Top 10 Luxury Lodges in the Greater Kruger Park

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The luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park offer a safari experience bar none. Unique in its own right with different panoramic vistas, river-settings and vantage points, each lodge exudes the power to whisk you away into an atmosphere of exclusive solitude and individual authenticity where nature steers the experience. From family-friendly stays to refined romantic escapes, these lodges embody first-class sophistication, impeccable service, supreme privacy, true luxury accommodations and cuisine.An experience awaits up close: vivid, real and brimming with Africa’s raw, unpretentious beauty as many a reserve shares an unfenced border with the iconic Kruger National Park, ensuring superb sightings of Africa’s free-roaming wildlife. And at the heart of it all lies a deep-found respect for the environment, its precious ecosystems and preserving South Africa’s natural heritage.Whether you are already planning your safari vacation to South Africa or still dreaming about basking in the African bushveld, here is our pick for luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park.

Top 10 Luxury Lodges in the Greater Kruger Park

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Tintswalo Safari Lodge deck pool
Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers safari with soul, steeped in elegance and warm hospitality.

Step off the beaten tourist trail and venture into Manyeleti Game Reserve where Tintswalo Safari Lodge shares a fenceless border with Kruger National Park. What makes it one of the top luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park is its low vehicle density, ensuring unrivaled game viewing opportunities with rangers and local trackers, who will not only share their knowledge but also offer insights into the region’s traditions and folklore. Each secluded suite is lavishly and uniquely decorated to accentuate the African wilderness, with a private deck and a plunge pool from where you can watch the passing wildlife as the sun bids the day adieu.

And the guests love Tintswalo Safari Lodge, here’s what David, had to say, "There are so many lovely touches and the staff makes you feel so at home. The guides obviously have a great love of their work and it was a pleasure to be in the company of such knowledgeable people."

Dulini Lodge

Dulini Lodge
Dulini Lodge's intimate suites set the tone of serenity for a five-star safari experience in the Greater Kruger Park.

With its accommodation choices located on a riverbank and between ancient Ebony trees, Dulini Lodge is through and through a crowd-pleaser. It has it all – the view, the luxury, brimming wildlife as it shares no boundary fences between Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park and expert guides who leads the way in signature safari experiences. Exclusivity, environmental design elements and oodles of solitude sets the tone of Dulini’s relaxing atmosphere, and it boasts wine cellars, private plunge pools, viewing decks, wellness treatments and taste-bud-pleasing cuisine.

Dulini Lodge is a favourite for many and guest, James, said, "This is a fantastic place, very exciting game reserve and unbelievably welcoming and hospitable team working there. Quite an achievement to have created a hotel in the middle of the African bush where you can instantly feel at home!"

Ulusaba Safari & Rock Lodge

Ulusaba Rock Lodge
Get on top of the world and admire the views over the bush with its roaming wildlife from Ulusaba Rock Lodge.

Perched on a hilltop in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, uninterrupted panoramic views of the South African bushveld is Ulusaba Safari & Rock Lodge’s claim to fame. Honoring nature, accommodation is the epitome of style and comfort with two different lodges, a variety of suites and even tree-house style rooms accessible via swing bridges. No two game drives (or safari walks) are ever the same, and roaming wildlife – including the big five – grace you with their majestic presence around the most unexpected corners.  Don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with Sir Richard Branson during your stay; Ulusaba is in fact not only his choice of luxury lodge, but he also owns Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.

Every day is a different experience at Ulusaba Safari & Rock Lodge, this is what guest, Art Freedom, said, "The time was perfect. Eight Safari drives with each one being different. There is nothing we would change. Our stay was amazing!"

Lion Sands

Lion Sands bath tub river views
Lion Sands, where nature meets luxury with an extraordinary view of the river.

Lion Sands is a private game reserve with four luxury safari lodges located within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve as well as Kruger National Park. Rooted in nature, draped in elegance and unapologetically exclusive, Sabi Sand – an unspoiled wilderness – rightfully earned the title as one of the best luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park. And being on the edge of the perennial Sabie River – the only private reserve with this kind of access – a diverse concentration of wildlife calls this habitat home.

The variety of different lodges within Lion Sands leave guest wanting more, just ask guest, Sara Wilberg, who said, “Everything was just perfect and exceeded all expectations. Wonderful food and very friendly staff. Loved sitting in my private pool watching all the animals come to the river. Would love to return for my honeymoon!"

MalaMala Camp

MalaMala Camp
MalaMala Camp, is an unfenced luxury lodge in the Greater Kruger Park, in the middle of the bush.

MalaMala Camp – which shares an unfenced boundary with the world-famous Kruger National Park – is a safari oasis of understated elegance. Wildlife abound, and experiences unique, rangers follow strict protocols – such as only three vehicles per sighting – to keep the penetrating solitude of the bush ever-present. Thatched-roof suites glister in luxury, and there is also a massage service, gym, boutique, library and boma for those delectable dinners, paired with exceptional wines.

Another star for MalaMala Camp, just read this review by guest, Alan, "Never been on a game reserve before, go on this one, it is out of this world. Friendly rangers and first class at their job, you will soon see the big five… accommodation is like a six-star hotel with great food. You will not be disappointed."

Singita Sweni Lodge

Singita Sweni Lodge river view
Hidden among a canopy of trees, with Sweni River views, Singita Sweni Lodge exudes subtle sophistication.

Bold and contemporary is one way to describe the essence of Singita Sweni Lodge, comfortably hidden on the banks of the Sweni River between a canopy of trees. With private access to a pristine wilderness section in Kruger National Park, game viewing (either by vehicle or on foot) under the guidance of professional rangers and trackers will bring you closer to Africa’s wildlife giants, the prolific bird life and smaller creatures. This family-friendly lodge is favorite for photographers – experts and novices – with gear rental and one-on-one post-production advice on-site. Guests can also take part in cooking classes, restore body and mind at the spa and with no city lights in sight, the sky sparkles with stars at night.

Expect to have your expectations met and then exceeded at Singita Sweni Lodge, this is what guest, Vernon, had to say, "What a fantastic experience. Beyond my expectations. I have traveled the world and seen many game lodges but Singita Sweni blew my mind.”

Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge

Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
The Chitwa House at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge is an oasis of calm, offering privacy and exclusive hospitality.

On the edge of the water in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge prides itself in being a holistic and sensorial experience, harmoniously blending the surrounding environment with unbridled comfort and luxury. Here the African bushveld with its abundance of wildlife – including the big five – will captivate your soul and enrich your mind, and for the kiddies there are dedicated programs to nurture a love for nature.

Getting more than what you bargained for at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge, just ask guest, Chris, who said, "Nothing could have been more perfect. We saw every animal imaginable on this trip, forget the big five, it should be the amazing 15. They even threw my wife a surprise birthday party in the middle of the bush.”

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge private pool
The eco-friendly Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is inspired by the natural environment and each suite opens up to uninterrupted bushveld views.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a safari sanctuary seamlessly blending into the natural surrounding environment; it is an architectural masterpiece of consciousness, luxury and innovation boasting the title of being the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge also features a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden and an underground wine cellar. As one of the top luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park, thrilling close-up encounters with wildlife is on your doorstep, and there are daily game drives and bush walks with experienced rangers and a local Shangaan tracker.

No words can describe Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, and according to guest, Angie, it is, "An experience that is difficult to put into words as even 'absolutely amazing', 'out of this world!', 'woah!' fall completely short of describing just how incredible Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is.”

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane
Experience the natural beauty and warmth of the African bush in complete privacy.

Step into the pinnacle of refinement, where the whimsical safari ambiance of a bygone era awaits at Royal Malewane in the Greater Kruger National Park. Luxury under and throughout can be expected, whether you stay in the Main Lodge or The Farmstead with its intimate nuances. Nature is paramount here and expert rangers and trackers lead the safari journey with passion and years of experience to bring you closer the Africa’s majestic creatures.

Royal Malewane is one of the top 10 luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park, and guest, Christy, agrees, "I have been to South Africa several times and this has got to be one of the best places. The staff, the rooms, the food, everything is wonderful. Small touches everywhere and the game viewing is excellent. This is a special place.”

Leopard Hills

Leopard Hills waterhole Luxury Lodges in the Greater Kruger Park
Dining at Leopard Hills is perfectly paired with spectacular views of the waterhole.

On a rocky outcrop of Sabi Sand Game Reserve, overlooking a waterhole and bordering Kruger National Park, lies Leopard Hills. It is a place where the eco-system is wholeheartedly incorporated into the grandeur with eight glass-fronted suites rooted in Africa’s romantic ambiance. Known for its mesmerizing leopard sightings – as well as big five game viewing experiences – Leopard Hills awakens the senses through its game drive and bush walking activities, incredible cuisine and the array of spa treatments.

Once you visit Leopard Hills, you will always return and guest, Lynde, says, "Leopard Hills was one of the best experiences I have ever had in all of my travels. The food, the staff and the accommodations were out of this world. We were able to see many of the big five but also servals and even wild dogs. I will definitely be back!"

Having trouble choosing between the top luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park? Speak to us, we will help you plan your dream safari getaway.

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