Our Top 10 Choices For The Best Luxury Lodges In Kruger

Nothing comes close to the Kruger National Park for some of the world’s finest game viewing. It’s not uncommon to spot the Big 5 (leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant) all in one day, as well as catching other rare species like the cheetah and wild dog.

Not only is it one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas boasting the widest diversity of wildlife in South Africa, it’s also a really large space. “But which part of the park is its best?”, you may be asking. And where should I choose to stay?

We’d suggest skipping the crowds and heading straight for Kruger’s private game reserves. These conservation-driven reserves are some of the best safari locations in the park and home to a number of the most outstanding safari lodges on the continent.

Whether you’re a couple, honeymooners or a family, these 5-star lodges provide a luxury safari experience quite unlike any other. 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. Add some of Africa’s best trackers and guides and you get excellent off-road game viewing, night game drives (not accessible in the public park) and a luxury safari vacation you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Here’s our complete guide to the top 10…

1. Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane earns its name easily, and you’ll definitely feel like royalty at this luxury lodge. 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 the most exclusive safari destinations in the park.

Perfectly Suited To:

• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Gourmets / Foodies

Highlights include:

• Game drives in a private reserve
• Private butler service and personal chef
• The best safari spa in South Africa
• Fantastic culinary experiences
• Luxurious suites with great attention to privacy

Popular Activities at Royal Malewane:

• Bird Watching
• Day Tours
• Interactive Elephant Experience
• Golfing
• Helicopter Flips
• Horse Riding 
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Local Village Visits
• Game Drives
• Picnics
• River Cruises

2. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Elevated villas overlook the scintillating Sabie 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.

Perfectly Suited To:

• Honeymooners
• Couples

Highlights include:

• Private and tailored service
• Thrilling Big 5 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
• Star Gazing
• Specialist Guides
• Private Game-Drives
• Picnics
• Local Village Visits
• Helicopter Flips
• Guided Walks
• Golfing
• Bush Dining

3. Londolozi Private Granite Suites

You won’t experience a better quality of relaxation than you will at Londolozi Private Granite Suites. Indulge in yoga classes, massages or just a tranquil dip 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 underscore light, volume and privacy. 

Perfectly Suited To:

• Honeymooners
• Couples

Highlights include:

• Remarkably tailored service
• Magnificent views over a wild and unique landscape
• Spectacular Big 5 game viewing
• Magnificent private concession in Sabi
• Intimate camp – space for just 6 guests

Popular Activities at Londolozi Private Granite Suites:

• Animal Tracking Experience
• Day Tours
• Fishing
• Guided Walks
• Local Village Visits
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Game Drives
• Bird Watching

4. Singita Sweni

Sweni Lodge 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
• Discerning travellers

Highlights include:

• Private terraces with day beds
• 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 Kruger safari lodges sleeping only 12 guests

Popular Activities at Singita Sweni Lodge:

• Bird Watching
• Guided Walks
• Game Drives
• Specialist Guides
• Guided Walking Safaris

5. 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 safari lodges in Kruger, 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 5 game viewing
• Multi-award-winning innovative design 

Popular Activities at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge:

• Photographic Safaris
• Bird Watching
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Night Drives
• Game Drives 

6. Ulusaba Cliff Lodge

Situated on the top of a rocky outcrop, this gorgeous Kruger safari lodge 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 the 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
• Guided walking safaris
• Some of the best views in Sabi
• Twice-daily game drives
• An exclusive Kruger safari retreat – only two suites

Popular Activities at Ulusaba Cliff Lodge:

• Game Drives
• Photographic Safaris
• Tennis
• Local Village Visits
• Interactive Elephant Experience
• Star Gazing
• Helicopter Flips
• Guided Walking Safaris

7. Dulini Lodge

Dulini offers a romantic and intimate Kruger safari experience. Situated in the heart of one of the finest locations in the Kruger national park (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 bird watching.

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 lodge in a private concession

Popular Activities at Dulini Lodge:

• Bird Watching
• Animal Tracking Experience
• Night Drives
• Guided Walks
• Game Drives
• Guided Walking Safaris

8. Rattray’s on MalaMala

Rattray’s at MalaMala harkens back to the golden era of safari, evoking the spirit of a bygone age. The biggest private conservation area in the region, the MalaMala Game Reserve isn’t shared with any other Kruger safari lodges, guaranteeing you uncrowded animal sightings and ample game all to yourself. Another perk is that MalaMala includes much of the life-giving Sand River.

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
• Star Gazing
• Game Drives

9. Singita Boulders

Designed to make the most of its calming setting inside the unblemished Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Singita Boulders Lodge is one of the finest 5-star lodges in the Kruger. Service is considerate and discreet, culinary experiences are out of this world and Big 5 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, you can’t do a lot better than Singita Boulders.

Perfectly Suited To:

• Families
• Gourmets / Foodies
• Discerning travellers
• Couples

Highlights include:

• Up-close Big 5 game viewing
• Magnificent spa treatments
• An unrivalled record for leopard sightings
• An exceptional wine cellar and fine dining
• Incredible views through front-facing glass walls

Popular Activities at Singita Boulders Lodge:

• Bird Watching
• Biking
• Game Drives
• Guided Walks
• Day Tours
• Specialist Guides
• Local Village Visits
• Guided Walking Safaris

10. Savanna Private Game Lodge

Savanna Private Game Lodge is heaven on earth for wildlife photographers. Head out on game drives in Big 5 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 spoiled for choice with sightings of playful elephants, alert impala and gorgeous giraffes. When you’re done snapping, head down to the fully equipped library to download and touch up your haul.

Perfectly Suited To:

• Couples
• Photographers
• Honeymooners

Highlights include:

• An extensive wine cellar for a spot of vino with your lunch or dinners
• 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
• Specialist Guides
• Bush Dining
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Day Tours
• Children’s Activities