Kruger National Park in South Africa – a name that resonates with the stampede of blue wildebeest, the trumpet of elephants nearby, or the call of the African fish eagle – offers an array of private lodges that promise experiences as diverse as the park’s wildlife.

For the discerning traveler reading through magazines and blogs, yearning for that personal window into the untamed, navigating the choice of lodges can be as daunting as crossing a crocodile-infested riverbed.

Did you know a Kruger safari starts long before you step onto the plains of Africa? It begins with good planning to select the most luxurious private game lodge. Perhaps you picture yourself sipping a sundowner as the golden sun dips below the horizon, or maybe you long to wake to the roar of a lion at dawn. These imaginings form the roadmap that will guide your choice to the best experience in Kruger.

Each private lodge within Kruger has a character of its own, from ultra-luxurious tents that whisper the safari spirit to contemporary suites that frame nature’s grandeur through floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. Decide what hints of opulence will define your stay: a plunge pool overlooking a watering hole, a private butler, or maybe a spa under a canopy of African stars.

We at TravelBuddiesLifestyle.com curated the most luxurious lodges within the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most well-known and superior game reserves.

What is a private concession camp?

As the name suggests, a private luxury lodge refers to a luxurious concession camp within the Big 5 Kruger National Park. A private concession allows prime operators to offer guests exclusive safari experiences on a private reserve while sharing the unfenced boundaries of the Kruger National Park.

Access to a private lodge is restricted to guests staying at the lodges. SANParks refer to these lodges as “Golden Kudus.” Guests access these lodges through the Kruger National Park’s main gates closest to the private lodges. Kruger National Park gate entry fees apply, as do gate opening and closing times.

Moreover, at a private luxury lodge, you’re not just a visitor or tourist; you’re an honored guest in the heart of the wilderness. These exclusive private lodges offer serene escapes away from the masses but are surrounded by the abundance of the Big 5. Here, discerning guests can enjoy sophistication in the bush veld on their terms.

So, why merely visit when you can be an honored guest? Experience Africa as it’s meant to be – breathtaking, exclusive, and unforgettable. A stay at a private lodge is guaranteed to be up close and personal.

Many of our curated private lodges offer authentic African Safari-style accommodation in elevated permanent tents with raised wooden platforms overlooking unfenced terrain. Twice daily game drives are guaranteed to be unforgettable experiences. Meals are mostly served on the open plains, and dinners are next to a crackling boma fire under the African sky.

Here is our list of the most luxurious private lodges located within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park:

Nkuhlu Tented Camp

Nkuhlu luxury tented camp is the latest edition of concession camps in the Kruger National Park. This hidden treasure opened in May 2023. The camp is perfectly positioned next to the Nkuhlu picnic spot between Lower Sabie rest camp and Skukuza rest camp on the H4-1 road in the Kruger National Park. (See the photo at the top of the article, courtesy of Nkuhlu and TravelBuddiesLifestyle.com.)

This self-catering camp allows you to enjoy the flexibility of self-drive within the Kruger National Park while enjoying stylish yet unpretentious accommodation. The tents feature a well-equipped kitchenette with a fridge, gas stove, and microwave. The patio has a gas braai; no wood or open fires are allowed near the camp. Being eco-friendly, the lodge relies entirely on solar and gas. Children under the age of 12 are not accommodated at this camp.

Imbali Safari Lodge    

Imbali Safari Lodge offers 12 spacious thatched private suites, each with a romantic antique-style en-suite bathroom and plunge pool in understated luxury. The lodge is set on the banks of the N’waswitsonto River, 85 km from Skukuza Airport and 42 km from Orpen Gate. Children six years and older are welcome. Self-drive and 4×4 game drives are available.

Jock Safari Lodge

The pristine Jock Safari Lodge is halfway between Skukuza rest camp and Malelane Gate in Kruger. It’s named after the classic African tale “Jock of the Bushveld” by Sir Percy Fitz Patrick. The private 12 thatched suites provide uninterrupted views over a riverbed. This fully inclusive lodge offers two daily game drives, guided safari wilderness walks, inclusive of all meals and afternoon teas, a selection of house beverages, and game drive beverages. Bookings made six months or more before arrival qualify for a 10% discount.

Kruger Shalati

This lodge is for you if you want an elevated experience of Kruger’s breathtaking scenery. Kruger Shalati is a reminder of a bygone African railway era, with its 24 carriage suites permanently located on the original Selati Train Bridge. The large, glass-walled train carriages offer infinite views of the Sabie River. (See the photo at the top of the article, courtesy of Kruger Shalati and TravelBuddiesLifestyle.com.)

The most impressive feature is its custom-built farm-style pool with a viewing deck, offering spectacular sights only a few meters below. Children under 12 are not permitted to stay on the Train on the Bridge but are accommodated in the Kruger Shalati Bridge House suites.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

This family-friendly lodge accommodates children of from age two and older, and it provides age-appropriate activities. Children-friendly activities include walks, crafts, treasure hunts, special children’s dinners, and picnics, while parents enjoy some well-deserved relaxing time in the bushveld. The lodge even offers a children’s paddle pool. Lukimbi Safari Lodge is accessed through Malelane Gate.

Some of the lodge’s most unique features include a private chapel with seating for 32 guests, a well-equipped gym, a spa, an inviting adult swimming pool, and a kiddies’ pool. It has a well-stocked bar, wine cellar, and boma. The piece de resistance is their curio shop with exquisite and unique souvenirs.

Avid golfers can look forward to a game of golf at Leopard Creek. Imagine witnessing giraffes graze on thorn trees as you pitch a shot over a lake infested with crocodiles and hippos. At the cost of R6400.00 (subject to change) per round of 18 holes, excluding transfers and club hire, the lodge can arrange this once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. Reservations must be made through the lodge.

How to get there: 

• Lukimbi can be reached by road. It is 440 km from Johannesburg on the N4 highway.
• Guests can fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) or Skukuza Airport. Transfers to the lodge can be arranged.
• Charter flights to Malelane airstrip are available on request. Transfers to the lodge can be arranged.

Rhino Walking Safaris

Rhino Walking Safaris‘ intimate trail camp (not previously open to the public) is in the unspoiled wilderness near Skukuza rest camp. At Plains Camp, guests will not be concerned about comfort, as it offers well-appointed luxurious tents with quality linen, a plunge pool, and a dedicated chef to prepare traditional African meals in an unprecedented setting.

In addition to the comfortable sleeping arrangements at Plains Camp, the lodge offers adventure-seekers the opportunity to experience a night under the stars by pre-booking a night at Rhino Post Safari Lodge or the Sleep-Out Decks. Visit their website for more information about their sleep-outs.

Singita Sweni Lodge

Singita is the Rolls Royce of all game lodges in Africa. Singita Sweni is an intimate lodge perched on the banks of the Sweni River, known for its contemporary design, architecture, and cuisine. It seven exclusive suites hidden among a canopy of trees, each featuring open-plan interiors. Guests can expect superior, qualified guides, personalized itineraries, and tailored services.

The sister lodge, Singita Lebombo, is an extraordinary idyllic lodge located next to Sweni. This exquisite and contemporary lodge was inspired by eagles’ nests built into the cliff face of the river bank, resulting in a floating structure between the river and the sky.

Lion Sands Kruger National Park

Have you always dreamed of spending a night in a treehouse in the African bushveld? The Lion Sands Kruger has twin lodges, Tinga and Narina, near the Skukuza Airport. You can book this once-in-a-lifetime experience with your lodge accommodation at Lions Sands. Their two treehouses suit families and accommodate two children ages 10 to 14.

They offer a tailormade astral safari, offering guests never-before-experienced star-gazing opportunities. They also have excellent kiddies’ programs, which include dung tracking, bush orientation, bug CSI, shadow casting, rock painting, pizza-making in bomas, cookie-baking and decorating, and many more fun activities. 

Hamilton’s Tented Camp

Hamilton’s Tented Camp is for you if you are after uncompromising elegance and breathtaking beauty with butler service! This “Out of Africa” style lodge features six magnificent permanent, elevated tented suites with teak floors, private plunge pools, and extraordinary views across the seasonal river. Hamilton’s is located in the Mluwati concession in the western region of the Kruger National Park and is only 63km from Skukuza Airport. The closest Kruger National Park rest camp is Satara.

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Imbali Safari Lodge, and Hamiltons Tented Camp are in the same area. The Tsonga tradition is evident in the lavish suites with the warm African glow, adorned with traditional ornaments and lamps, bringing the local culture to life. Guided game drives in 4×4 vehicles are available twice daily; self-drive is permitted outside the concession area.

Shishangeni

Shishangeni by BON Hotels is a private Game Lodge with two sister camps, Camp Shawu and Camp Shonga. Shishangeni Lodge is located near Crocodile Bridge rest camp in the southeastern section of Kruger. The lodge consists of solid thatched structures that accommodate 44 guests, with interleading family rooms. Baby-sitting options are available, but advance booking is necessary.

Camp Shawu is named after one of the famous Magnificent Seven elephants. Shawu bull, with the longest-ever recorded tusks in South Africa, roamed their valley for 60 years. Interestingly, the walls of Camp Shawu are plastered with buffalo dung to capture the authentic spirit of Africa. The camp can host ten guests in five spacious rooms.

Camp Shonga is a small and intimate bush retreat, also with accommodation for ten guests in five magnificent permanent tents. 

Are you still undecided about staying at a private luxury lodge in the Kruger National Park, especially considering the hefty price tag?

Is it really worth staying at a private lodge instead of in a commercial camp in Kruger?

You decide after reading all the benefits:

• Game drives are less restrictive as only the lodge’s vehicles traverse the concession area.
• Guided walks by highly qualified guides (by prior arrangement and at an additional cost) make for an unforgettable experience.
• Safari experiences are exclusive and intimate.
• Up-close encounters with predators are almost guaranteed.
• Everything is fully inclusive. Your accommodation includes two daily game drives (on an open 4X4 safari vehicle with qualified rangers and trackers), bush walks, and meals.
• The specialized game rangers have extensive knowledge and experience of the bush to ensure you get the best sightings.
• The game rangers are regularly in contact with each other to share information on animal sightings.
• Several lodges allow a self-drive from their concession area into Kruger National Park.

Some considerations when staying in a luxury private lodge in Kruger National Park

• The majority of the lodges are very pricey.
• Because the traversing area is much smaller in the concession area than in the Kruger National Park, you are likely to see fewer varieties of animal species and smaller herds.
• Some lodges do not allow children under the age of 12.
• Most camps offer all-inclusive rates.
• You may have to share the game drive with other guests.
• Several lodges have a minimum two-night stay.

Why a Private Lodge in Kruger Reigns Supreme

In the heart of South Africa’s wilderness, a stay at a luxury lodge in Kruger National Park is more than just a holiday – it’s a transcendent experience that skillfully marries the thrills of the wild with the comforts of the refined. As you ponder the balance between cost and unique offerings, consider the unparalleled service, the tailored safari excursions, and the hushed intimacy of nature’s theatre, all of which melt into memories that linger far beyond your departure.

Whether you’re sipping a sundowner as elephants amble by or sitting by your private plunge pool under the star-kissed sky, these lodges offer a level of exclusivity that far outweighs the opulence. So, when you weigh your options, envisage the extraordinary encounters, the serene ambience, and the meticulous attention to detail that define a luxury lodge stay in Kruger, making it indeed an investment in an unforgettable adventure.