tents with all mod-cons
Immerse yourself in Kruger National Park’s awe-inspiring surrounding at Camp Shonga. Located in the Big Five territory inside Shishangeni concession, this plush lodge offers well-appointed, comfortable tents that have en-suite bathrooms with a bathtub as well as outdoor shower available. You will find the tents really comfortable with plush furnishings and amenities like cooling fans. Each tent opens onto a deck, where you can relax and observe the wildlife around you. Guests also have access to central facilities like a lounge, dining areas and splash pool. The safari lodging organises game drives accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
Camp Shonga
Address: Southern Kruger Park, Kruger National Park
Website: Camp Shonga
Price: from 230 USD (3230 ZAR) per person sharing
2. Authentic Tsonga-inspired lodge (from USD 815)
Relatively expensive, but good value for money compared to other options in Kruger.
Intimate, authentic lodge with open camp setting, wildlife right at the camp, and no WiFi.
Tranquil, romantic location in the middle of Kruger, with wildlife coming right up to the camp.
Delicious, varied menu with excellent breakfast overlooking the waterhole, very vegetarian-friendly.
Infuse your stay with local culture by opting for this lodge that authentically recreates the Tsonga way of life. The accommodation, the food and even recreational activities like storytelling sessions are based on the tribal culture in this lodge, located within Mluwati concession. Accommodation here is in huts built in the traditional round style, with tapered roofs. All suites come with en-suite bathrooms and an outdoor shower. Guests are taken on guided game drives as well as bush walks, so they can get a true experience of the park.
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Address: Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park 1350, South Africa
3. Spacious suites with upscale amenities (from USD 972)
Perfect for a romantic getaway, Imbali Safari Lodge in Mluwati concession offers a charming ambience with elegantly appointed tents, exclusive amenities and a serene atmosphere. You will stay in one of the 12 luxuriously set up suites, furnished antique style. Each suite comes with an attached bathroom, and feature full-length windows offering splendid views. You also have access to a hot tub or a plunge pool. All rooms have a view of the Nwaswitswonto River, so you can observe the wildlife that comes by while relaxing on the private deck.
Imbali Safari Lodge
Address: Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park 1350 South Africa
4. Child-friendly lodge with a spa
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is the ideal choice for families. Located in the southern part of Kruger National Park, this lodge has been designed to maximise comfort while blending in with the incredible surroundings. The suites in the lodge are spacious and furnished with care, so families with children feel comfortable. Fitted with several amenities including an en-suite bathroom, private lounge/deck and laptop connections. Since the lodge is set up on a riverbank, you have fantastic views of the waterhole and any wandering wildlife. The lodge is one of the few that welcomes all kids above age two and offers special activities for them, including special walks, craft sessions and custom dinners. Explore the bush either via game drives or bushwalk, or enjoy a spa session.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Address: Lukimbi Road Malelane Area, Kruger National Park
Website: Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Price: from 399 USD (5600ZAR) per person sharing
Kruger National Park Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
5. Elevated comfy tents with colonial- style set up (from USD 453)
Created to feel like a colonial retreat of the bygone era, Plains Camp Tented Safari Lodge, located in the middle of Kruger National Park, will give the true experience of staying in the wilderness. The lodge offers stylish African patterned tents that nonetheless are fitted with modern amenities like fans, ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers. These tents built with sustainable materials are sited on elevated platforms that give stunning views of the Timbitene plain. A unique experience here is spending a night under the stars on its ‘sleep-out decks’, a 4-meter (13 ft) high elevated wooden platform set up on the open ground. Guided bush walks and game drives are organised by the lodge.
6. Colonial-style historic lodge (from USD 848)
Reasonable pricing for exclusive private concession in Kruger.
Luxurious lodge with spacious rooms, outdoor daybeds, and private plunge pools.
Prime area within the national park, with its own private concession for thrilling safaris.
Exceptional 5* dining experiences, including fine dining in the bush and generous meal offerings.
Jock Safari Lodge was the first private lodge to be built inside Kruger National Park. Located within Jock of the Bushveld Concession Area near Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, the lodge is well placed to offer spectacular sightings. The lodge is a great blend of graceful colonial ambience and indigenous cultures of Zulu and Shangaan. Guests can stay in one of the 12 luxury suites, whose decor is inspired by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s classic book ‘Jock of the Bushveldt (open fields)’. Amenities available in each of the suites include air-conditioning, bathrooms with baths, outdoor shower as well as private lounge overlooking the river and a plunge pool. Guided game drives and bush walks are offered by the lodge. Guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can spend some time in the lodge’s full-service spa that offers a range of facilities like relaxing treatments, hydrotherapy bath, and steam/sauna rooms.
Jock Safari Lodge
Address: between Skukuza and Malelane Gates, Skukuza
7. Laid-back lodge with an old-world charm (from USD 1358)
Slightly expensive pricing, but worth it for the unique glamping experience and exceptional service.
Tented cabins with old safari decor, al fresco dining, game drives, massage services, and privacy in the bush.
Phenomenal location in the middle of the bush with fantastic views, surrounded by the big 5 and wildlife.
Good food with room for improvement in presentation and wine selection, but compliments to the chef for amazing meals.
Situated close to the Nwatswitsonto River, Hamiltons Tented Camp in Mluwati concession recreates a colonial ambience, which will take you back in time. Offering six tented accommodations, each featuring upscale antique style interiors, the lodge is a great place to have a romantic rendezvous. All tents are connected by a walkway and are kitted out with modern conveniences like en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, plus a private deck with a view. Game drives are offered in the early morning as well as late evening, so you can appreciate wildlife at both times.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Address: Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park 1350 South Africa
8. Family-friendly lodge with modern facilities (from USD 848)
Reasonable pricing for exclusive private concession in Kruger.
Luxurious lodge with spacious rooms, outdoor daybeds, and private plunge pools.
Prime area within the national park, with its own private concession for thrilling safaris.
Exceptional 5* dining experiences, including fine dining in the bush and generous meal offerings.
The family-friendly Fitzpatricks Lodge at Jock keeps it cosy, offering just three rooms that can host six adults and four children. Spacious and well furnished, the rooms come with many modern amenities like air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, outdoor showers. The central facilities include a lounge area, a deck and a pool. The lodge offers special activities and services to keep children busy and entertained. There are special arts and crafts activities, special game drives, and fun activities like puzzles. For adults, there are game drives, walking safaris and ‘Frogging Safaris’ (spotting amphibians in the rainy season!). There’s also a spa facility for those guests who want to unwind with a relaxing session.
Jock Safari Lodge
Address: between Skukuza and Malelane Gates, Skukuza
9. Plush suites with river views (from USD 964)
At this lodge, you have luxurious and chic thatched suites that are set up overlooking the Sabie River. All 15 suites come with a wooden deck and a plunge pool as well as outdoor showers, a lounge area and an indoor bathroom. The lodge also has a main lounge where guests can take in view of the bush below. The lodge offers guided game drives that showcase the wildlife of the area, including the Big Five, as well as bush walks and cultural tours of local villages.
10. Luxury suites along Sabie River (from USD 964)
Located along the Sabie River within a private concession, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge’s luxurious surroundings and wilderness setting make for an exclusive experience. The lodge offers nine beautifully appointed suites with a host of amenities, such as air-conditioning, a private deck with incredible views of the river and a plunge pool. The main area of the lodge comes with a large plush lounge and an eternity pool. Guests also have the opportunity to spend a night under the stars with a night in one of their treehouses. Game drives are offered twice a day and you also have the opportunity to go on guided bushwalks.
A safari experience like no other
Staying in one of these top safari lodges in Kruger National Park, South Africa, guarantees an experience of a lifetime. Although on the expensive side, with these lodges you get the most of your trip, as they take care of every important aspect, from arranging the best game drives to amazing food and comfortable accommodation.
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