Greater Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and one of the largest in Africa. Kruger is home to some of the best game-viewing on the continent (147 mammal and 507 bird species!) and is part of so many South Africa itineraries.
Though we don’t widely suggest safaris in the national park itself due to crowds and tarmacked roads, we highly recommend that clients stay in the private concessions which share unfenced borders with the western side of the park, like the Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule. These private concessions feature incredible game-viewing and are also more exclusive. Private concessions also afford added freedoms like driving off-road to get closer to sightings as well as ability to conduct night drives to look for nocturnal species.
A few notable exceptions to our “don’t stay inside Kruger” rule are private concessions in the center of the park such as Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni and properties such as The Outpost in Kruger’s remote and beautiful northern sector.
There are daily direct flights to Kruger’s main airport, Nelspruit, as well as the smaller airports to the north and south which may be more convenient for the individual property you select. From Johannesburg, there are lodge hop flights which will take you to the small airstrips closest to the camps. From Nelspruit, you can fly onward to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) or to Vilanculos to access Mozambique’s pristine southern beaches.
Our favorite accommodation in Greater Kruger National Park
Accommodation
With spacious and romantic suites, Makanyi is best described as safari chic
Accommodation
A luxury safari lodge in the Sabi Sands
Accommodation
A riverfront safari lodge in a private reserve of the Kruger
Accommodation
Dulini Lodge, Dulini is a small lodge located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, situated on the banks of a dry sand river. It shares traversing rights with the western sector of the reserve which means it has a large area for big 5 game-viewing, an important consideration when selecting your safari destination. The 6 […]
Accommodation
Royal Malewane, located in the Thornybush Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, is a luxurious property which caters to a discerning clientele in search of a traditional safari. The lodge is stunning, with superb service and attention to detail. It seems to be more geared towards mature guests, so a younger traveler may be happier at […]
Accommodation
Simbambili Game Lodge, Simbambili is located in the north of the Sabi Sands Reserve, a remote area with good game viewing. While a solid, luxury property, the lodge has an almost rustic charm – it is comfortable in its bush setting, one with nature rather than aiming to become a glossy hotel. The spacious rooms […]
Accommodation
Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Tanda Tula in the Timbavati Reserve is a little gem which just seems to tick all of our boxes. It is a value for money property which offers lovely tented accommodation, great game viewing, excellent service and additional walking activities. Public areas are pleasant and nicely decorated with a pool for […]
Accommodation
A luxury safari lodge located in the Sabi Sands
Accommodation
The smallest of the Sabi Sabi Lodges, Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp is an intimate classic safari camp with great views, comfortable rooms, and superb Big 5 game-viewing
Recommended Itineraries featuring Greater Kruger National Park
Itineraries
12 DAYS | $20,300 PER PERSON
Cape Town and a Safari in the Kruger
Itineraries
13 DAYS | $21,100 PER PERSON
Cape Town and Two Premier Safari Destinations
Itineraries
11 DAYS | $10,400 PER PERSON
Whale-watching, Wine tasting and the Big 5
Itineraries
10 DAYS | $5,600 PER PERSON
Cosmopolitan Cape Town and the Best of South African Safari
