In this article we will be looking at ten luxury lodges (in no particular order) within the Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger regions. Each lodge offers something unique to earn its place among the best lodges of the Kruger – from location to design, cuisine to hospitality – and visitors can look forward to a five-star safari experience when visiting these places.
Jock Safari Lodge
Jock Safari Lodge is situated in the southern Kruger on a 6000ha private concession, halfway between Skukuza and Malelane gates. The lodge is named after the famous dog, 'Jock of the bushveld' and is positioned right where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet to become one. Main Jock Lodge offers twelve private thatched suites, each with a private deck, outdoor bath, plunge pool and outdoor day bed, with views overlooking the riverbed.
*No children under the age of 6 years old
2023 Rates:
From R 10,885 per person sharing
From R 14,150 single occupancy:
Rates include:
Two daily game drives; Guided wilderness walks; All meals and afternoon high-tea; A selection of house beverages; Game drive beverages; VAT and Tourism Levy
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
If privacy is what you’re after then the Private Granite Suites are your answer; with only three suites available this is the most exclusive camp in Africa . As the name suggests, Londolozi Private Granite Suites are inspired by the large granite rocks that surround the lodge with views cascading onto the Sand River. Each suite has a private, heated swimming pool and an outside bath that overlooks the river, where you may discover elephants sauntering past. The attention to detail is unsurpassed with the focus on space, light and elegance that effortlessly flows through the interior of the camp. This is a private camp for 6 guests and welcomes couples or small groups celebrating those special occasions.
*No children under the age of 16 years old
2023 Rates:
3 x Suites
R37,450 per person sharing
R46,813 single occupancy
Rates include:
Accommodation; All meals, teas and coffees daily; Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers; Two game drives daily in open Land Rovers; Nature walks accompanied by experienced armed rangers; One group yoga class per day; Fitness Room; Transfers to/from Londolozi airstrip to lodge; Emergency medical evacuation insurance; Laundry; Wi-Fi; VAT
Singita Sweni Lodge
Within the Kruger Park, on 33000 acres of private wilderness, lies Singita Sweni Lodge (recently named No15 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023). Each of the seven suites are positioned on the banks of the Sweni River, cocooned under a canopy of trees. Within each of the spacious rooms, guests are treated to their own private game viewing deck, an outdoor shower and daybed, with one of the seven suites offering a private swimming pool. The main lodge area has a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, complementary wifi, lounge area, dining room, boutique store, and gallery showcasing works and collectibles of internationally renowned African artists. Children of all ages are welcome and the lodge offers a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained during your stay.
*Children of all ages are welcome
2023 Rates:
Suite (6 units -Double/Twin)
From ZAR 41 417 per adult per night
From ZAR 20 709 per child per night
Pool Suite (1 unit -Double/Twin)
From ZAR 107 486 per suite per night Rates include:
Accommodation; All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne); Twice-daily game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, walking safaris (accompanied by experienced guides and trackers); Return road transfers between the Satara airstrip and the lodges; Laundry service; WiFi access where applicable
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
One of our favourites, Lion Sands Narina Lodge blends effortlessly into its surrounds with soft, natural décor, private plunge pools and viewing decks that overlook the river. A peaceful haven that offers nine luxury suites perched above the Sabie River; a home away from home with comfort at its’ core, while at the same time the sounds and sights of nature all-encompassing as you enter a world so different from the one you know. Other delights include a gym, spa, and treehouse for those wanting to celebrate a romantic occasion or simply experience sleeping under the stars.
*No children under the age of 10 years old
2023 Rates:
R 23 490.00 per person sharing per night
Single occupancy add 50% onto per person sharing rate
Rates include:
Luxurious accommodation in a Suite with private lounge and plunge pool; all meals; teas/coffees; minibar in room; inclusive drinks and selected snacks (all soft drinks, and selection of beers, spirits and house wines); two game drives daily with FGASA-accredited field guide and tracker; game drive refreshments and snacks; specified inclusive safari activities; Skukuza Airport transfers; Wi-Fi.
Specialist activities included: Game drives; bush walks; stargazing; wildlife lectures; bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners; Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers experiences.
Hamilton’s Tented Camp
Hamilton’s Tented Camp is tucked away on a private concession in the Kruger and is named after Colonel Stevenson-Hamilton who played a vital role in establishing the Kruger National Park. An enchanting getaway that embodies the ‘Out of Africa’ style from a time gone by. Luxury, elevated tented suites await the adventurous traveller each with private plunge pools, outdoor lounge areas and views overlooking the seasonal river. The lodge is surrounded by ancient Jackleberry trees with wooden walkways connecting the rooms to the main area where delicious meals are served. Spa treatments can be arranged from the comfort of your deck in between game drives.
*No children under the age of 12 years old
2023 Rates:
Suite
R 18,989.00 single supp
R 12,900.00 pp sharing
Rates Include:
Accommodation, three meals, selected beverages (soft drinks, water, beer, selected wines & spirits), two safaris daily and VAT at 15%
Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala Tented Camp is a modern and sophisticated camp situated in Ngala Private Game Reserve within the Timbavati region (which is part of the Greater Kruger). This region is known for naturally occurring white lions and if you’re lucky your ranger will hopefully find them while out on safari. Spacious rooms, outdoor showers,private decks overlooking the Timbavati riverbed, and five-star cuisine can be expected during your stay. You may also spot elephant herds while chilling at the camp’s lap pool between game drives! Spa treatments are also available and the option to stay one night at the exclusive Ngala Treehouse.
*No children under the age of 12 years old
2023 Rates:
ZAR 19,000 per person sharing
Rates include:
Accommodation; Three meals daily; Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives; Laundry; Safari activities (twice-daily game drives); Local community visit; One hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability); Emergency medical evacuation insurance; VAT; Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip; SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay); Guides' Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist; Area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist
Royal Malewane – The Lodge
Royal Malewane is in the Greater Kruger and forms part of the Royal Portfolio. The lodge offers three accommodation types; The Luxury Suites, which is made up of six palatial suites with rim flow pools, private wooden decks, and endless views; two Royal Suites (each can take up to four guests) that offer all the bells and whistles, including an outdoor bath to soak in the surrounding nature; and lastly Africa House is a spacious and elegant bush villa that sleeps 12 guests and caters for the ultimate privacy of those wanting to spend quality time with their family while on an African safari.
*Children over 10 are welcome in the Luxury Suites at Malewane Lodge
*Children of all ages are welcome in the Royal Suites at Malewane Lodge, at Africa House
2023 Rates:
Luxury Suite - sleeps 2
From R 43,000 per person sharing
Royal Suite (4 guests)
From R 201,000 per night Inclusive of private services and one private game drive vehicle
Africa House (1 to 8 guests)
From R 359,500 per night Inclusive of private services and one private game drive vehicle
Africa House (9 to 12 guests)
From R 425,500 per night Inclusive of private services and two private game drive vehicles
Rates include:
Accommodation; Transfers to & from Jackalberry Airstrip; All meals and snacks; South African premium wines & beverages (excludes French Champagne); All coffees & speciality teas; Wireless internet; Laundry service; 2 Game drives daily & bush walks; Full mini-bar
Mala Malas Rattray's Camp
Situated between the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, lies Mala Mala Private Game Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger) Mala Malas Rattray's Camp is the most luxury camp on the reserve, offering 8 suits on the banks of the Sand River. Guests can feel comfortable with ‘His ‘ and ‘Hers’ bathrooms, a private plunge pool, and an outdoor and indoor dining area for intimate dining. The main area at camp has a large infinity pool, small fitness facility and a massage service for relaxing between game drives.
*No children under the age of 16
2023 Rates:
R27000 per person sharing per night
R40500 single occupancy per night
Rates includes:
All meals and snacks; Drinks (excluding premium brands); Game drives in open 4x4 vehicle conducted by an experienced ranger; Nature walks; Transfers to and from the Mala Mala Airstrip; Limited laundry service
Savanna Private Game Lodge
You will find Savanna Private Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Greater Kruger) in the heart of Big Five game territory. The lodge offers three Executive Suites and four Luxury Suites with decks looking out onto the waterholes where animals come to drink. Private, heated plunge pools and beautifully appointed rooms await. The Savanna Suite is tailor-made for families and has two en-suite bedrooms
*No children under the age of 8 years old. Children of any age welcome in Savanna Suite
2023 Rates:
Executive Suite
R18 150 per person sharing
R27 225 single occupancy
Luxury Suite
R14 850 per person sharing
R22 278 single occupancy
Savannah Suite
R87 450 daily suite rate
Rates include:
Accommodation, two game drives per day, all meals, teas and coffees, drinks (house wines, local brand spirits, beers and soft drinks), minibar, refreshments on game drive, bush walks, wifi, laundry service, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip and VAT.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Last but not least, we have Kirkman’s Kamp, a classical lodge design resembling a 1920’s homestead and a place where the old meets new. With 12 guest cottages and 1 family room, a rim flow pool, onsite gym, spacious verandah for dining that looks out onto rolling lawns where antelope graze, a library and peaceful lounge areas, guests will not go without. There are beautiful views of the Sand River and the lodge is positioned on a high ridge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
*Children of all ages are welcome
2023 Rates:
Cottage (12 units)
R18500 per person sharing
Family Cottage
R64750 per cottage per night
Rates include:
Accommodation; Three meals daily; Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives; Laundry; Safari activities (twice-daily game drives); Local community visit; One hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability); Emergency medical evacuation insurance; VAT; Transfers to and from Skukuza Airport; SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay); Guides' Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist; Area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist