Nothing comes close to the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem for some of the world’s finest game viewing. It’s not uncommon to spot the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) all in one day in some of the region’s private conservancies, as well as catch other rare species like the cheetah and wild dog.
Wildlife sightings are made even better when, after game drives and walking safaris, you’re able to retire to absolute luxury. Greater Kruger National Park accommodation includes opulent lodges where every detail is seen to.
Excellent cuisine paired with stunning service, calming health spas, fully equipped gyms, and even your own private butler are just a few of the features you can expect from Greater Kruger National Park lodging. Add some of Africa’s best trackers and guides and you get excellent off-road game viewing, night game drives (only available in private conservancies), and a luxury safari tour you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
Let’s explore the best places to stay in Kruger National Park and surrounds.
1. Cheetah Plains Eco-Luxury Safari Lodge
Cheetah Plains sets the standard for eco-luxury safaris with its carbon-negative approach and commitment to renewable energy. This exclusive lodge offers a silent safari experience in electric game vehicles in the heart of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, renowned for exceptional game viewing.
Guests enjoy personalised service with a dedicated team – including a host, butler, culinary experts, spa therapist, and a seasoned field guide and tracker – ensuring a bespoke holiday experience. Embrace the tranquillity and unparalleled wildlife encounters at this pioneering Greater Kruger National Park luxury accommodation, where opulence meets sustainability.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Honeymooners
- Couples
- Foodies
- Families
Highlights Include:
- Eco-friendly lodge
- Award-winning architecture
- Elevated dining experience
- Private butler service and personal chef
Popular Activities at Cheetah Plains:
- Morning and evening game drives
- Spa treatments and gym facilities
- Guided bush walks
- Cheetah Cub Club activities for kids
- Village trips to local communities
2. Royal Malewane Luxury Safari Lodge
You’ll feel like royalty at Royal Malewane, one of the best luxury lodges in the Kruger National Park ecosystem. Set in Thornybush Private Game Reserve next to the Kruger National Park, the lodge offers spectacular views of unspoilt nature. Take a reviving dip in the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or head for the gym and get the heart ticking over in one of South Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Gourmets/foodies
Highlights Include:
- Game drives in a private reserve
- Private butler service and personal chef
- One of the best safari spas in South Africa
- Fantastic culinary experiences
- Luxurious suites with great attention to privacy
Popular Activities at Royal Malewane:
- Birdwatching safaris
- Golfing
- Helicopter flights
- Local village visits
- Game drives
3. Five-Star Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Elevated villas overlook the scintillating Sabi River at this award-winning safari lodge. Featuring private lounges designed for maximum privacy, expansive viewing decks, fireplaces, private pools, and covered patios, you’ll experience the wilderness from the lap of luxury at this outstanding safari lodge.
If you’re looking for Greater Kruger National Park luxury hotels perfect for a romantic retreat, Lion Sands is an ideal choice.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Honeymooners
- Couples
Highlights Include:
- Private and tailored service
- Thrilling Big Five sightings
- Award-winning safari accommodation
- Some of the biggest rooms in Sabi
- Vehicles equipped with birding books and binoculars
Popular Activities at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge:
- Night drives
- Stargazing
- Private game drives
- Local village visits
- Guided bush walks
- Bush dining
4. Private Londolozi Granite Safari Suites
This Greater Kruger National Park accommodation offers the most sublime environment in which to relax and recharge. At Londolozi Private Granite Suites, you can indulge in yoga classes, massages, and tranquil dips in your private plunge pool. Appreciate the beautifully wild surroundings and gaze over giant granite boulders with a drink in your hand – every aspect of this luxury accommodation has been designed to emphasise light, volume, and privacy.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Honeymooners
- Couples
Highlights Include:
- Remarkably tailored service
- Magnificent views over a wild and unique landscape
- Spectacular Big Five game viewing
- Magnificent private concession in Sabi
- Intimate camp – space for just six guests
Popular Activities at Londolozi Private Granite Suites:
- Photographic safaris
- Fishing
- Local village visits
- Guided walking safaris
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
5. Singita Sweni Safari Lodge
One of the best places to stay in Kruger National Park is Sweni Lodge. The architecture is inspired by local animal dens and lairs, blending perfectly into the banks of the Sweni river. The lodge’s riverside suites are elevated on stilts, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that have the effect of blurring the lines between your accommodation and the beautiful Kruger landscape beyond.
Get a taste of rare South African wines, master your archery skills, indulge in a spa treatment, or take a quick trip to the Singita Community Culinary School to sample gourmet flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Couples
- Foodies/gourmets
- Honeymooners
Highlights Include:
- Private terraces with daybeds
- Elevated suites with floor-to-ceiling glass
- Fine dining and boutique wine tastings
- Incredible riverside location in a private concession
- One of the most intimate, luxury lodges in Kruger National Park sleeping only 12 guests
Popular Activities at Singita Sweni Lodge:
- Birdwatching
- Game drives
- Guided walking safaris
6. Five-Star Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge offers multi-award-winning safari accommodation for couples looking to celebrate a special occasion. Rustic yet stylish, it’s one of the most unique Kruger National Park lodgings, featuring generously sized suites situated in a private concession within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. With its secluded plunge pools and specially commissioned furniture, the lodge incorporates its surroundings and natural elements into its design for a luxury safari experience quite unlike any other.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Honeymooners
- Couples
Highlights Include:
- Extremely spacious suites
- Guided nature walks
- Day and night game drives in a private concession
- Some of Africa’s best Big Five game viewing
- Multi-award-winning innovative design
Popular Activities at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge:
- Photographic safaris
- Birdwatching
- Guided walking safaris
- Night drives
- Game drives
7. Ulusaba Cliff Luxury Safari Lodge
Situated on the top of a rocky outcrop, this gorgeous Kruger National Park luxury accommodation serves up truly jaw-dropping views of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. It’s the ideal secluded getaway for families or a group of friends looking for an exclusive safari vacation. Suites set at various levels are connected by stairs so spectacular views are available at all times. Relaxation is easy with rejuvenating spa treatments at the famed Aroma Boma.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Groups
- Families with children over 12 years
Highlights Include:
- A personal chef and private safari vehicle (when booked for exclusive use)
- Guided walking safaris
- Some of the best views in Sabi Sands
- Twice-daily game drives
Popular Activities at Ulusaba Cliff Lodge:
- Game drives
- Photographic safaris
- Local village visits
- Stargazing
- Helicopter flights
- Guided walking safaris
8. Dulini Luxury Safari Lodge
Dulini offers a romantic and intimate Kruger safari experience. Situated in the heart of one of the finest locations in the Greater Kruger area (Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve), Dulini is a honeymooner’s delight, featuring six gorgeously decorated suites with ample living space. Settle in under the shade of the lodge’s ancient jackalberry tree – the perfect spot for some birdwatching.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Honeymooners
- Couples
Highlights Include:
- Heated plunge pools on private game-viewing decks
- Fully equipped gym
- Superb cuisine
- A temperature-controlled wine cellar
- Secluded Kruger National Park accommodation in a private concession
Popular Activities at Dulini Lodge:
- Birdwatching
- Night drives
- Game drives
- Guided walking safaris
9. MalaMala Rattray’s Safari Camp
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp harkens back to the golden era of safari, evoking the spirit of a bygone age. A huge highlight of a stay at this Kruger National Park luxury accommodation is the chance to spot not only the Big Five, but also cheetahs and wild dogs. These sightings are unhurried, as there is no shared traversing on 70% of the MalaMala reserve.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Couples
- Families
Highlights include:
- Personal butler service
- Incredible leopard sightings
- Spacious suites with private heated plunge pools
- Never more than four guests to a vehicle
- Gorgeous location on the banks of the Sand River
Popular Activities at Rattray’s on MalaMala:
- Guided walks
- Night drives
- Stargazing
- Game drives
10. Singita Boulders Luxury Safari Lodge
Designed to make the most of its calming setting inside the unblemished Sabi Sands, Singita Boulders Lodge is one of the finest five-star luxury lodges in Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem. Service is considerate and discreet, culinary experiences are out of this world, and Big Five game viewing is some of the most consistent on the continent. If you’re looking for an exclusive and luxury safari experience in the Kruger National Park, Singita Boulders is an ideal choice.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Families
- Gourmets/foodies
- Couples
Highlights Include:
- Big Five game viewing
- Magnificent spa treatments
- Excellent record for leopard sightings
- An exceptional wine cellar and fine dining
- Incredible views through front-facing glass walls
Popular Activities at Singita Boulders Lodge:
- Birdwatching
- Game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Wine experiences
- Wellness experiences
- Stargazing
11. Savanna Private Game Lodge
Savanna Private Game Lodge is heaven on earth for wildlife photographers. Head out on game drives in Big Five country or position yourself in the viewing loft to capture wildlife as they come down to visit the watering hole to drink. You’ll be spoilt for choice with sightings of playful elephants, alert impala, and gorgeous giraffes.
Perfectly Suited To:
- Couples
- Photographers
- Honeymooners
Highlights include:
- An extensive wine cellar
- Professional massages in your room or under the lodge’s mature trees
- A fully equipped gym
- Private plunge pools
- Large suites with gigantic tubs and bathrooms
Popular Activities at Savanna Private Game Lodge:
- Game drives
- Bush dining
- Guided walking safaris
- Children’s activities
The Greater Kruger Park accommodation options listed here can help take your South African safari to another level of majesty. The incredible locations and opulent amenities, paired with unparalleled wildlife sightings, will make your stay extraordinary. Your safari adventure awaits! Contact us now to book your dream Kruger safari with us.
Written by Tiffany Bowers
• Travel Writer
Part of the Kruger National Park Safari & Luxury Safaris Collections