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The Kruger is one of Africa's oldest conservation areas and home to the widest diversity of wildlife in South Africa. A Kruger National Park safari delivers some of the finest game viewing in the world. It's not unusual to see all of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) in one day, plus fantastic sightings of sought-after species like cheetah and wild dog.

Because it's such a big area – almost 1.5 times larger than Connecticut – we frequently get asked: Which part of Kruger National Park is the best? Where should I stay when visiting Kruger National Park? To experience crowd-free game viewing and the best lodges in Kruger National Park, we recommend staying in the Kruger's private game reserves. The park shares its unfenced western boundary with a handful of conservation-driven, private reserves that are some of the best safari locations in the Kruger National Park and home to some of the finest lodges in Africa.

These 5-star lodges in Kruger offer couples, honeymooners and families a luxury safari experience bar none – think superb service, even better cuisine, fully equipped gyms, tranquil health spas and private butler services! Throw in smooth-running logistics, some of Africa's best trackers and guides, plus off-road game viewing and night game drives (activities not permitted in the public park) for the best Kruger National Park safari vacation.

Based on our extensive Kruger National Park safari experience since 1998, here are our best luxury lodges in Kruger:

1. Savanna Private Game Lodge

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This lodge is ideal for keen photographers who want to have the best Kruger National Park safari experience: when you aren’t out on game drives in Big 5 country, settle down with your long-lens camera in the viewing loft above the lounge to snap wildlife as they come down to the waterhole to drink. Then head to the fully equipped library to download and touch up your images of playful elephants, skittish impalas and deeply angled giraffes…

Highlights:

  • Spacious suites with massive bathrooms and tubs
  • Extensive wine cellar for a tipple with lunch and dinner
  • Very well-equipped gym and private plunge pools
  • Enjoy professional massages in the bliss of your own room or under the mature trees

Best Suited For:

  • Photographers
  • Couples
  • Honeymooners

2. Royal Malewane

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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 / gourmets
  • Couples
  • Honeymooners

3. Singita Boulders

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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 / gourmets
  • 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 fire places, 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. Rattray’s on MalaMala

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Harkening back to the golden era of safari, Rattray’s at MalaMala evokes the spirit of a bygone age. The MalaMala Game Reserve is the biggest private conservation area in the region and is not shared with any other Kruger safari lodges at all. This guarantees you one of the best Kruger National Park safari experiences – you’ll have uncrowded animal sightings and plenty of game all to yourself, not least because the reserve encompasses much of the life-giving Sand River.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful location on the banks of the Sand River
  • Spacious suites with private heated plunge pools
  • Personal butler service
  • Never more than four guests to a vehicle
  • Fantastic leopard sightings

Best Suited For:

  • Families
  • Couples

Ready to Plan Your Kruger National Park Safari? 

Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts.

6. Londolozi Private Granite Suites

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Designed to accentuate volume, light and privacy, the quality of relaxation at Londolozi Private Granite Suites is second to none. 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
  • 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. Dulini Lodge

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Located at the heart of one of the best safari locations in the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Dulini is synonymous with an intimate and romantic Kruger safari experience. A honeymooner’s delight, this intimate lodge has six beautifully decorated suites that feature plenty of living space. Relaxing in the shade of the lodge’s ancient jackalberry tree while enjoying a spot of bird watching is a highlight activity at Dulini.

Highlights:

  • Intimate Kruger lodge in a private concession
  • Suites have heated plunge pools on private game-viewing decks
  • Excellent cuisine
  • Temperature-controlled wine cellar
  • Fully equipped gym

Best Suited For:

  • Couples
  • Honeymooners

8. Singita Sweni

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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 accentuate 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 – accommodates only 12 guests
  • Elevated suites with floor-to-ceiling glass
  • Private terraces with day beds
  • Fine dining and boutique wine tastings

Best Suited For:

  • Discerning travellers
  • Foodies / gourmets
  • Couples
  • Honeymooners

9. Ulusaba Cliff Lodge

This beautiful Kruger safari lodge sits on top of a rocky outcrop and offers a secluded getaway for two families or a group of friends looking for a private Kruger National Park safari vacation. Suites are set over various levels that are connected by stairs, providing truly awe-inspiring views over the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Head to the renowned Aroma Boma for a range of relaxing and revitalising spa treatments.

Highlights:

  • Some of the best views in Sabi
  • Exclusive, private Kruger safari retreat – only two suites
  • Personal chef and private safari vehicle
  • Twice-daily game drives
  • Guided walking safaris

Best Suited For:

  • Families with children over 12 years
  • Groups

10. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

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This is one of the most unique lodges in Kruger, 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?

With an immaculate selection of lodges perfectly positioned within the best game reserves in Kruger National Park, a Kruger safari is seriously hard to beat. And thanks to South Africa’s brilliant infrastructure, you can fly to Kruger on just about any given day.

Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help you choose the best lodges in Kruger National Park for your travel wishes:

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