Where to Stay

Nestled on the scenic banks of the Crocodile River overlooking the Kruger National Park, Buhala Lodge is an intimate, family-run retreat blending classic elegance with the raw beauty of the African wilderness. Known for its exceptional hospitality, fine dining, and exclusive access to Leopard Creek Golf Club, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed bush escape.

Named after the legendary Staffordshire Terrier of Sir Percy FitzPatrick's 1907 classic novel, Jock Safari Lodge is one of the few luxury lodges operating entirely within the unfenced boundaries of Kruger National Park. Situated in a private 6,000 ha concession in the south, it combines genuine wilderness access with stylish, heritage-inspired comfort.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is renowned for its six extraordinary "treehouses" — elevated, open-air sleeping platforms deep in the Sabi Sand bush, where guests spend the night under a blanket of stars with only a mosquito net between them and Africa. The lodge itself, set on the Sand River, offers seven exquisite villa suites with private pools and panoramic bush views.

Londolozi is not just a lodge — it's a movement. The Varty family pioneered the responsible conservation safari experience here in the 1970s, and the legacy runs deep. Tree Camp, the most intimate of Londolozi's five camps, offers six stilted treehouses on the banks of the Sand River, providing extraordinary wildlife access and an almost spiritual connection to the bush.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge redefines what a safari lodge can be. Awarded the World's Leading Green Resort by the World Travel Awards, this extraordinary property is built almost entirely underground, seamlessly integrated into the landscape. From above, it barely exists — yet inside, the 13 suites represent the pinnacle of environmentally conscious luxury.

Consistently ranked among the world's greatest safari lodges, Singita Ebony is the flagship property of the Singita portfolio, set on a prime riverine bend of the Sand River in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve. No fences separate it from Kruger — wildlife moves freely across this legendary landscape.

Tanda Tula (meaning "love the quiet" in Tsonga) is a classic tented camp that has operated in the Timbavati since 1973, making it one of the oldest private camps in the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Twelve luxury canvas tents overlook the seasonal Nhlaralumi River, offering an authentic East African-style safari experience in one of Southern Africa's most prestigious private reserves.

Thornybush Game Lodge is the flagship property of the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve — a 14,000 ha reserve sharing an open boundary with Kruger National Park. Warm, elegant, and family-friendly, Thornybush offers a more accessible entry point into private reserve luxury without sacrificing wildlife quality.

Nkuhlu Tented Camp is SANParks' most intimate and immersive accommodation offering. Located on the banks of the prolific Sabie River, directly at the famous Nkuhlu picnic site, its luxury canvas tents sit among the trees with uninterrupted river views in one of the highest predator-density corridors in all of Kruger.

Elephant Plains is a family-owned lodge located in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It strikes an excellent balance between luxury, affordability, and incredibly consistent Big 5 game viewing, particularly noted for its resident leopard population.

Situated just meters from the Paul Kruger Gate, this large, family-friendly hotel offers resort-style amenities with exceptional convenience. A raised wooden walkway leads to a viewing deck overlooking the Sabie River into the park.

A strikingly modern boutique lodge in Marloth Park that contrasts beautiful contemporary architecture with the surrounding wild bushveld. Featuring raised wooden walkways and a tranquil pool area, it offers high-end aesthetics at accessible prices.

Located within the private Mjejane Game Reserve which shares a fence-free boundary with Kruger National Park, this lodge sits directly on the banks of the Crocodile River. It offers excellent river-based game viewing and its own private bridge into the national park.

Located in Marloth Park—a unique holiday town separated from Kruger only by the Crocodile River—Needles Lodge is a highly-rated, owner-managed boutique guest house where free-roaming wildlife (zebra, giraffe, kudu) regularly wander right up to the lodge.

Situated less than a kilometer from the Malelane Gate, Pestana Kruger Lodge is a large four-star hotel offering excellent resort facilities, manicured gardens, and panoramic views over the Crocodile River right into Kruger National Park.

Shindzela is a rustic, eco-friendly tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Powered by solar energy and entirely unfenced, it offers a raw, immersive, and highly affordable true bush experience emphasizing walking safaris and Big 5 drives.

Umkumbe Safari Lodge is widely recognized as one of the most affordable and authentic lodges in the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It offers a down-to-earth, focus-on-the-wildlife experience without the ultra-luxury price tag, situated directly on the banks of the Sand River.

Situated literally meters from the Crocodile Bridge Gate entrance to Kruger, Elephant Walk offers very affordable, rustic self-catering chalets and budget canvas tents right on the banks of the Crocodile River.

Situated on a sprawling macadamia nut farm near Hazyview, Gecko Lodge offers budget-friendly bed & breakfast accommodations with rustic, arty charm, beautiful gardens, and easy access to both Kruger and the Panorama Route.

Situated inside the Marloth Park wildlife conservancy, this highly affordable backpacker hostel allows guests to experience free-roaming wildlife (zebra, giraffe, kudu) literally on their doorstep, while staying in cheap dorms or private rooms.

Located in Komatipoort just 10km from the Kruger entrance, Meerkat Manor is a highly-rated guesthouse offering air-conditioned rooms, a relaxing garden with a pool, and reliable solar power to ensure an uninterrupted stay.

Located literally 100 meters from the Phalaborwa Gate in the northern sector of Kruger, this resort offers incredibly affordable pre-erected safari tents and camping stands with excellent communal resort facilities.

Located in the forestry town of Sabie, an hour from Kruger but perfectly positioned for the Panorama Route, this bustling camp offers cheap pre-erected tents and wooden cabins situated right on the banks of the Sabie River.

Trees Too is a charming, owner-managed guest lodge in Komatipoort. While slightly more expensive than a backpacker dorm, it offers exceptionally cheap private rooms, a lovely pool, great food, and is only 8km from Crocodile Bridge.