5 Greater Kruger Accommodation Options for Your South African Safari

“This was the first time I ever saw wild dogs” says safari planner Chrizaan Troch of her recent Greater Kruger safari. “During an evening game drive, we came across them playing in the road. The pack even came close to the vehicle.

“They move so fast and cover so much distance, so we were very lucky to have them that close to the vehicle for the amount of time that we did.”

This incredible wildlife sighting occurred while Chrizaan was staying at Nyala Safari Lodge in Balule Nature Reserve, just one of the Great Kruger lodges she visited during her South African safari. Let’s explore the five Greater Kruger accommodations she experienced while on this adventure, including options for family safaris and couples’ romantic retreats.

1. Nambu Camp

“This is a really fantastic property. It’s positioned on a hill, so you have incredible views over the bush and a watering hole,” says Chrizaan.

Nambu Camp is located in Olifants West Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. With just six luxury chalets, a Kruger safari here is an intimate, secluded experience. Two chalets are interleading and perfect for a family South African safari.

“The staff are so friendly and accommodating, and I loved how spacious the lodge is with lots of areas – like the pool deck lounge areas – for groups to relax.”

Ideal for a first-time safari, Nambu offers two game drives a day to explore the reserve and search for its wildlife residents, which include the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos).

2. Nyala Safari Lodge

“The property includes a deck overlooking a river which they pump water in, which attracts a lot of elephants. It was lovely to just chill on the deck and watch the wilderness in front of you,” says Chrizaan.

Rondawels dot the landscape at Nyala Safari Lodge, nestled in the Big Five Balule Nature Reserve. Renowned for its abundance of wildlife, a safari here can include off-road adventures for even better sightings of animals.

Thanks to its location, game viewing isn’t just done during twice-daily game drives – there’s a watering hole in front of the lodge, so from the main area, you can sit back and watch animals arrive for a drink.

In the suites, deep bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and spacious mosquito net-lined beds create a comfortable retreat to retire to after exploring the reserve.

3. nThambo Tree Camp

“nThambo is an adults-only safari lodge, so it’s perfect for a couple’s safari,” explains Chrizaan. “Accommodations here are treehouses on stilts. It’s all very open – there are no fences – but I felt completely safe sitting outside on the balcony watching the animals because I was so high up.”

When relaxing by the pool on the deck area, it’s not unusual to see elephants come up to the pool for a drink.

There are five elevated chalets, each accommodating two people. The canvas walls allow for a more immersive experience, and your own private deck is the perfect spot to take in the glorious views all around.

Klaserie Private Nature, the home of nThambo and just under an hour from Hoedspruit Airport, is part of the free-flowing Greater Kruger ecosystem. Here, a variety of stunning wildlife roam, including big cats, wild dogs, nyalas, elephants, hyenas, and giraffes, to name a few.

4. Kambaku River Sands

“This lodge is just amazing! Everything – from the food and the staff to the space and views in the rooms – was just incredible.”

Located in Timbavati Game Reserve (a region known for its white lions and big cat sightings), Kambaku River Sands encompasses 10 luxury suites complete with private decks, inside and outside showers, and plush beds.

The reserve can be explored during day and night game drives as well as nature walks. To truly unwind, head to the spa and wellness centre for a massage.

5. Motswari Private Game Reserve

“Motswari was my final stop,” notes Chrizaan. “I was on a game drive with a couple of tourists who were on their first African safari ever. By that time, I’d seen so many elephants and giraffes, but their reaction just reignited my excitement. I loved hearing their genuine awe at what they were seeing, because that’s what our clients feel when they go on safari.”

Giraffe’s Nest Hide is a standout feature at Motswari Private Nature Reserve. This open-air treehouse allows couples to immerse themselves in nature in complete privacy. Enjoy a romantic dinner on the deck and spend the evening stargazing. In the morning, watch the wildlife activities at the dam from your deck while sipping your coffee.

Chrizaan’s Safari Tips

1. Go on a Walking Safari

If you have the opportunity to go on a walking safari, do it! It gives you a completely different perspective of the wilderness compared to game drives.

“We heard lions very close, and it was just such a crazy experience to be on foot in the wild hearing all of these sounds!”

2. Visit in the Shoulder Season

“Shoulder season (just before or after the peak season) is my favourite time to travel to any place. It’s quieter and you get good rates, but wildlife viewing can still be excellent and the weather pleasant, and you’re out of that chaos when everything is full.”

3. Bring Binoculars

“Binoculars are a must! The guides do have, but it’s important to have your own good pair. Sometimes a sighting is just a little too far, so bringing out those details with binoculars makes all the difference. Also for the birds. Sitting on your stoep and gazing out, being able to spot a giraffe in the distance, just makes the experience so much better.”

The Greater Kruger Ecosystem is an incredible place to explore during a South African safari. The wealth of wildlife passing through the areas unhampered by fences, combined with the above accommodations, makes a Greater Kruger safari an unforgettable adventure.