Five luxury safari lodges near Kruger National Park | Private jet charter

One of Africa’s largest and most famous game reserves, covering an area of nearly 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park is home to the famous Big Five – Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants and Buffalos – as well as hundreds of other species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Here are 5 luxury safari lodges near Kruger National Park.

Ngala Tented Camp, Timbavati, Kruger National Park

Luxury glamping at its best in this extraordinary tented camp above the Timbavati River. Ngala Tented Camp, operated by Beyond, offers 5-star tented accommodation, Michelin-starred level cuisine and unparalleled service. The early morning and late afternoon game drives are led by expert rangers and trackers and you’ll likely see wild dog, leopard, lion, hyena, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, elephant and more. Try a bush walking safari with your tracker and get closer to the animals, or relax in the beautifully designed lounge area with its deck overlooking the Timbavati. There’s a spa and contour pool here, again overlooking the river.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is consistently voted one of the world’s favourite safari lodges. Its 65,000 hectares shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, and offers guests unparalleled game viewing opportunities, especially of the elusive leopard – as well as the Big Five. Once agricultural land, the boreholes here provide a consistent water supply to the thousands of animals in the area. The top luxury lodges at Sabi Sands are the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, the Singita Sabi Sand Lodges and the Dulini Game Reserve. Fly to Sabi Sands from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport near Nelspruit.

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Award-winning Ulusaba Private Game Reserves is home to Rock Lodge, set 800ft high above the savannah, with the Drakensburg mountains a stunning backdrop. Each of the 8 rooms and suites boast luxurious interior design reflecting the lodge’s African location and heritage. To unwind book a massage at the spa, or just kick back with a Sundowner and watch the world-class view from the viewing deck.

Royal Malewane

The Royal Malewane is the ultimate in luxury safari lodges, boasting its own private waterhole where giraffes and other animals are regular visitors. The rooms and suites feature a colonial-style design with open fireplaces, large four poster beds and generous windows so you can view the action from the privacy of your own space. Both the Royal and Malewane Suites have two ensuites bedrooms with their own private chef and private game drives. Each room has its own private pool, and there’s a large public pool. The Royal Malewane offers guests an eclectic Afro-Mediterranean menu served in the dining room, in the boma and even in Bedouin tents.

Chitwa Chitwa

Formerly the private retreat of the Brinks family (who still own the lodge) Chitwa Chitwa is named after the family’s part-wild giraffe who made the lodge his home. Each Chitwa Suite have extensive private decking with plunge pool that overlooks a private waterhole where animals can be seen daily. The luxury accommodation with its African-European aesthetics includes an indoor and outdoor shower. For even more privacy, book the exclusive Chitwa House with its own private butler, private chef and dedicated ranger. As with many Kruger Park lodges Chitwa Chitwa supports its neighbouring village community.

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