The Greater Kruger area in South Africa is one of the most popular safari destinations for our clients, and for good reason. The wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves is phenomenal, the lodges are easily accessible from several regional airports, and the standard of accommodation is very high compared to other safari destinations in Africa.
In the Greater Kruger area there are plenty of safari lodges to suit all tastes and budgets, so the experts at Bench have offered our recommendations in three different budget categories to help you decide which one is best for your holiday!
Top 5 affordable camps in Kruger
1. Makutsi Safari Springs
Makutsi Safari Springs is a privately owned game reserve located one hour west of the Kruger National Park. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, mineral spring water and tranquillity, Makutsi shares with you a little African paradise away from home.
2. Karongwe Chisomo Camp
Chisomo Safari Camp overlooks the Makhutsi River, tucked deep in the Big Five Karongwe Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, offering an Unrivalled African Safari experience where the warm atmosphere, friendly staff and fine cuisine compliment the excellent Big 5 game viewing.
3. Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve. It’s the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area, and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.
4. Honeyguide Tented Camps
Bordering the Kruger National Park and situated between the Timbavati and the Sabi Sand Reserves lies the 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve where. The Manyeleti Reserve is home to two tented camps, Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp and Honeyguide Mantobeni Camp which offer breathtaking wildlife experiences.
5. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Located within Kruger National Park, Hoyo Hoyo is an earthy, traditional Tsonga styled lodge offering luxury in six beautifully furnished thatched suites. The combination of the bush, traditional cuisine, warm accommodation together with the opportunity to witness the lifestyle and culture of the Shangaan people, ensure an unforgettable safari experience.
Top 5 mid-range luxury camps in Kruger
1. Notten’s Bush Camp
Notten’s Bush Camp is one of the finest family run lodges in Africa, and the best kept secret in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve & Greater Kruger National Park. As one of the original private game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s Bush Camp offers a truly authentic African safari experience with the promise of fantastic wildlife viewing.
2. The Outpost
Resting high on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River Valley, The Outpost is located in the wildest and most remote part of the Kruger National Park. The Big 5 Makuleke Contractual Park measures some 26 500 hectares and is well known for its abundant wildlife. The 12 open-plan Luxury Spaces offer spectacular panoramic views of the river and bush below.
3. Kapama Karula
Kapama Karula is the Kapama Reserve’s most secluded and prestigious lodge. Meaning ‘place of peace’ in the local language, the lodge exudes calmness and depicts the pinnacle of luxury 5-star safari accommodation. The meandering Klaserie River running through the camp enhances the sense of tranquillity at this elegant and luxurious safari lodge.
4. Kings Camp
Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife by day and night. Reflecting the charm and romance of a bygone era, the camp has 9 generously spacious and luxuriously equipped Colonial Suites and two exquisite Honeymoon Suites.
5. Savanna Private Game Reserve
An exclusive 5 star lodge, Savanna is situated in the internationally famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Savanna lies in an area where 'Big 5' sightings are so frequent, it is not unusual to see them all in a single game drive. A close-knit team of friendly staff provides personalised service with each guest regarded as a valued friend.
Top 5 blow-the-budget camps in Kruger
1. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Located within the Sabi Sand Reserve, Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. The 13 ultra-luxurious suites break with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation.
2. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
It’s not every day that one gets to appreciate the African bush in such lavish comfort and style. Ivory Lodge is the ‘Piece de Résistance’ of Lion Sands Sabi Sand. Utterly private, very intimate and astonishingly beautiful, the Lodge offers a discreet and personally tailored experience to guests who are connoisseurs of Life’s finer things.
3. Royal Malewane
Experience the wild heart of Africa’s bushveld with luxury beyond compare. Royal Malewane is a luxury safari Lodge that exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age whilst offering every modern-day comfort and convenience. This is a unique, personalised adventure that offers you detailed insight into the complex and fascinating ecosystem of the bush.
4. Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game lodges, Londolozi was the first game reserve in the world to be accorded Relais & Châteaux status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service.
5. Singita Boulders Lodge
Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge is a celebration of the tranquillity, space, and light which flows throughout this incredibly vast area. Boulders Lodge is an inviting oasis where organic interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside.
Speak to one of our Africa experts today for more advice on properties to suit you!
