The grandeur of the Kruger National Park’s luxury lodges is unrivalled. When you combine the opulent accommodation with the raw, wild environment, you’re treating yourself to an unforgettable spectacle that can only be found in South Africa. Below is a selection of five ultra-luxe game lodges in South Africa.
The Outpost
Known for its stunning contemporary architecture, The Outpost is located on a hill within the Pafuri Triangle in the northern region of the park, arguably the most scenic concession.
The lodge accommodates a total of 24 guests: 12 luxury, open-plan suites, overlooking the beautiful Luvuvhu River. The private suites are inter-connected, and the central lodge can be accessed by a 500 metre walkway offering 180-degree views of the park.
Interestingly, the 26,500 ha concession is owned by a Tsonga tribe called the Makuleke; they settled in the area in the 17th century.
Lion Sands River Lodge
The lodge is located along the banks of the Sabie River – one of the most elite spots in the park. The luxurious lodge boasts eight luxury rooms, six superior luxury rooms, four river suites and a family suite.
If you’d like to try something different, the river lodge has two private treehouses situated over four kilometres away from the main lodge. You’ll be sleeping under billions of stars complemented by 360-degree views of the open savannah.
Pondoro Game Lodge
If you’re looking to relish the wonder of a safari in an exclusive, luxurious setting where you will receive 5-star service, Pondoro Game Lodge should be one of your top choices.
Due to its sensational location in the Balule Nature Reserve situated in the Greater Kruger National Park, the award-winning lodge offers guests private game drives; the expert, dedicated guides will share with you their immense knowledge of the area to make sure that you’re able to set your eyes on the famed Big 5 – it’s a sight you’ll cherish, forever.
Pondoro boasts five magnificent suites and three majestic chalets; both offer pure comfort. You might even find a few outdoor plaques scattered here and there, providing fascinating information about the wildlife.
Another mesmerising safari experience is watching animals from a hide. Pondoro has built a treehouse that is essentially a private hide. It sits atop tall stilts, giving you an open view of a waterhole around which many different animals gather.
Idube Game Reserve Lodge
The 5-star lodge is located Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park. It’s world renowned for its conservation-centric efforts to protect the precious wildlife, especially rhino.
Idube prides itself on the privacy it offers its guests. There are only nine chalets and three suites, all of which boast decks looking out into the striking wilderness; the suites have private pools as well.
The game reserve spans approximately 10 000 hectares of wildlife area and is home to the celebrated Big 5: lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard, as well as a large variety of other animals.
Singita Sweni Lodge
Singita is a fabulous lodge located on 33,000 acre private concession on the edge of the Sweni River. Owing to its close location to the river, guests have the luxury of experiencing sightings of the incredible number of animals and birds that wander down to drink from the river.
The intimate hideaway boasts six suites each of which have floor-to-ceiling windows presenting unparalleled views of a riverine forest.