Top 10 Luxury Lodges in the Greater Kruger Park 2025 - Special Edition

(Updated Sep 2025)

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We put Kruger’s most luxurious lodges to the ultimate test. At the time of writing, Safari.com has a team of 25 travel experts, consultants who have stayed at most of the lodges, worked with them day in and day out, and know firsthand what sets the truly exceptional apart. Some members of our team have even lived inside the Kruger Park for years, giving them an unrivalled understanding of what makes a safari experience truly extraordinary. Who better to decide the best of the best?

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So, we asked our experts to cast their votes, with no cost considerations, only excellence. Each lodge was judged on a blend of characteristics: world-class luxury, unforgettable wildlife sightings, exceptional cuisine, and flawless service.

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The result is a curated list of 10 extraordinary lodges that represent the pinnacle of safari indulgence in the Greater Kruger Park. And because each offers its own unique magic, we’ve presented them in no particular order. These are the insider picks from the people who know Kruger the best, and now, we’re sharing them with you.

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Here are the best lodges in the Greater Kruger Park:

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1. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Be transported to a world where wildlife, nature, and luxury exist in harmony. There is so much to see and do during your time here, and no shortage of game-viewing opportunities, including the Big 5.

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Every experience at the Lions Sands Ivory Lodge is uninterrupted and private. The interior style? We love the ebony and ivory interiors and Afro-European chic design, which connect you to nature through expansive windows framing the surrounding wilderness.

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The stunning Fish Eagle Villa can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children. As an exclusive-use villa, it comes with a private chef, butler, spa, gym, deck, and pool. If you are up for something truly unique, book an unforgettable overnight stay under the stars in an elevated treehouse.

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Amenities to look forward to during your stay include a spa, library, bar, wine cellar, and curio shop.

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Features:

• This award-winning heritage site is situated on the banks of the Sabi River, along the Sabi-Kruger border.
• There are eight 1-bedroom private villas spaced20m apart, each featuring its own game-viewing deck, heated plunge pool, and fire place.
• Leopard sightings are common on this reserve, and activities include game drives and bush walks, cultural visits, and stargazing.

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Rates:
$ 1830 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

Specials:
Stay 3 Nights but only pay for 2 Nights.
Travel between 22 September 2025 - 31 March 2026.
T&Cs: This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. | Excluding peak season (19 December 2025 - 3 January 2026). Book between now and 31 August 2025

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Southern Africa experience. We had limited time to arrange 2+ weeks of travel. Sara at Safari.com accommodated this with efficiency and gave us a diverse and rich experience that anyone would want from a visit to Southern Africa. Not only was our itinerary fantastic but the follow up reminders about pick-ups and checking in for flights was comprehensive and took any worry out of travel.. overall highly recommended for comprehensive travel planning, booking and support.

-Leonee D

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2. Singita Boulders

Book one (or more) of 12 luxury suites that leave no stone unturned as far as comfort and African charm are concerned. Your choices include river, bush, or family suites, which showcase exceptional river views through glass-fronted bathrooms.

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Interior features of each stone and thatch lodge include handmade furnishings, ensuring a sense of interconnectedness from your space to the wilderness beyond. Also enjoy private decks with heated pools – let go of every worry, and invite nature to restore wellness and balance.

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Located within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Singita Boulders makes family safaris memorable. There are no fences between this remarkable reserve and the Kruger National Park, and the Big 5 roam free, with frequent leopard sightings.

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Features:

• A Junior Ranger Program and babysitting services are available.
• Enjoy alfresco or indoor dining options, where local and international cuisines form part of the menu.
• Singita values conversation and sustainability, which echoes in the recollections of guests after their stay here.

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Rates:
$ 2880 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Stay 6 Pay 5: Combination of 6 nights at any Singita Sabi Sand and Singita Kruger lodges and receive 1 complimentary night.
Promo excludes Singita Castleton - Valid to 14 December 2025

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Safari.com Outstanding. Couldn't rate Dolan at Safari.com more highly. He was very responsive and flexible in adapting to our changes. They organised a great trip for us and provided excellent recommendations.

-Lyn P

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3. Londolozi Granite Suites

Nothing says African exclusivity like booking a private Safari getaway with your nearest loved ones. Standing alongside the Sand River in a private section of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the Granite Suites guarantee relaxation and excitement in equal measure.

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Enjoy the spacious and contemporary camp where you can observe wildlife without boundaries. Additionally, enjoy open-vehicle game drives and guided bush walks. Londolozi is renowned for its many leopard sightings, while day and night safaris offer the chance to encounter the Big Five and so much more.

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If you’re looking forward to a personalized experience coupled with high-end hospitality, you will get this and more during your time here!

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Features:

• Londolozi is designed to offer exclusivity and intentional experiences. A maximum of six guests make this possible.
• Children under 16 are not permitted unless the entire camp is exclusively booked.
• Although it feels worlds away, this lodge is very accessible, located about 5 minutes from the Londolozi private airstrip with transfers available.

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Rates:
$ 2710 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

Fantastic experience. Everything was perfect. The staff, the game drives, the meals, and our room were all superhigh level. Our guide and tracker were terrific. We saw every animal we could imagine and learned so much along the way!

-Amy K

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4. Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Ready to embark on an intimate and luxurious safari vacation? Feel the magic and embrace the wild in the Makanyi Private Game Lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, on the edge of the Kruger National Park.  

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This private game lodge exudes grace and opulence. You will feel as if the expansive bush is yours alone. Activities available include thrilling game drives, photographic safaris, spa services within your own suite, and a fully-equipped gym.

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Every detail is seen to, and each of the seven suites available overlooks the dam. Guests can also look forward to a private deck and outdoor shower.

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Features:

• Makanyi is situated in a part of the Timbavati where there are no other lodges, meaning privacy, while the quiet of nature surrounds you.
• Safari vehicles can only accommodate six guests, which allows for personalized and intimate wildlife encounters.

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Rates:
$ 1180 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Save 50% on one of the couple’s accommodation costs. Minimum 2-night stay. Valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage. Offer is valid until 31March 2026

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Trip of a lifetime! Fabulous trip to South Africa arranged by Nerine! She handled everything from transportation to fantastic accommodations and gave us a “once in a lifetime “experience! We saw the penguins, Stellenbosch, two amazing Safari lodges! Wesaw “ the big five”! Loved everything about our trip! Highly recommend!

-KOB

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5. Kapama Karula Lodge

As Kapama Private Game Reserve's flagship lodge, you will be treated to immersive and unique wildlife experiences. Choose between 10 elegant and spacious villas and 2 family villas, where panoramic views expand over the bush and across the Klaserie river. Each villa at Kapama Karula Lodge has its own heated plunge pool and indoor/outdoor showers. Spot wildlife from your own private deck while unwinding in style.

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Highlights:

• Attractions on offer include award-winning dining, a world-class spa, swimming pool, and fitness facilities.
• Discover the best of African wildlife through two daily game drives, guided bush walks, or dedicated children safaris (where possible).
• Book optional extras like a hot air balloon safari or elephant encounter. Your days will be filled with awe-inspiring moments!

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Rates:
$ 870 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Stay 4 Nights & Only Pay For 3 Nights | Stay From 1 November to 19 December2025 & 5 January to 31 March 2026 AND Book & Travel within 21 days and save up to 50% - Book Now | Valid till 19 December 2025

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Unforgettable family holiday. We had a truly wonderful experience with this company. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Lana was fantastic from the initial planning stages right through to our return home. She provided support throughout our journey and was always available to answer any questions, which made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.

- Jade D‍

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‍6. &Beyond Kirkmans Kamp

Are you seeking an authentic safari getaway that combines historic African charm with contemporary luxuries? Kirkman’s Kamp is ideal fora family breakaway, and 18-guest cottages face the exquisite Sand River, where elephants and other wild animals often roam free. A range of safari activities will fill your days and enhance your experience. We love that &Beyond operates sustainably, protecting and preserving wildlife and the land.

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Enjoy thrilling off-road game drives and keep your eyes open for Leopard sightings, which delight many guests during their stay. Relax in a rim-flow swimming pool surrounded by the quiet bush, dine in the boma or in a candlelit bush setting, and choose from a range of photographic safaris.

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Highlights:

• Be immersed in the culture and traditions of the nearby Shangaan villages by joining one of the community visits available to guests.
• If you are visiting with family, the WILD child program keeps children aged 3-12 busy with fun and engaging activities.
• There are two game drives to enjoy each day, led by pro rangers and trackers. This is your chance to spot diverse wildlife and see Leopards up close.

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Rates:
$ 1160 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Long stay discounted rates: Stay for 6+ nights and save up to 20%: May be applied for a combination of &Beyond lodges in Africa (subject to seasonal availability of the offer), for the same guests on a single itinerary.
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Bucket List Safari Holiday. We’ve just returned from our bucket list holiday in Kruger National Park, arranged with the help of Dolan Sequera at Safari.com. Dolan was extremely helpful and friendly, quick response times and always there to answer any questions. Everything was organised for us, including our domestic flights to/from Skukuza airport, making our trip seamless and so easy! Everything 10/10 - would definitely recommend using Safari.com! :)

-Joanna P

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7. Cheetah Plains

Embark on a life-altering and prestige safari escape at the Cheetah Plains , within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As a guest, you can choose from three exclusive-use and designer bush villas that elevate your time in Africa. Each villa can accommodate 8 guests in 4 deluxe, private suites.

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Safari adventures await the whole family – engage with the community and meet locals who eagerly share their cultures and villages. If you are travelling with family, utilize the Cub Club for children under 12 and the lodge’s inclusive child-minding services.

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Luxury, privacy, and unequalled game-viewing are just the beginning – Cheetah Plains is the epitome of eco-luxury travel, providing a sanctuary for endangered species while also being home to an abundance of wildlife.  

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Features:

• Each villa is complete with a private heated pool, expansive living area, curated art collections, and a wine cellar.
• A dedicated hospitality team is available to each villa, consisting of a host, expert field guide and tracker, spa therapist, butler, and culinary team.
• Private chefs offer culinary delights indifferent settings, enhanced by wine, gin, and whiskey tastings. Dine in the wild, in style!
• Eco-friendly electric Land Cruisers lead you on silent game drives and interpretive bush walks, surrounded by the unfiltered beauty of the wild.

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Rates:
$ 1930 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

Specials:
Stay 4 nights and only Pay for 3 OR Stay 7 nights and only Pay for 5 in the Karula and Mvula Villas - Valid from 5 Mar - 31 May 2025 | 1 Sep - 9 Dec 2025 |5 Jan – 31 May 2026 | 1 Sep – 19 Dec 2026 | 05 Jan – 31 May 2027.

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Amazing experience. Exceptional staff and accommodation top quality. Amazing experience. The staff is going beyond to make it exceptional. Onks our guide has been fantastic and all the team members make the experience unique (Lesh, Rose, Salome, Ludo, Tbiti, Tman and many more). Food and wine were great. Highly recommended.

-Michael L

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8. Thornybush Game Lodge

Step into the wild and fill your African getaway with amazing safari moments. The Thornybush Game Lodge is an owner-run business that combines classic aspects of a traditional safari with modern amenities and comforts for 5-star experiences. Sharing a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park opens guests up to incredible Big-5 safaris and diverse groups of indigenous game.

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Unwind after wildlife sightings, walks through the bush, and game drives. Fuel your energy for days of exploration and fun with bush breakfasts, and indulge in locally sourced cuisine in the dining area – boma dinners are also available on warm evenings.

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Features:

• Choose from 18 luxury suites and 2 family suites, each with its own private deck overlooking the river and indoor/outdoor showers.
• This is a family-friendly game lodge with a children’s club that hosts supervised activities to keep your little ones entertained.
• Facilities at Thornybush Game Lodge include a spa, fitness centre, library, rim-flow pool, and curio shop.

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Rates:

$ 790 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Stay 4 nights, only pay for 3 - Maximum of 6 travelers per group. Valid fortravel between 15 January - 30 June 2025 & 1 November - 15 December 2025 |Valid for travel between 15 January – 30 June 2026 and 01 November – 15December 2026

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A first class experience. The four day trip to Thorny Bush was spectacular. The game drives brought us up close to the animals and the guides and trackers worked as a team. The staff at the lodge were warm and friendly and the food was excellent. The accommodations were first class. Lana was very helpful in not only putting together my trip but also followed up to make sure I was well taken care of. I will be contacting her when I plan to visit Africa again. July2025

- Companion043907

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9. &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

Let the great outdoors and alluring wildlife take on a new, deeper meaning with your African Safari trip. Reset and reconnect with nature at the &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, where adventure, luxury, and an eco-friendly approach to safaris are wholly embraced.

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You will enjoy upscale yet rustic accommodation that seems to pull the untamed wilderness closer. During your stay, wake up with the rising sun for an early morning game drive, or enjoy a late afternoon game drive. Other safari experiences include bush walks, trekking, and photographic safaris that will capture moments words cannot explain.

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Features:

• 20 thatched cottages make up this lodge, which includes family suites with private pools, shaded by mopane and tamboti trees. Take in the surrounding natural beauty through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
• Enjoy the lodge's rim-flow pool, spa, gym, and variety of dining options.
• Children of all ages are welcome, with game drives restricted to children under 5. Child-minding services are available at an added cost.
• Treehouse Experience

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Rates:

$ 820 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Long stay discounted rates: Stay for 6+ nights and save up to 20%: May be applied for a combination of &Beyond lodges in Africa (subject to seasonal availability of the offer), for the same guests on a single itinerary.

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Amazing experience. Exceptional staff and accommodation top quality. Amazing experience. The staff is going beyond to make it exceptional. Onks our guide has been fantastic and all the team members make the experience unique (Lesh, Rose, Salome, Ludo, Tbiti, Tman and many more). Food and wine were great. Highly recommended.

-Michael L

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‍‍10. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Located in a private sanctuary within the Timbavati Game Reserve, the Simbavati Hilltop Lodge boasts wide-angle views over the African bush, Nhlaralumi River, and distant Drakensberg mountains. From the remarkable Big Five to endangered wild dogs and cheetahs, enjoy open 4x4 safaris (early morning or late afternoon) to take it all in.

Break away from life’s demands and embark on the perfect escape in nature, where warm welcomes greet you and exceptional service follows. With Africa’s beauty at your doorstep and the adventure of a life time promised, Simbavati’s tented safari accommodation welcomes solo travelers, friends, and family.

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Features:

• Breathtaking panoramic bushveld views.
• Eight exclusive luxury tents feature spacious private decks, sala pavilions, and daybeds.
• Children 12 years and older are welcome at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
• Facilities include a dining area and bar, an infinity pool overlooking the bushveld, a game-viewing deck, a curio shop, and a lounge with books and board games.

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Rates:
$ 800 USD - Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing.

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Specials:
Stay 4 Nights, Pay for only 3 Nights | Valid 1 Nov 20 Dec 2025 | 05 Jan –02 Apr 2026 | 07 Apr – 20 Dec 2026 | 04 Jan – 20 Dec 2027

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Must see adventure! From start to end the trip was amazing. Pascal John made sure all arrangements were made and all our requests were fulfilled on our adventure. This is a trip we would encourage anyone wanting to visit South Africa to go on.

-Donna C

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