Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, offering an extraordinary experience for those seeking close encounters with nature. Stretching across nearly two million hectares in the northeast of South Africa, the park is home to an incredible array of animals including the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo—as well as countless bird species and smaller game. Visitors can explore the park by self-driving, joining expert-led game drives, or taking part in guided walking safaris that offer a more intimate perspective on the landscape and its wildlife.
Culturally, the region surrounding Kruger National Park offers insight into South Africa’s diverse heritage. There are opportunities to visit nearby communities and cultural villages where traditional crafts, music and storytelling are part of daily life. Exhibits at the park’s various rest camps also showcase local history and conservation efforts, helping travellers understand the long-standing relationship between people and the land. For those with an interest in archaeology, the Thulamela ruins located within the park offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient civilisations that once thrived in the area.
Dining options within Kruger blend practicality with local flair. Camp restaurants serve up hearty South African fare—think braais, stews and local game meats—while bush dinners can be arranged for a more atmospheric meal under the stars. Many lodges and private concessions elevate the food experience with multi-course meals showcasing seasonal ingredients, paired with South African wines. Whether you’re pausing for a picnic at a scenic lookout or enjoying a fireside meal after a day’s wildlife tracking, the food enhances the sense of place without overshadowing the main event: the untamed beauty of Kruger.
Our Favourite Reserves in Kruger National Park
Leopard Hills
Our Favourite
Leopard Hills Lodge is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the top of a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views of the bush and the waterhole below.
Accommodation consists of 8 luxurious glass-fronted suites each with private sun deck and plunge pool. Each suite has an en suite bathroom, double outdoor and inside showers, air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito netting, lounge area and mini bar.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve traverses some 10,000 hectares of incredibly diverse flora. This attracts an equal diversity of fauna making the reserve the ideal destination to view big game in its natural habitat.
Game drives take place twice a day in specially adapted game viewing vehicles with a knowledgeable ranger. Drives offer sightings of big game as well as the smaller, more elusive animals and birds.
Savanna
Our Favourite
Offering exceptional service where safari most definitely comes firstSavanna’s guides and staff are fully aware that you come to their lodge for great game viewing experiences.The lodge itself is understated, with just nine individual suites. Heating and air-conditioning is at hand in the cleverly designed tented style accommodation but for a little added luxury we recommend that you choose one of the three larger and more private executive suites which have their own plunge pools. Central facilities include the lounge and bar area, wine cellar, gym and a spectacular terrace that leads down to the swimming pool with its wonderful views of the African bush and waterhole.
Lion Sands
River Lodge is located in Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and has been built on the banks of the Sabie River, positioned on a site with trees dating back 800 years. Facing due east, the lodge catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park.
Accommodation is in 18 luxurious thatched bedrooms each with en suite bathroom, outdoor and inside shower, and wooden viewing deck. The bedroom area is air-conditioned with an overhead fan, and all rooms have a mini bar and telephone access. Rooms are linked to all areas by raised wooden walkways.
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is private and exclusive to Lion Sands guests only, which ensures the safari experience is highly personalised, and allows guests the time and flexibility to enjoy the natural beauty without crowds.
A safari is one of those magical experiences and although at times it can be quite expensive, it’s absolutely worth doing in the best way possible! When I visited Kruger it was the middle of the South African winter, so it was very cold mornings and evenings – but not to worry, the camps are designed for all types of weather.
I stayed at the amazing Earth Lodge – which from the outside looks a little like Teletubby-land, but the sumptuous suites have the most amazing outlook over the bush. Everything about it oozes quality – and for me, going out on a game drive with no roof on the Jeep is absolutely the best way of doing it. Once done, never forgotten!
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We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
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Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.
