Best hotels in Kruger

Leadwood Lodge sits in the fork of the Sand and Mabrak Rivers, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve, famous for outstanding game viewing (particularly leopards!). Just four private suites make this lodge an excellent choice for a secluded safari, and perfect for small groups of up to eight guests travelling together. The suites are well placed along the granite-strewn river banks for complete privacy. Classy design incorporates smooth stone interiors, chunky wooden décor, classic thatch and wide expanses of glass to blend and flow with the natural surroundings. Expect the best hospitality and plenty of decadent touches all round.

The seasonal Monwana River is a central artery for startling volumes of wildlife that inhabit the area. There's something indescribably special about this lodge: it could be the stellar service and attention to detail; it could be the understated indulgence found in the accommodation, or it could be the invitation to immerse yourself in nature at such a close proximity to abundant wildlife. We suggest you do yourself a favour and find out.

The thick, comforting smell of thatch welcomes you to your holiday home in the bush. This is the classic South African safari at its best, but with the distinct advantage of location. Found in the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, on a very frequented waterhole, you won't believe your luck for discovering such a homely spot in the midst of a prime wildlife viewing reserve where the abundant wildlife from the Kruger roam across freely.

Feel like you're the only people in the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve when you spend a few nights at Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Intimate and limited to only a handful of guests, the lodge is tucked under an ancient sycamore tree grove, fringed by a waterhole. Being open to the Greater Kruger National Park, incredible wildlife often wander through the camp to drink and play while guests look on, G&T in hand. Devoid of Big Five-chasing crowds, the lodge is also perfect for spotting an array of incredible bird species.

Set in the heart of the Klaserie, one of the largest privately-owned reserves in South Africa, Camp George couldn't be more in the centre of the action. Led by highly-experienced guides who know the landscape like their own backyard, game drives and bush walks will take you closer than ever to the Kruger wildlife - and even when you're in camp, there's a strong chance of an elephant wandering along the pathways! The camp has stayed true to its founder and namesake, George Huysamer, weaving together art, nature and heritage in one sublime package. Still in the family today, you'll feel well and truly taken care of, especially in one of the dapper suites, beautifully positioned along the dry riverbed.

Centred around a waterhole in the Kapama Game Reserve near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, Camp Jabulani is an exclusive safari lodge in this Big Five landscape. There may be many other camps of similar description in the Greater Kruger Park area, but Jabulani is different – it has a resident herd of trained elephants and is the only camp that offers night safaris on elephant back. Interacting with these intelligent and gracious mammals is a magical experience. The camp is small – there are just six suites – and the service is up there with the very best.

If you're looking for a private reserve with fewer people in a private vehicle, off-road driving, really good accommodation and food and, of course, the best opportunities to see game, you won't go wrong at Lion Sands. Set within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, Lion Sands is the only private reserve to have access to the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with Kruger National Park. And River Lodge is a tranquil haven, with lush riverine greenery, the winding waterway, wildlife everywhere and elegant yet homely accommodation.

This private, permanent lodge is set on a 10 000 hectare concession within the famous Sabi Sands Private Reserves. Set on the edge of the Sands River with its year-round flow, enjoy watching the elephants as they come down for their afternoon watering sessions. Spend mornings and afternoons exploring the surrounds as you encounter the elusive leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino from the comfort of a safari vehicle. For those that are a little more adventurous, connect with the bush on foot during a walking safari.

This mid-sized lodge has a safari character with a difference. Located in the central eastern parts of the Kruger National Park in the Singita Private Concession, it's set on a cliff face overlooking the N’wanetsi River. Enjoy spectacular views of the bush, extravagant luxury and a top-end wellness centre. Like its sister lodges, Singita Lebombo is known for its impressive guiding. Discover the secrets of the wild on foot or from a vehicle and get the chance to come face to face with the Big Five and so much more.

Serondella Game Lodge, one of 12 lodges in the Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection, lies within the 14,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve. A mere four suites accommodating a maximum of eight guests give Serondella a highly exclusive edge, while the pool and boma make it a great destination for a small group or a family. There are other plusses too – the near-perfect climate year round means you can visit at any time; its proximity to Johannesburg (it's an easy five-hour drive); and now that the fences between Thornybush and neighbouring Kruger have been removed, great sightings are almost guaranteed!

Tintswalo Manor House on the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River is the perfect choice for families or a group of friends travelling together. Situated within the Manyeleti concession which borders the Greater Kruger Park, guests can look forward to world class game viewing in this exclusive private reserve. This home-style safari villa is fully catered for up to ten guests, with dedicated staff and its own game viewing vehicle, so you'll have total flexibility when planning your adventures. Understated luxury and plenty of space makes you feel completely at home, right from the start.

The Karongwe Game Reserve in Limpopo is blessed with a rich abundance of birds and wildlife, thanks to the four rivers that give life to its 21 000 acres of dense vegetation. A perfect habitat for Africa's big cat species, Chisomo Safari camp is tucked away in thick bush, with a series of spacious canvas tents overlooking the Makhutsi River. Warm and inviting Chisomo takes camping to another level, with charming tents on stilts and an atmospheric outdoor boma with a 'braai'. Its prime location near the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon is an added bonus.

This luxurious lodge is located in the game-rich Sabi Sand Reserve in the northeastern corner of South Africa. Built around the enormous boulder for which it is named, the lodge lies on the banks of the Sand River. No expense has been spared here: the lodge has been sympathetically built of wood, stone and thatch to blend with the environment, and incorporates modern and traditional influences in its design. It's a wonderful place to enjoy excellent service, accommodation, food, views and, most of all, diverse wildlife. Meet the stars of the show, the Big Five, particularly leopard.

Hamiltons Tented Camp overlooks the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River, within one of the original private concessions in the western Kruger Park. This unique camp harks back to turn-of-the-century colonial safaris, and gets the balance of vintage elegance and modern comforts just right. Predator sightings are a feature in this region, with excellent all-round game viewing across scenically diverse landscapes. Guided bush walks, plus special treats like champagne breakfasts, bush dinners and spa treatments offer a well rounded safari experience with fine hospitality and a generous helping of luxury.

Wonderful exclusivity in the wilderness

Modern life has deemed it normal to always rush from one place to the next. At Royal Malewane Lodge, you'll learn the opposite. It's not only the luxuries, plush interiors and personal service that remind one of a bygone era, but also the pace of life. Its location in the Greater Kruger National Park makes this a truly remarkable place to see wildlife, and the highly qualified guides will take you out in search of the Big 5, cheetah and wild dog. This exclusive lodge is a meeting of modern facilities and old-fashioned hospitality.