10 Best-value Luxury Greater Kruger Safari Lodges.

One of Africa’s top sites for the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) is Greater Kruger. It is made up of a patchwork of private reserves that are located to the west and south of the expansive Kruger National Park and largely border it openly.

In contrast to Kruger, which is served by public rest camps, these private reserves provide a more upscale safari experience in tiny luxury lodges that provide packages that include meals, drinks, and guided activities. Greater Kruger provides exceptional general wildlife watching and is the best place to see large carnivores including African wild dogs, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

1. The Riverside Umkumbe Safari Lodge (Sabi Sands)

Umkumbe, which has 10 rooms and can accommodate up to 20 people, is situated in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve on the banks of the Sand River. With interleading doors in several of the rooms, it’s a great place for families. The owner-managed lodge focuses on offering a personalized, rustic safari experience. In a boma, a round wooden enclosure with a fire, hearty South African dinners are typically consumed outside beneath the stars.

2. Kapama GR, or Kapama River Lodge

The all-suite, five-star Kapama River Lodge is located in the 150 km² (58 mi²) of African jungle that makes up Kapama Private Game Reserve. There is minimal seasonal variation in numbers because animals are unable to roam freely between Kapama and other areas of Greater Kruger due to its fencing.

In Kapama, visitors have a great possibility of sighting all five of the Big Five in addition to giraffes, African wild dogs, cheetahs, and a variety of smaller grazers. The 55 roomy and tastefully furnished luxury suites feature air conditioning, bathrooms made of natural stone, and stunning views of the wildlife reserve.

3. Balule National Park’s Greenfire Game Lodge

The 500km² Balule Private Nature Reserve is home to the reasonably priced Greenfire Game Lodge, a bush lodge situated on a seasonal tributary of the Olifants River. The spacious wooden deck leads to a natural rock swimming pool where guests may take in stunning views of the riverbed.

The contemporary glass-fronted apartments provide spacious balconies with views of the river that is bordered by forests. All of the Big Five can frequently be spotted on game drives in Balule, which shares an open border with Kruger, and plenty of wildlife passes by the lodge.

4. Sabi Sands’ Arathusa Safari Lodge

With twelve colorfully furnished thatched apartments, Arathusa is one of the best safari lodges in the renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. This opulent resort is notable for its setting in front of a waterhole that, during the dry season, draws a constant flow of thirsty wildlife. Aside from twice-daily game drives, you may take a soak in the infinity pool, get pampered at the on-site spa, or browse the cool cellar filled with premium Cape wines.

5. Sabi Sands’ Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Located in the wildlife-rich area north of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Elephant Plains is a well-liked owner-managed lodge situated on the forested bank of the seasonal Manyeleti River. Visitors can select from more reasonably priced rondavels, which are classic round structures that resemble African huts and date back to the lodge’s early years, or more contemporary open-plan luxury suites.

In either case, you’ll sleep in a walk-in net beneath a thatch roof while taking advantage of contemporary conveniences like air conditioning, a minibar, and a private deck. A charming honeymoon room named after the Manyeleti River is also available.

6. (Timbavati NR) Motswari Game Lodge

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a 534km²/206mi² expanse of grassland and woodland that borders Kruger National Park without a fence, is home to the upscale Motswari lodge. It has 15 thatched huts with typical African décor that can house up to 30 people. Every bungalow has a private veranda, air conditioning, walk-in netting, and a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton bedding.

One of the main draws of Motswari is that Timbavati, which gets its name from a seasonal river that runs through it, provides animal viewing that is comparable to Sabi Sands but has significantly fewer visitors. Additionally, it is the only location where white lions—which are caused by a rare recessive gene—are known to regularly exist in the wild.

7. Balule NR’s Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

At Ku Sungula Safari Lodge, whose indigenous Tonga name means “New Beginning,” there are new wildlife adventures every day. This modest lodge in the Balule Private Nature Reserve provides an affordable, unforgettable African bush experience.

Traditional thatch rondavels with walk-in nets, air conditioning, a contemporary en suite bathroom, and a private terrace are the accommodations. Game drives provide great Big Five sightings because Ku Sungula is just a short drive south of the Olifants River, a year-round animal attraction. You may relax on the balcony or cool down in the pool in between drives.

8. River Lodge Mjejane (Mjejane GR)

Mjejane Private Game Reserve is the most southern private reserve that borders Kruger. The Crocodile River, which flows year-round, forms the unfenced border between the reserve and the national park. Elephants and other wildlife frequently visit the four-star Mjejane River Lodge, which is situated on a superb riverside above a broad sandy floodplain.

All 17 of the lodge’s tastefully furnished rooms and suites have sliding glass doors, air conditioning, and terraces covered by trees with views of the river. All five of the Big Five may be spotted during escorted game drives or bush walks in Mjejane because animals are allowed to cross from Kruger.

9. Sabi Sands’ Nkorho Bush Lodge

With only eight thatched cabins, Nkorho is a modest bush lodge that is intimate even by Greater Kruger standards. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a wooden floor, contemporary furnishings, walk-in nets, and murals of wildlife on the walls.

In the north of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, the lodge is in a great position for bush walks and guided game drives. A professional spa and a swimming pool made of natural rock are among the facilities.

10. Balule NR’s Tomo Safari Lodge

Balule Private Nature Reserve, which is a part of the unfenced Greater Kruger ecosystem and is home to robust populations of all five Big Five, is where Tomo Safari Lodge is located. It is situated on the tree-lined bank of the (usually dry) Umhlametsi River, beneath the Mpumalanga Escarpment, in an appealing site.

Modern bathrooms with an outdoor shower and private decks are featured in the spacious and colorful thatched cottages where guests stay.