A safari in Kruger National Park offers some of the most unmatchable game viewing in the world. The park is one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas and boasts the widest diversity of wildlife in South Africa. Kruger is among the world’s very best Big 5 sightings where it is not unusual to see the Big 5- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard- in one day. We suggest a stay in Kruger's private reserves where you’ll experience crowd-free off-road game viewing, night game drives, exciting walking safaris and some of Africa’s best trackers and guides. Private reserves in Kruger are also home to some of the finest 5-star lodges in Africa where the hardest decision is choosing your safari lodge. So here are our top picks for best luxury lodges in Kruger.
Photo credit: Lion Sands River Lodge
Lion Sands River Lodge
The Lion Sands River Lodge is located in the renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, arguably, Africa’s most pristine Big Five Territory. If your mission is to spot the elusive leopards, consider a stay here. Leopards are the main attraction in the Sabi area, which boasts an unrivalled record for the regularity and quality of sightings. Boasting 18 river rooms and suites, where suites each have a private plunge pool, are set along a path for sweeping Sabie River views offering a unique safari journey. Spend your days with morning and late afternoon game drives where in between you’ll find plenty spaces to unwind amidst the African bush. Laze by the comfortable communal lounge with bar and cozy by the charming fireplace. Relax in the open-air safari lounge or indulge in a refreshing dip in one of two swimming pools. The lodge also offers guided nature walks giving a fresh and up closed perspective on the bush. For photography lovers, the lodge offers a photographic studio where your safari photos can be edited and printed. While here, you can’t miss the ultimate Treehouse Sleep Out Safari. An ultimate bush bedroom that speaks a view with a room! So intimate and exclusive, indulge in a gourmet picnic dinner while endlessly watching he African sunset across the vastness of African bush.
Experience Lion Sands River Lodge with the best of bush and beach splendours in Southern Africa on an exclusive 11-day bliss with our Cape to Ocean- Cape Town, Kruger Safari & Mozambique Island Bliss.
Photo credit: Kruger Shalati
Kruger Shalati
Stationed on the disused Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, Kruger Shalati currently stands as the most unique accommodation within the Kruger National Park. An elevated personal sanctuary, experience the Kruger, suspended over the Sabie River in a train-hotel. A stay here offers infinite views over the Sabie River where thirsty animals come to drink. You don’t need to go far to continue your game viewing from your glass-walled room, the dedicated walkway or overhanging pool where you can indulge in refreshing cocktails. The first-of-its-kind Carriage Suites offer en suite bathrooms and walk-in showers. Embracing the bygone era, everything about this opulent train-hotel is unparalleled and enchanting. A truly unique experience for the avid adventurers!
Keep the train theme alive with a journey of discovery into Africa’s soul combing the Kruger Shalati train experience with the Ultimate South Africa Explorer By Blue Train. A 13 day adventure traversing Johannesburg, Panorama Route, Kruger and Cape Town on this 13 day exploit.
Photo credit: Ulusaba Safari Lodge
Ulusaba Safari Lodge
Ulusabu River Lodge is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge and a member of Virgin Limited Edition's award-winning collection of retreats. Located in the western part of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, the Ulusaba Safari Lodge offers the ultimate feeling of adventure under a canopy of trees. With a long suspension bridge acting as a walkway over an established elephant wallow and perched on the edge of a dry riverbed where The Big 5 pass by, you will be immersed into a memorable South African safari. An intimate oasis of just 8 luxury treehouse-style rooms with uninterrupted views of the breathtaking African savannah. Besides going on safari, you can enjoy guided bush walks to moon-lit dinners. Dine under the serene starry sky of Africa, or watch the local wild animals drink at the waterhole next to your room while sitting on your private deck. After dinner be invited to enjoy some stargazing in the bush observatory.
Photo credit: Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane
An exclusive colonial-style oasis, Royal Malewane takes it to an elevated level when it comes to privacy, personalised service and unparalleled game viewing. Set in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, its breathtaking forest suites boasts panoramic views. With a staff to guest ratio of four to one, there is no doubt you will feel like royalty while here where amenities offered at the lodge include private game drives, butler service and a personal chef. An ideal choice if you are in pursue of a truly exclusive Kruger National Park safari experience. Aside from having the best safari spa in South Africa, Royal Malewane is also home to the most experienced guides and tracks in Africa. This includes the privilege of having the only surviving Master Tracker currently working in Southern Africa. Expect to be brought up close to big cats, elephants and rhinos where game drive is restricted on a 6 seater vehicle. Here, you are also brought into a gastronomic journey where evening feasts under the African stars are laid out by a team of chefs qualified as Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Blazon. An oasis suited for couples, honeymooners and foodies!
Indulge in the best that Southern Africa has to offer with the Ultimate Luxury Kalahari To Kruger. A 10 day sky-high itinerary incorporating the very best high-end lodges in the country including Royal Malewane and Tswalu The Motse Kalahari, paired with unmatched game drives on privately-owned reserves.
Photo credit: Singita Boulders
Singita Boulders
Singita Boulders Lodge is set in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve on the banks of the Sand River. Nestled in a private 45,715-acre Singita Reserve, expect interpretive Big 5 photographic safaris, guided day and night game drives and rewarding unrivaled sightings of leopards. 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. It is home to twelve suites, all overlooking the wilderness, framed by floor to ceiling glass walls. Outdoor showers, heated plunge pool and a vast deck area wraps around your own private villa in the wild for your private game viewing. The lodge is sensitively designed to make the most of its tranquil setting. Pamper yourself at the spa or laze beside your private plunge pool. Alternatively, venture on guided nature walks and visits to a local village. Cap off magical days with Singita’s famous fine dining and the exceptional Boulders’ wine cellar with a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. Here, the dining venues are yours to choose: savour a bush breakfast beneath the Marula trees, a star-lit dinner beside the boma fire, or whisk away to a candlelit dinner on your private deck.
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