4 Best places to stay in Kruger National Park

This small, opulent game lodge, in a private game reserve outside the western Kruger National Park, is for those who want to see the ‘Big Five’ while staying in extreme luxury.

The food is gourmet, the wine lists extensive and the guides renowned – not to mention the spa, which is one of the best anywhere in the bush.

Dinners can be set up by the boma (fire pit), on private decks, or in the bush – ideal for honeymooners.

The setting isn’t particularly special and no real views; guests go for the camp, not the views. Although an opulent lodge, this was built to blend into the bush, using thatch, stone and wood. Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas feature beautifully designed interiors: Persian carpets, African art, four-poster beds and lavish bathrooms.

Londolozi has been a safari camp for eight decades, passed on through generations of the Varty family. Situated in 14,000 private hectares of the 56,000-hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park, it’s known for its Big Five sightings, especially leopard.

There are five top-notch but differing camps aligned on the banks of the Sand River, offering a range of options from the uber-luxurious (and expensive) Private Granite Suites to the more family-oriented Varty Camp and Founders Camp.

Interiors are among the chicest in Africa: all monochrome, with beautiful tribal pieces offsetting modern linen sofas and elegant, understated four-posters.

There’s a strong spirit of conservation and community involvement, driven by passionate family owners, and food, service and style are all five star.

Game in Sabi Sand is among the best in South Africa – the Big Five, plus leopard and sometimes wild dog – and Earth Lodge is the most striking of the four lodges here.

A futuristic eco-friendly building, it features rooms built into the earth, enormous cool open spaces and a contemporary design that marries local trees, rocks and geography with cutting-edge architecture.

There is no other camp like it in South Africa: built into the soil, its dome roofs peeking out from beneath the grass. Views are not therefore amazing, however, the bush around is pretty, with plenty of trees, streams and water features, and a Zen Garden for meditation.

Although this camp is architecturally cutting edge, it is still very African: its walls are plastered in local earth, light fittings are created from branches, and bedheads are carved from tree trunks.

Each large room is decorated in earth tones, and has its own plunge pool, living area, and verandah on which dinners can be served (some overlooking the watering hole). Private dinners can be also organised by a fire in the boma, by the watering hole or in the wine cellar.

The butler service, wine cellar and gourmet food make this a foodie destination camp, and there’s a spa for post-safari pampering.

Boulders is one of three Singita lodges in the Sabi Sand private game reserve, known for its iconic sightings – especially leopards. All three camps are luxurious – what makes Boulders different is its location, on the banks of the Sand River, where animals come to drink, surrounded by thorn, acacia and marula trees.

This small bush lodge feels local, modern and authentic: built from natural stone, wood and thatch around existing boulders. The 12 glass-fronted suites are enormous – contemporary but comfortable – with indoor and outdoor showers, stylish décor in natural bush tones and big, open decks with bush views and private, heated plunge pools.

Food and wine are both excellent – the well-stocked wine cellar, with more than 20,000 bottles, includes fine wines from South Africa – and there’s a wellness area for massages (ask about their ‘wholeness’ treatments), a Boutique & Gallery, as well as yoga mats in the suites. An art gallery selling only contemporary African art is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Africa’s growing art presence. A percentage benefits Singita Lowveld Trust, for community enterprise initiatives.

Game in the Kruger is used to vehicles – so it can feel a little tame (unlike the Zambezi or Selous national parks). But it’s an excellent choice for first-time safari goers who value the simple essence of comfort, and complete immersion in nature, and are committed to meaningful travel.