Best Places to Stay In the Kruger National Park ~ The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest game reserves on the African continent, covering an area of 20 000 k㎡ (virtually the size of Israel!) in the north-east corner of South Africa.
A list of iconic safari animals – that begins with the Big 5, includes the African wild dog and cheetah, and ends with hippo, giraffe and zebra – shares the savannah, granite kopies and the Lebombo Mountains with reptiles and over 500 varieties of bird…
As a result, things can get a little busy, particularly as the vast network of well-maintained roads make the Kruger so accessible (self-drive or go with a guide) to people.
Places to stay in the Kruger National Park are aplenty, ranging from hotels, private safari lodges through self-catering camps, to tented camps and exclusive-use villas.
What makes Kruger exceptional is the unfenced, unfixed borders between the park and its concession areas, and the private parks on its borders, allowing animals to roam without limits.
This list is equally without limits, giving you access to best places to stay in the Kruger National Park throughout the reserve …
Best places to stay in the Kruger National Park – southern area
Kruger Sunset Lodge, Mjejane Game Reserve
This five-bedroom self-catering accommodation is not only pleasing on the eye, it’s also for your exclusive use and perfect for a family reunion, or friendship group holiday. You’ve your own pool, deck and an access road into Kruger.
Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger
This posh lodge rests where the Mitomeni River meets the Biyamiti in amongst a series of incredible trees with a bird life to match. This private concession gives you access to over 2 million hectares of Kruger National Park, luxury thatched suites, private viewing decks and access to the river and plunge pool.
Simbambili Game Lodge, Sabi Sands
Sophisticated. Outstanding accommodation in a simple setting with outstanding views over the woodland savannah brimming with wildlife. This area is known for having the highest number of leopard in the world and for those who love these big cats, you may get the chance to meet the stars of the Simbambili Leopard Project.
Mananga Private Bush Retreat
Simple, uncomplicated but all yours in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve 800 metres from the Paul Kruger gate. The modest villa has been cleverly divided into two family rooms, each with its own sleeper couch for children.
Best places to stay in the Kruger National Park – central area
Hamiltons Tented Camp
This sophisticated luxury lodge lies in amongst a series of sausage and jackalberry trees with views over the Nwatswitsonto River, a series of stilted luxury tents with teak floorboards, mosquito nets outdoor showers, private decks, spa treatments and a butler service.
Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge
You’re going to love the shape of these beehive-shape suites, influenced by traditional African huts, on the edge of the Maluti River each with its own en suite bathroom, outdoor shower and private deck. Bonus: spa treatments, a butler service and a pool.
Buffelshoek Tented Camp
Set in the Manyeleti Game Reserve in the heart of Kruger this is where you head to really unwind and experience the bush authentically. It’s a small tented camp with only five two-sleeper thatched safari tents on their own wooden decks. Enjoy candlelit dinners under the stars in the boma.
Imbali Safari Lodge
This beautiful lodge lies in amongst tamboti and jackalberry trees within one of Kruger’s private concessions offering a small luxury getaway with twelve private suites, each with its own jacuzzi or plunge pool. Ten thousand hectares of unspoiled wilderness and permission to drive off-road within the concession’s limits to get a closer view of wildlife, makes this a particularly enticing option.
Best places to stay in the Kruger National Park – northern area
Return Africa Pafuri Camp
Set in the heart of the Makuleke Concession of Kruger, with some of the best scenery the park has to offer, this fully inclusive game lodge offers views over the Luvuvhu River from twelve luxury and seven family tents, all en suite with their own balconies. The highlight is guided wilderness exploration either on foot or in open vehicles.
Best places to stay in the Kruger National Park – something different
Gecko Kruger Camp Experience
If rustic and exciting are your idea of Kruger, then hire your own Landie complete with an experienced bush guide and a ground or rooftop tent furnished with two comfortable stretcher beds (camp changes every night), a kitchen set up for you at camp, and a full English breakfast every morning. Perfect.
Rhino Walking Safaris
Stay in the Kruger’s only wilderness concession – 12 000 hectares of pristine bushveld that share a boundary with Mala Mala and Sabi Sands. Follow on foot the trails left by animals in this environmentally sensitive and prime Big Five game viewing area between two camps, just north of Skukuza.
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