safari lodges Kruger Park
Kruger National Park
and its Private Game Reserves
Just do it
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Welcome to a wonderful wild world where elephants can empty your pool while you’re enjoying gourmet dinners around blazing fire-pits under starry skies
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The ‘Private’ Game Reserves mentioned below all form part of Greater Kruger Park but NO public driving allowed here. Ggame viewing can only be done by lodge operated day and night drives in open game viewing vehicles with professional rangers
and experienced trackers
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In most of Kruger Park’s Private Game Reserves one could probably spot all of the Big 5 game – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – within your first two guided game drives. The first an evening game drive before dinner on your day of arrival, the second an early morning game drive the next day before breakfast.
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So go on – what are you waiting for – let your Out in Africa safari begin
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We suggest 3 to 4 nights on safari in Kruger Park.
As silently and breathlessly you look… and listen.
where to stay Kruger Park
Far too many lodges too mention here but for an idea of what to expect, see our favourites lodges below.
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Our chosen lodges are located in 3 different private game reserves – Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Kapama.
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First up, the fine big game safari lodges of Sabi Sand, home of the leopard
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
World-renowned for its elusive leopard sightings, the 65 000 hectare (250 sq mile) Sabi Sand Reserve is a game-rich haven not to be missed.
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It all began with far-sighted land owners who believed in the preservation of wilderness areas and could look beyond the short-term gains. They had the vision to foresee that the Sabi Sand Reserve would only increase in importance over time and began putting in place initiatives that would ensure a positive future for the people, wilderness and wildlife of the region.
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From the very beginning, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve was shaped by a world-class approach to conservation and lasting partnerships with neighbouring communities.
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A major breakthrough came in 1993 when the final game fences between the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and the adjacent Kruger National Park were dropped. This restored the cohesiveness of the greater ecosystem and permitted the free movement of wildlife between these two areas.
Sabi Sand – this is prime big game viewing at close proximity so expect many close-up encounters of a breathless kind….
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Sabi Sand safari lodges
Singita Boulders
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
fossilised tree stumps, organic stone, iron and striking African art
a sense of tranquillity splashed by the vibrant rhythm of safari life
rates
rates 2026
R 49 255 to R60 470
per person per night
Leopard Hills
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
set high on a rocky outcrop with distant views across a watering hole
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8 spacious glass-fronted suites with airy sun deck and plunge pool
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plunge pools visited by thirsty elephants
sun decks favoured by lazing leopards
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sun loungers for comfy viewing of stand-offs at the watering hole
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air-conditioned comfort, overhead fans and luxuriously appointed
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romantic bathrooms with indoor and open air outdoor shower
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central lounge with bar, dining room, library and pool deck with views
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gentle tranquil afriKan tones
on top of the world
this place truly airs the mind
rates
Chitwa Chitwa
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
basking on the banks of a large dam
with resident hippo’s and crocodiles
and named after a beloved giraffe
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6 luxury suites open onto spacious
private wooden deck with plunge pool
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bath-tub, in/outdoor shower, fireplace,
minibar, fan, hairdryer, tea and coffee
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lake viewpoints with comfy day-beds strewn around camp
spa, gym, central bar and dining area with sundeck and pool
also a library, gym. wellness spa and complementary wifi
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Charlsy Suite has 2 rooms sharing lounge, lake view deck & private pool
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Chitwa House is a 2 bedroom bush villa with private pool, chef & ranger
rates
Savanna Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
exclusive 5 star lodge set in garden with watering hole for visiting elephants
7 tented suites with private pools, spacious bathrooms and draped ceilings
savanna suite offers communal living with 2 suites, each with private pool
all suites with a private patio, heated plunge pool and outdoor shower
elegant air-conditioned interiors, stocked minibars & coffee machine
some say it’s probably afriKa’s most luxurious tented suites
central dining room, bar, small library with wifi and pool
and yes, delicious, freshly prepared meals…
rates
rates 2026
R21 000 to R25 250
per person sharing
Arathusa
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
8 suites overlooking active waterhole + 4 bush facing suites with sparkling private pools
spacious interiors with bush-facing suites located a bit of a walk from the main lodge
all suites with air-con, indoor/outdoor shower plus airy deck with water or bush view
central dining area, bar/lounge and communal lodge pool overlook watering hole
simple yet elegant in design, with great game viewing in the heart of Sabi Sand
complimentary wifi in bar and lounge areas
rates
rates 2026
R11 500
per person sharing
Timbavati Game Reserve
North of Sabi Sand lies the world renowned Timbavati Reserve sharing a 50km unfenced border with Kruger Park.
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Known for its natural beauty, the Timbavati offers luxurious big game safari lodge accommodation in a game-rich reserve with morning- and afternoon game drives and guided game walks to remember…
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Timbavati safari lodges
Kings Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve
an uber-luxurious game lodge villa set deep in the heart of the Timbavati Reserve
Villa comes with PRIVATE game vehicle, ranger, tracker, personal butler and chef
an opulent, upstairs master suite with open plan bathroom and viewing lounge
plus 2 luxury suites and a detached garden suite for eight guests in total
all suites overlook the private gardens, pool, viewing deck and boma
complete privacy for small groups and families travelling together
Kings Camp also offers 6 luxury-, a family- & 2 honeymoon suites
all with private plunge pools, outdoor sunken lounge & fire-pits
rates
rates 2026
R18 500
per person per night
Kapama Game Reserve
West of Timbavati lies 13 000 hectares of pristine wilderness tucked between Kruger Park and the northern Drakensberg.
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This fenced wilderness sweeps across 13 000 hectares of savannah and riverine forest and offers a selection of 4 different lodges. We have listed 2 of our favourites below.
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Kapama is located a mere 10 minute complimentary transfer from Hoedspruit Airport making it one of THE easiest lodge transfers available. And delightfully so, this short transfer will also be your first game drive
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Welcome to mama afriKa
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Kapama safari lodges
Karula Lodge
Karula Game Reserve
the flagship lodge of Kapama offering 10 superior luxury villas and 2 family villas
all villas are generous, high-ceiling spaces measuring an average of 100m² each
lavish en-suite bathrooms with indoor/outdoor showers & large designer bath
glass sliding doors open onto a spacious wooden deck with lazy sun loungers
for relaxing next to your full-size heated swimming pool with forest views
a complimentary minibar offers a selection of fine wines & champagne
also a Nespresso coffee machine and a cosy fireplace for colder nights
central lounge/bar area with library, spa & sparkling swimming pool
rates
rates 2026
R32 500 to R40 000
per person sharing
Buffalo Camp
Karula Game Reserve
10 airy tented suites on elevated decks set high in the leafy shade-giving treetops
linked to the main lodge by raised wooden walkways – softly illuminated at night
all tents with viewing balcony, en-suite bathroom, king bed, air-con and mini-bar
to one side of the tent, a free-standing, open bath with views across the forest
rich dark wood & sumptuous leather evoke a sense of the classic safari era
an exquisite blend of nostalgic elegance and all the modern day comforts
expect roaring campfires, lantern light & outdoor dining under the stars
central lounge/bar area with library, spa and sparkling swimming pool
rates
rates 2026
R15 000 to R19 000
per person sharing
Kruger National Park
wild and wonderful
email us to plan your dream safari
based in Cape Town South Africa
so remember
