Top 10 hotels in Kruger National Park, South Africa

August 14, 2022 Terina Blouin

The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word "safari." Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger is the country’s flagship national park. Adventurers can explore the park in a 4x4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do in Kruger National Park

1. Kapama River Lodge

R40, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa 011 27 87 550 7765
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2599 reviews

Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge is situated within Kapama Game Reserve and presents the perfect blend between luxurious safari accommodation and a generous bed capacity of 64 bedrooms. Each spacious room at Kapama River Lodge features a full en-suite bathroom and terrace with uninterrupted views into the leafy-green Big 5 game reserve. The central guest entertainment areas include a large rim-flow swimming pool with sun umbrellas and recliners for lazy afternoons. The long L-shaped relaxation lounge and bar under a double-volume thatch, curves around the pool and on either side is a huge double-sided fireplace creating a wondrous open-plan yet cosy atmosphere.

Amazing trip!

Reviewed By heathernicolemaf

Our stay at Kapama RIver Lodge was absolutely amazing. We went in the off season and still saw so many animals (including big 5) on game rides. I love that they have the same people assigned to you throughout your stay. You can really tell that the management team has everything organized so well, there is no confusion as to who to find or where to go while you're there. We had Glorida as a waitress for all of our meals, and she was absolutely a delight. Speaking of meals, the food there is amazing. The options are all so tempting and so delicious. The game drives were exhilarating. Our guides, Vulan and Give, had so much experience between the two of them, and made it so fun to track and find animals. They were so incredibly knowledgeable, and so fun to be around. Our reception woman, Rosie, would have been so helpful had we needed her, but everything you need is already given to you! Overall it was the stay of a lifetime, all the staff are so happy and accomodating, most have been there for several years, so you can tell that the lodge does a great job taking care of their employees because it reflexts on how well the employees take care of their guests.

2. Makumu Private Game Lodge

Farm Dundee 32KU Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 129 reviews

Makumu Private Game Lodge

AN UNFORGETTABLE AFRICAN ADVENTURE IN COMPLETE PRIVACY... In the Xitsonga language, the word “Makumu” refers to an intangible explanation of an open space, an uncluttered lookout over distant horizons, or an endless view. The breathtaking views and location of the lodge complement a deeply inspiring sense of space and place, leaving visitors rejuvenated with the ancient spirit of African wilderness. The ‘Big Five’ Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately owned nature reserves in South Africa, covering some 60 000 hectares and forming part of the greater Kruger National Park. Makumu Private Game Lodge is an intimate oasis in this vast wilderness, surrounded by the harshness, unpredictability and unspoiled appeal of the African bushveld. Six luxurious and beautifully appointed suites, accommodating a maximum of twelve guests, ensure an exclusive blend of absolute comfort, style and privacy.

A truly magical experience

Reviewed By Katdoyle2

Thanks so much to Cherie, AD, Shelley and Ruan for making our first safari a trip of a lifetime! The lodge was built by the owner for his family and has a really nice family vibe with brunch, afternoon tea and dinner eaten together with other guests, we got to meet other people from all over the world! As well as listening to lions, hyenas and monkeys in the bush whilst we were eating outside! Our Ranger, AD was fantastic and very knowledgable. We spotted the Big Five and so much more, and he made such a big effort to make sure we tracked down the animals we wanted to see. Since the Klaserie is shared with just a few other lodges, the safari was very tranquil and did not feel commercial at all. We were able to track down animals and would only see another 1-3 cars throughout the whole game drive. We were torn between a 3 and a 4 night stay. So glad we went with 4 nights and we could have stayed for so much longer! The whole team is very hospitable and we loved hearing their stories from the bush!

3. Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1278 reviews

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers excellent Big 5 game viewing, luxurious accommodation and sumptuous cuisine. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering a variety of accommodation options, varying from rondavels and luxury suites to the Manyeleti honeymoon suite. Elephant Plains Game Lodge is world renowned for excellent Big 5 game viewing and guests can enjoy two game drives and a bush walk per day. Facilities include two swimming pools, a gym, conference centre, small library and games room. We also cater for small, intimate weddings. The lodge is owner run and can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests. This guarantees personal service and attention to detail. Our unpretentious style ensures that guests regrettably leave the warm and friendly atmosphere of our little piece of Africa...

10/10!

Reviewed By Alan P

We had a truly wonderful time at Elephant Plains. From the airport pickup, to the game drives, food, and lodging, we never had a stressful moment. Dylan was an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who always listened and made sure to check in on everyone during the game drives. The food was delicious, and I can't think of a single complaint about our luxurious lodging. Overall, highly recommend for anyone wanting a safari - we saw every animal imaginable in our 2.5 days there.

4. Pafuri Camp

Makuleke Contractual Park North Kruger Park, Kruger National Park 0982 South Africa
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 524 reviews

Pafuri Camp

Pafuri Camp is situated in the Makuleke Concession of the Northern Kruger National Park. This comfortable camp has 19 luxury designer tents with en-suite bathrooms. There are seven ‘family tents' that sleep up to four persons, making this a 52-bed camp. The tents offer gorgeous views over the Luvuvhu River, there is also a communal area with a swimming pool – for those balmy days when you need to cool off.

Definitely worth a visit

Reviewed By nikkibolleurs

Beautiful, magical location. Excellent and knowledgeable staff, sumptuous meals and birds,birds,birds. If you can, treat yourself and visit - worth the commute to get there. Would go back in a heart beat

5. Motswari Private Game Reserve

Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 928 reviews

Motswari Private Game Reserve

An African dream beckons – one that is defined by extraordinary scenery, an authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality. This is Motswari Private Game Reserve, a family-owned and operated luxury safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, offer incredible viewing opportunities as they bask in their natural habitat. Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana and that is what the reserve aims to do. Motswari Private Game Reserve, located within the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, stretches out over 150 square kilometres. It has been in existence for over four decades and its friendly staff members are intrinsic to its success. Great emphasis is placed on personal attention, ensuring that each guest instantly feels at home in this stunning setting. Artworks by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, additionally bring the lodge to life and add to its visual appeal. "Arrive as visitor, leave as a friend."

Dream Honeymoon

Reviewed By 869adame

What an absolutely incredible experience this place has to offer! Unfortunately the maximum I can score for this review is 5, otherwise I would be saying higher! This was a bucket list trip for us on our honeymoon, and with all honesty, not knowing exactly what to expect as this was our first safari experience. I think flying into Hoedspruit airport and seeing warthogs running alongside the runway set the tone! About an hours taxi ride to the reserve, seeing multiple different animals along the way as the taxi was kind enough to stop and show us what Hoedspruit had to offer. The welcome on arrival was fantastic and the resort/reserve was so rustic and earthy, exactly what you might expect being on a safari. This reserve had up to a maximum of 32 guests staying at any one time, meaning they provided a very personable experience and never felt ‘busy’. The lodge we stayed in was great, perfectly kitted out Safari style, huge bath and shower facilities, A/C, spotlessly clean and quiet. Housekeeping were great, attending to our room twice a day. I would go as far as to say this was some of the best food I have ever eaten. Different meals each night, different breakfasts and lunches each day (also singing traditional songs as they brought the food in was a great touch!) as well as different dinner locations each night were great! The veranda - overlooking the reserve, The amazing open-air Boma experience and also the dried riverbed experience, eating literally in the wild with tables set out on the actual dry river bed. The people were incredible at this reserve, so so friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble and regularly remembered us by name each time we saw someone. We also experienced a great massage so highly recommend booking! Now onto the Safari itself. We had an amazing guide and tracker, Megan and Jackie. The enthusiasm and knowledge they had made the drives so fascinating and enjoyable! We saw the big 5 within 24 hours of being there and saw so many animals I never thought we’d see! (We were told we had a very lucky truck!) with both morning and afternoon drives, Megan and Jackie led the way, providing a real personable experience and getting very close to ‘the action’. They care for the reserve and the animals greatly and still manage to ensure you have a great, up close and personal experience with the animals. On the first evening drive, we had a heard of elephants walking past is within striking distance and even a pride of lions walking beside us! Incredible experience. We shared our game drives with a couple also celebrating their honeymoon and another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On the second to last night game drive, the Motswari team decided surprise us all and laid out a spread for us with drinks and snacks, near the runway, surrounded by animals and enjoying the beautiful sunset which was very thoughtful! The whole experience far exceeded any expectation of mine and every single aspect of this was spot on. I would go back again in a heartbeat. Thank you to the Motswari team for making our honeymoon so special.

6. Simbavati River Lodge

Timbavati Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 690 reviews

Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the northern sector of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife and rich wilderness in which you can experience an authentic and affordable African safari. The design of this family friendly intimate lodge is contemporary, warm and welcoming. Guest common areas offer a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the Nhlaralumi river where regular wildlife sightings take place and guests can unwind. Accommodation consists of eight luxury tents and three chalets, all are privately situated, comfortably furnished and with en-suite facilities.

Luxury safari experience

Reviewed By Remy J

Our experience at Simbavati was top-notch! This place is so luxurious, and we had a wonderful vacation. We saw the big five on our game drives, and the scenery was so stunning. The lodge is positioned at the bottom of a hill with a watering hole, and we also regularly saw animals in and around camp, including an entire herd of elephants who came to drink water and then wander through camp during breakfast one morning. It was an experience like none other! The food was amazing as was the service by all of the staff, but particularly by our butler, Ralph. They go above and beyond to take care of their guests with new surprises each day. They even arranged a private boma dinner for our family to celebrate my upcoming birthday. We absolutely loved our time at Simbavati!

7. Kapama Southern Camp

Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 893 reviews

Kapama Southern Camp

Situated​ on the southernmost section of Kapama Private Game Reserve, Kapama Southern Camp is one of four luxury lodges within Kapama offering one of the most spectacular Big Five game viewing experiences the Greater Kruger Area has to offer.​ Besides its​ luxury safari accommodation, you will find warm hospitality and friendly service in a tranquil setting which will satisfy even the most discerning nature lovers' taste. All 15 standard suites at Southern Camp have full en-suite bathrooms with picture windows to enjoy the surrounding scenery and birdlife. Private patios offer the opportunity to enjoy relaxing sundowners, while game watching at the same time. Kapama Southern Camp offers 7 luxury villas each with their own private lap pool, inside and outside showers, en-suite bathroom with ​​double vanity. In additional Southern Camp offers 3 luxury Family villas each with a lap pool and a separate connected bedroom for children with its own bath, shower, double vanity and outside patio.

Fantastic place

Reviewed By dgflys

My son and I stayed here for just 3 nights and I wish it could have been longer. The game drives were outstanding, we had the best guide and tracker. We saw all the big fove and then some! All the staff here were superb and the food was plentiful and delicious. We were so well looked after in every way. I highly recommend it

8. Inyati Game Lodge

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park 1350 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 777 reviews

Inyati Game Lodge

Set on the lush banks of the Sand River, Inyati Game Lodge offers the ultimate safari experience combining diverse wildlife with authentic African hospitality. From the warm welcome you receive upon arrival, to our comfortable chalets, hearty home style cuisine and highly experienced rangers, every guest departs with unforgettable memories and the imprint of Africa in their soul. WHAT MAKES INYATI UNIQUE? - Intimate lodge with only 11 luxury chalets. - Highly experienced and knowledgeable game rangers and trackers. - Big Five game viewing with unrivalled sightings of the usually elusive leopard. - Perfectly positioned overlooking the lush Sand River. - Easy access by road and air. - Best value proposition in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park.

Great camp yo visit.

Reviewed By Z8936BMmarkl

This was a great camp. We would probably give it a 4 1/2 instead of 5 if that was offered. The only draw back from the lodge was the quality of the food. We felt it could have been a little better but was a minor issue. We were treated very well by the entire staff. Our guide was great and we had some great animal viewing. On our back deck we were able to view animals including elephants about 50 yards away. We also woke up one morning to a hippo on the front lawn. The room was nice with a great shower. I would not hesitate to go to this camp again.

9. Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Orpen Road Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa 011 27 87 551 7878
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 685 reviews

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

A private safari lodge within the pristine Manyeleti reserve adjoining the Fenceless boundary of the Kruger National Park. Private plunge pools, big 5 game, amazing cuisine. Manor house can take children with a fantastic children's program.

Exceptional experience!!!

Reviewed By 871shellyh

Our stay at Tintswalo Safari Lodge exceeded our expectations! The lodge staff pampered us throughout our entire stay, even when they surprised us with breakfast in the bush & the special sundowner on our last night. The game drives were educational and exciting… the animals were spectacular! We will never forget watching the pride of lions and cubs snoozing in the grass, the cheetahs crossing the road in front of us, the leopard perched on the termite mound or the shimmer of the zebras in the sunlight. Exceptional staff & an Exceptional experience! We are already planning a return trip next year!

10. Shumbalala Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Reserve Greater Kruger, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 364 reviews

Shumbalala Game Lodge

It’s a vast, wild place where the lions roam at Shumbalala Game Lodge, deep in the Thornybush GameReserve, one of the country’s great tracts of untamed game-viewing.Set as it is in a dry, singeing savanna of Mopane, Acacias and Umbrella thorns, quartered by easterly-flowing rivers densely shrouded in giant figs, fever trees and phoenix palms, the land is an ancient tapestry of natural wonder.Over-head the Loeries call their sharp warning while horn-bills swoop in an ungainly ballet between trees whilst vultures elevate on thermals portending an electric storm.As you push on through the bush it is the serendipity of nature that amazes most as your vehicle skirts art deco zebra, dozy giraffe, bright eyed bush babies, wildebeest (made, it is said, by the committee of left-over parts) and the rest Africa has to offer.It is even more of an adventure when you stumble upon a leopard lazing in the V of a Jackalberry tree or; a hyena giving you a lazy yellow eye in the gathering dusk; a majestic bull elephant crashing its way through the riverine thicket in search of sweet reeds or; a surprise sunrise encounter with a lion pride on the prowl.This is the world of Shumbalala.

Better than expected

Reviewed By jesussilva2022

Since they picked us up until we left the service and the experience was wonderfull. Very professional, they know their job and how to make you feel at home. We can only recommend this lodge, the staff. One of the greteast experince.

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