Best Kruger safari lodges - Candid tips by Howard Hillman

Kruger safari
luxury lodges

Safari tips you can trust

Key to understanding
Kruger geography

Private reserves

Virtually all the finest Kruger lodges and camps are not in Kruger National Park proper, but in private reserves that hug the park's central-western border. Sabi Sand is the finest.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

It boasts the highest concentration of major game in the Greater Kruger area. And it has nearly 90% of Kruger's luxury lodges and camps.

Sabi Sand
geographical divisions

Sabi Sand is divided into over two dozen private game areas (such as the ones located with numerals on the map). Most have exclusive traversing rights (only the operator's vehicles are allowed).

The top 4 Sabi Sand
multi-lodge venues

Listing is alphabetical

Londolozi

Londolozi is run by the Varty family, a name long synonymous with luxury Kruger safaris. It has four camps: Bateleur, Founders, Pioneer, and Varty.

Mala Mal

It covers the largest expanse of the various Sabi Sand sections and has a fine reputation. The Main Camp, Sable Camp, and Rattrays are its three accommodation venues.

Singita

Its Boulders Lodge rests on a high, rocky site with sweeping views while its Ebony Lodge kisses the river. The decor in both is stylish, a Singita signature.

Ulusaba

Owned by Virgin Airlines founder Richard Branson. Ulusaba has two venues: Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge. Each must be booked on an exclusive-use basis by, for instance, a family or small group.

The best
single-lodge
venue

Kirkman's Kamp

Unlike the four venues above, Kirkman's Kamp has a homespun (though sophisticated) ambiance with a South African Colonial flavor. It's low-keyed luxury that many safari-goers relish. Click Kirkman's Kamp to see photos and my description of this lodge.