Set in the far north-eastern corner of the country, South Africa offers an African Safari adventure of a lifetime at the Kruger National Park. The nearly 2 million hectares of land is known for having the highest population density of the Big 5 in South Africa with ample opportunity to see lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and African buffalo. Divided into no fewer than six ecosystems Kruger National Park lodges are loctaed amongst untouched African landscapes with a mixed terrain from wild bushveld, sandveld, and mixed acacia thickets to rivers and riverine forest.
The main park is open for self-drive excursions to the public and can get crowded. However, for truly extraordinary safaris, we recommend embracing the unique offerings of the Kruger safari lodges in the private reserves in the Kruger National Park. These game reserves are privately owned and managed and offer exclusive-use conservation areas where you are guaranteed Big 5 sightings. Expert guides assist in tracking the animals and offer additional guided walking safaris at the luxury Kruger National Park lodges.
The exclusive Kruger National Park safari lodges are home to some of the best luxury safari accommodation in the world, striving to create a unique and luxuriously comforting adventure for each guest. Besides unbeatable game viewing at a Kruger National Park Safari lodge, the area is an activity-rich hub for adventure and solitude seekers alike. From hot air ballooning to golf, cultural village visits, kids’ activities, and spa treatments to romantic bushveld dinners under the stars, there is something
for everyone.
Malaria
- Although a malaria zoned area, the risk of malaria in the Kruger National Park is usually low, even in the summer months.
- The highest risk period is between November and April (summer rainy season).
- Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite.
- Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn.
- The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by covering exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents, ensuring netted screens are kept closed and burning anti-mosquito coils.
- Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria.
Please note that the information provided above is taken from the official SANParks website. For professional advice on malaria please consult with your medical practitioner.
Wildlife
- Highest population density of the Big 5 in South Africa and it is estimated that 1,500 lions, 1,000 leopards, 17,000 elephant, 48,000 buffalo and an excess of 2,000 rhinos live in the Kruger National Park.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog, black-backed jackal, large herds of elephant and many other cat and antelope species.
- Approximately 147 mammal species.
- Over 500 bird species.
Game Drives
The following information refers to the game drives offered in the Kruger National Park private game reserves.
- The game drives in the Kruger National Park are ranked some of the best in the world and you are likely to see all of the Big-5 in a 4 night stay.
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walks are permitted.
Highlights
- Exclusive private game reserves are home to award-winning safari accommodation.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with some of the best game rangers and trackers on the continent.
- Night game drives, guided bush walks, and off-road game drives are available in the private reserves.
- Multiple rivers and waterholes throughout the park.
- A diverse range of experiences and accommodation options catering for families, couples and large groups.
- All year round safari destination.
Location
The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting There
- The best way to travel to the Kruger National Park safari lodges is to fly into one of the Kruger’s three airports, followed by a road transfer.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Kruger: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Kruger: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Private charters can be arranged to selected reserves.
- Road transfer time to the reserves from the Kruger airports generally range between 30 and 120 minutes.
- The reserve is generally a 5 to 7 hour drive from Johannesburg along the N12 and N4 highways.
Special offers
- Enjoy a free night during certain periods at a selection of safari lodges with our PAY STAY offers.
- Honeymoon offers are available at select lodges, contact our team for more information.
Packages
Our selection of world class safari packages have been designed by our on-trend team of travel experts and include flights, transfers, accommodation and full board safari experiences. View all packages here: safari packages
Featured Safari Packages
Loved by Our Guests
Kapama Southern Camp
All ages are welcome
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Ages 9 years and older
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Ages 10 years and older
Kambaku River Sands Lodge
Ages 12 years and older
Thornybush Game Lodge
All ages are welcome
Sausage Tree Safari Camp
Ages 8 years and older
Saseka Tented Camp
Ages 16 years and older
Garonga Safari Camp
Ages 12 years and older
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Ages 16 years and older
The Last Word Kitara
Ages 6 years and older
Siviti Safari Lodge
Ages 2 years and older
Makalali River Lodge
All ages are welcome
Jock Safari Lodge
All ages are welcome
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Ages 6 years and older
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
All ages are welcome
Becks Safari Camp
Ages 12 years and older

Can't Find What You Looking For?
Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
Map
Guides & Articles
Ready to start planning your safari?
Contact Us
Safaris Down South
STAY UP TO DATE
Sign up to our newsletter and receive the latest news and specials directly from the lodge.
