Overview
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest and best-known safari destination, spanning over 19,000 square kilometers of diverse savanna, riverine forest, and bushveld. Home to the Big Five and a staggering diversity of wildlife, Kruger caters to every traveler—offering iconic self-drive safaris, world-class luxury lodges, family-friendly camps, and affordable adventure. Accommodations are split between SANParks rest camps (inside the park) and a stunning array of private lodges in adjacent reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Manyeleti, Klaserie, and more).
1. Luxury Private Lodges & Upscale Safari Camps
For the ultimate comfort, personal service, fine dining, and unrivaled wildlife encounters—these exclusive lodges in the private reserves are legendary:
- Singita Sabi Sand (Sabi Sands): World-renowned, modern design, private plunge pools, exceptional cuisine, all-inclusive, private guides.
- Londolozi Private Game Reserve (Sabi Sands): Iconic for leopards, five stunning camps, yoga, spa, personalized service.
- Royal Malewane (Thornybush): Opulent suites, private pools, spa, gourmet food, top guiding, helicopter transfers.
- Ulusaba Safari Lodge (Sabi Sands): Owned by Richard Branson, treehouse rooms, skywalks, spa, exclusive experiences.
- Lion Sands Ivory Lodge (Sabi Sands): Ultra-modern, riverside suites, private decks, all-inclusive, Big Five viewing.
- Tanda Tula Safari Camp (Timbavati): Classic tented camp, walking safaris, exceptional guiding, all-inclusive.
2. Classic SANParks Rest Camps & Bushveld Camps (Inside Kruger)
The “real Kruger” for many: these government-run camps offer self-catering bungalows, chalets, camping, shops, and restaurants—perfect for self-drivers, families, and independent travelers.
- Skukuza Rest Camp: Largest camp, full amenities, riverside, swimming pool, golf, airport.
- Lower Sabie Rest Camp: Popular for game, riverside setting, restaurant, pool.
- Satara Rest Camp: Lion country, rondavels, camping, swimming pool, central location.
- Olifants Rest Camp: Cliff-top views of Olifants River, iconic scenery, cottages.
- Letaba Rest Camp: Elephant museum, gardens, riverside, peaceful.
- Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: Hilly setting, walking trails, pool, bush walks, child-friendly.
- Mopani Rest Camp: Modern bungalows, dams, birding, restaurant.
- Bushveld Camps: Intimate, smaller, remote—Bateleur, Shimuwini, Sirheni, Talamati, and others (cottage-only, no shops or restaurants).
3. Mid-Range & Boutique Safari Lodges (Private Reserves & Park Edges)
Excellent value and style—these lodges offer a more intimate, personalized experience than the large camps but at a more accessible price than the ultra-luxury properties.
- Jock Safari Lodge (southern Kruger): Big Five area, historic charm, luxury suites.
- Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge (Mluwati Concession): Tsonga-inspired design, luxury, authentic cultural experiences.
- Pondoro Game Lodge (Balule Reserve): Romantic suites, riverside, gourmet food.
- Simbavati River Lodge (Timbavati): Family suites, luxury tents, inclusive game drives.
- Rhino Post Safari Lodge (private concession): Walking safaris, classic safari ambience.
- Pafuri Camp (Makuleke Concession, far north): Remote, tented, river views, best birding.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Accommodations
Perfect for families, multi-generational trips, or larger groups—extra space, children’s activities, and flexible catering:
- SANParks Family Cottages (all main camps): Multi-bedroom, kitchens, close to pools/playgrounds.
- Simbavati River Lodge: Family suites, kids’ safari programs, child-minding.
- Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: Large family chalets, walking trails, pool.
- Lion Sands River Lodge: Family suites, kids’ club, babysitting, malaria-free rooms.
- Kruger Park Lodge (Hazyview): Timeshare and self-catering units, pool, playground, golf.
5. Budget-Friendly Camps, Hostels & Backpackers
Affordable and friendly for solo travelers, overlanders, or backpackers:
- Pretoriuskop Rest Camp: Great for budget stays, dorms, camping, affordable bungalows, big pool.
- Skukuza Safari Lodge: SANParks hotel-style, affordable rooms for singles or couples.
- Croc Bridge Rest Camp: Small, affordable, great access from the south.
- Numbi Hotel (park gate): Budget rooms, pool, restaurant, easy park access.
- Funky Monkey Backpackers (Nelspruit): Hostel, camping, shuttles to Kruger.
- Hazyview Adventure Backpackers: Camping, hostel beds, tours to park.
6. Self-Catering Cottages, Villas & Bush Houses
Ideal for families, groups, or those wanting independence:
- Kruger Bush Houses (various camps): Fully equipped houses, private, best for long stays.
- Private Villas in Sabi Sands, Hazyview, Marloth Park: Airbnbs and exclusive-use homes.
- Motswari Geiger’s Camp (Timbavati): Private villa for exclusive use, all meals included.
- Olifants Guest House: Exclusive, riverside, self-cater or use restaurant.
7. Public & Private Campsites
For those who want to sleep under the stars:
- SANParks Campsites (Skukuza, Satara, Lower Sabie, and more): Powered/unpowered sites, ablutions, braai areas, shop access.
- Private Campsites (adjacent reserves or private properties): Some luxury tented camps offer camping for overlanders.
Kruger Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Self-Catering | Private Use | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singita Sabi Sand | Sabi Sands Reserve | Luxury Lodge | $1,200–$3,000 | Private guides, luxury, pools | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Adjacent |
| Londolozi | Sabi Sands Reserve | Luxury Lodge | $1,200–$2,500 | Big Five, family programs | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Adjacent |
| Skukuza Rest Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $35–$250 | Riverside, amenities, bungalows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Lower Sabie Rest Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $35–$200 | River views, pool, restaurant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Satara Rest Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $35–$180 | Lion hotspot, camping, pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some | Inside Park |
| Olifants Rest Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $35–$160 | Cliff views, peaceful | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Inside Park |
| Tanda Tula Safari Camp | Timbavati Reserve | Luxury Tented | $700–$1,500 | Walking safaris, all-inclusive | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Adjacent |
| Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge | Mluwati Concession | Boutique Lodge | $400–$900 | Tsonga culture, luxury | Yes | Yes | No | Some | Inside Park |
| Pretoriuskop Rest Camp | Inside Park | Rest Camp | $20–$100 | Budget, camping, pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Inside Park |
| Simbavati River Lodge | Timbavati Reserve | Family Lodge | $400–$950 | Family suites, kids’ safari | Yes | Yes | No | Some | Adjacent |
| Kruger Bush Houses | Various, in park | Bush House | $200–$500 | Private, full kitchen, group | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Inside Park |
| Red Rocks Campsite | Park periphery | Campsite | $10–$20 | Camping, social, basic | Yes | No | Yes | No | Outside Gate |
| Croc Bridge Rest Camp | South Gate | Rest Camp | $25–$100 | Small, friendly, budget | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Inside Park |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season, room type, and occupancy.
Conclusion
Kruger National Park’s unrivaled range of accommodations means every safari dream is possible—from world-class luxury in private reserves, classic rest camps for iconic self-drive adventures, family and group cottages, and budget-friendly hostels, to bush camping under the stars.
Book well in advance for peak seasons (July–October, December–January), especially for private lodges and popular rest camps.