Kruger, Sabi Sands & Surrounds
Kruger National Park is home to a mind-boggling array of game but where should you stay? We’ve featured a range of premium safari lodges and camps that promise unrivalled gameviewing experiences.
World-famous Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, spanning some 4.8 million acres and sheltering more species of large mammals than any other sanctuary on the African continent.
No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari to uncover the wildlife of this extraordinarily diverse ecosystem. Whilst the park itself is amazing, the most exclusive gameviewing opportunities can be found in private game reserves adjacent to Kruger.
The private reserves we offer such as the leopard-rich Sabi Sands share unfenced boundaries with Kruger, allowing game to move across the landscape freely. Lodges on these reserves often have sole access to various sectors or share traversing rights with just one or two other properties, ensuring there is never a “queue to view”.
Another key feature of private reserves is that they often allow guests to participate in activities not permitted within national parks such as guided walks, off-road driving and night-time game drives – all things well worth doing whilst on safari. The lodges we feature in this region have been chosen for their high standards of accommodation, fantastic locations and their exceptional standards of guiding. Many also have private airstrips, so you can spend less time travelling and more hours in the wilderness.
Location
Kruger, Sabi Sands & Surrounds Highlights
- One of Africa’s most famous game reserves
- Home to countless species including all of the ‘Big 5’, wild dog and cheetah
- Bordered by a number of outstanding private reserves
- Which offer exclusive gameviewing
- With options such as guided walks, off-road driving and night safaris
When To Go
From late autumn to early spring (May-Sep), dry conditions thin out vegetation and shrink water sources, making gameviewing easy as animals congregate in places where food and water remain available. Whilst there may be rain from Oct-Apr, the landscape is at its lushest, birdlife is richest and there are plenty of baby animals to be seen during these months.
Featured
Accommodation in the Kruger National Park.
World-famous Kruger National Park is home to a mind-boggling array of game but where should you stay? We’ve featured here a range of premium safari lodges and camps selected not only for exclusivity of gameviewing experience but for their unrivalled standards of guiding. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp
One of South Africa's most prestigious luxury safari lodges, andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp is situated in the leopard-rich Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Adjoining Kruger National Park, the andBeyond Private Game Reserve is home to all of the "Big 5", a classic safari lodge and luxury tented camp.
Dulini Lodge
Dulini Lodge nestles in a grove of ancient hardwood trees on the peaceful banks of the Mabrak River in the celebrated Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Greenfire Game Lodge
Situated on the 50,000 hectare privately owned Balule Nature Reserve, this small luxury safari lodge virtually guarantees good game sightings.
Idube Game Lodge
Idube is a classic safari lodge that offers all the wildlife found in South Africa's celebrated Kruger National Park with none of the crowds.
Kings Camp
In the Timbavati Private Reserve which shares a boundary with Kruger National Park, Kings Camp faces a waterhole visited by an endless parade of wildlife.
Leadwood Lodge
Stunning Leadwood Lodge sits in a grove of ancient hardwood trees at the confluence of the Sand and Mabrak rivers in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
Londolozi Founders Camp
This relaxed safari lodge nestles in ancient forest along the Sand River, offering activities for all the family from yoga to an entertaining kids' program.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Luxurious Londolozi Pioneer Camp consists of 3 secluded suites in the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi’s adults-only Private Granite Suites are set amid great boulders and large trees, natural features which have influenced the property’s interiors and organic colour palette.
Londolozi Tree Camp
Londolozi’s adults-only Tree Camp is a super-stylish luxury safari camp set deep within a thicket of leadwood trees
Londolozi Varty Camp
The Londolozi Private Game Reserve’s spiritual heart, Varty Camp is casual and relaxed in atmosphere making it a wonderful choice for families on safari.
Sample
South Africa Itineraries
The following itineraries are just some of the many experiences that we can design for you. All of our tours are private, independent and tailor-made to your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin customising your personalised South Africa experience.
Best of South Africa
Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail
Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.
Kruger and The Cape
Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.
South Africa Overview
Why travel to South Africa?
Described as “a world in one country” South Africa is more than just a safari destination. The wildlife of Kruger and the many private reserves throughout the country are complemented by South Africa’s fascinating history and diverse cultures, the beautiful coastline and majestic landscapes of the Cape.
When is the best time to view animals in South Africa?
Gameviewing is best during the dry season (May-Oct); however the summer months are good for general touring and sightseeing.
What is the culture of South Africa?
There are many different cultures including Zulu, Swazi, Xhosa, Indian, Cape Malay and European. As a result, there are many unique culinary dishes as well as distinct music and dance. Elegant Cape Dutch architecture is also a highlight of South Africa’s cape.
What is the climate in South Africa?
The inland plateau has a temperate climate (17°-30°C), whilst the coast is subtropical and more humid (22°-30°C). The seasons are the same as Australia, however most of the rain falls in summer. Winters are dry and sunny, but nights can be very cold. The Western Cape is the exception, with a “Mediterranean” climate – cool, wet winters and warm dry summers (17°-24°C).
What can I combine South Africa with?
South Africa is easily combined with neighbouring Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia or the nearby tropical island of Mauritius. Johannesburg is a very popular gateway to most of southern and eastern Africa.
How to get to South Africa?
Many major airlines including South African Airways, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airways and British Airways fly into Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. There are also many regional and domestic carriers that service local cities such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park area.
US – South African Airways fly’s directly to east coast cities including New York and Washington. Delta Airlines is another option to consider flying directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta.
UK / Europe – There are direct flights to OR Tambo International Airport with South African Airways from London-Heathrow, Frankfurt and Munich. Major European Airlines flying directly into Johannesburg include British Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.
