The Best Luxury Lodges in Kruger: Our Top 10 Picks

1. Lion Sands River Lodge

Perfect for groups travelling with young children or multi-generational family getaways, Lion Sands River Lodge offers a comprehensive safari experience in the Kruger's famed Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Enjoy exciting game drives, led by expert rangers and experienced trackers, as you make your way through the untamed bushland, searching for the Big 5. You'll especially want to keep your eyes peeled for the famous Sabi Sand leopards.

Highlights:

• Stay in a modern, stylish luxury lodge overlooking the Sabie River
• Fantastic year-round game viewing
• See the famous Sabi Sand Leopards
• Swimming pools, gym, open-air safari lounge, viewing deck, photographic studio & spa
• Gourmet dining & exceptional service
• Age-appropriate children's activities

Best Suited For:

• Families with young children
• Multi-generational families

2. Royal Malewane

With a staff-to-guest ratio of four to one, you'll certainly feel like royalty at Malewane. It's a smart choice if you're looking for a truly exclusive Kruger National Park safari experience. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, break a sweat in the gym, or head to the spa for a treatment by an internationally qualified therapist. Royal Malewane is set in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, and offers spectacular open vistas of unspoilt nature.

Highlights:

• Palatial suites with great attention to privacy
• Private butler service and personal chef
• Outstanding culinary experiences
• The best safari spa in South Africa
• Game drives in a private reserve

Best Suited For:

• Foodies
• Couples
• Honeymooners

3. Singita Boulders Lodge

Sensitively designed to enhance its tranquil setting inside the pristine Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Boulders Lodge is one of the best 5-star lodges in Kruger. It offers a luxury Kruger National Park safari experience like no other. Service is thoughtful and discreet, culinary experiences are on another level, and the Big 5 sightings are some of the most reliable in Africa.

Highlights:

• Suites have superb views through front-facing glass walls
• Famous fine dining and exceptional wine cellar
• Up-close Big 5 game viewing
• Sabi's unrivalled record for leopard sightings
• Magnificent spa treatments

Best Suited For:

• Discerning travellers
• Foodies
• Families
• Couples

4. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Boasting sensational views of the Sabie River which extends onto the open wilderness of the Kruger National Park, this award-winning safari lodge has been designed for optimum privacy. Elevated villas overlook the mesmerising river and feature private lounges with fireplaces, and expansive viewing decks with covered patios and private pools.

Highlights:

• Award-winning luxury Kruger safari accommodation
• Among the biggest rooms in Sabi
• Private and tailored service
• Game vehicles equipped with bird books and binoculars
• Exciting Big 5 sightings

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

5. Tengile River Lodge

Sharing unfenced boundaries with the Kruger National Park, Tengile River Lodge promises exceptional game viewing of the Big 5, hyena, and hippo in the wildlife rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve. And when not out searching for your favourite African animals, take advantage of all that this luxury eco-lodge has to offer, from its state-of-the-art amenities to the many creature comforts.

Highlights:

• Luxury eco-friendly lodge with breath-taking river views
• Excellent game viewing opportunities of the Big 5, particularly leopard
• Stylish suites with private deck, lap pool & sunken outdoor lounge
• Swimming pool, spa & gym

Best Suited For:

• Small groups

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6. Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Designed to accentuate volume, light and privacy, the quality of relaxation at Londolozi Private Granite Suites is second to none and is consistently touted as one of the best safari lodges in Kruger National Park. Enjoy massages, yoga classes, a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool, or simply recline with a drink in hand and marvel at the magnificent views over giant granite boulders and the beautifully wild scenery – a truly unforgettable Kruger National Park safari vacation.

Highlights:

• Outstanding private concession in Sabi Sand
• Magnificent views over unique and wild scenery
• Intimate camp – space for just six guests
• Remarkable tailored service
• Exceptional Big 5 game viewing

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

7. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Sitting atop a kopje, overlooking the wild bushland of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers an intimate hideaway adorned with every luxury one could want on safari. And with no fences obstructing its border with Kruger National Park, guests at Hilltop Lodge can look forward to exciting wildlife sightings, including the Big 5, wild dogs, and cheetahs.

Highlights:

• Stylish, luxury suites with private deck overlooking Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
• Specially adapted photographic safari vehicles
• Outdoor rain showers & infinity pool with views of the Drakensberg
• 360° bar provides armchair safari opportunities

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

8. Singita Sweni Lodge

With architecture inspired by local animal dens and lairs, Sweni Lodge blends flawlessly into the verdant banks of the Sweni River. Stunning riverside suites are elevated on stilts and feature floor-to-ceiling glass that accentuates a seamless flow between the interiors and the Kruger landscape. Hone your archery skills, indulge in spa treatments, sample rare South African wines or visit the famous Singita Community Culinary School for a gourmet Kruger National Park safari experience.

Highlights:

• Gorgeous riverside location in a private concession
• One of the most intimate Kruger safari lodges
• Elevated suites with floor-to-ceiling glass
• Private terraces with day beds
• Fine dining and boutique wine tastings
• Spa, treatments, archery, gym & swimming pool

Best Suited For:

• Discerning travellers
• Foodies
• Couples
• Honeymooners

9. Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Lodge offers an authentic wildlife safari in one of Kruger's game-rich private reserves without foregoing the creature comforts and spoils of a luxury getaway. Its location within Thornybush Private Game Reserve puts it right in the middle of the action. Game drives through the area are filled with the promise of spotting all your favourite African animals – from the Big 5 to a variety of antelope species. The lodge itself offers something for everyone. Whether you're travelling with your family or celebrating your honeymoon, Thornybush's immaculate living spaces, superb service, and wide range of amenities ensure that all are catered for.

Highlights:

• Spacious luxury accommodation with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape
• Game drives and guided walking safaris in Thornybush Private Game Reserve
• Excellent year-round game viewing
• Age-appropriate kids' activities, like treasure hunts and baking
• Swimming pool, spa, library & bar

Best Suited For:

• Families with young children
• Multi-generational families
• First-time safari goer
• Couples

10. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is one of the Kruger National Park's luxury lodges, harmoniously incorporating its surroundings and natural elements into its design. Rustic yet stylish, Earth Lodge is a multi-award-winning Kruger safari accommodation situated in a private concession within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The suites here are extremely generously sized and feature specially commissioned furniture and secluded plunge pools, offering one of the best Kruger National Park safari experiences for couples celebrating a special occasion.

Highlights:

• Multi-award-winning Kruger safari lodge with innovative design
• Extraordinarily spacious suites
• Day and night game drives in a private concession
• Guided nature walks
• Some of Africa's best Big 5 game viewing

Best Suited For:

• Couples
• Honeymooners

More Kruger Safari Lodges

The Kruger is a pretty big area and although we've mentioned a notable amount of our favourite safari lodges above, there are still many fantastic Kruger National Park safari accommodation options available in and around this pristine wilderness area.

Find more of our top rated Kruger accommodation.

Ready to Plan Your Kruger National Park Safari?

Begin the process of booking one of these perfectly positioned lodges within some of the best game reserves in Kruger National Park. Get in touch and let our first-hand experience and knowledge guide you in crafting the perfect tailor-made safari itinerary: