Big cats, giant-tusked elephants and rivers full of hippos and crocodiles: not many Big 5 safari destinations can match the reliability and quality of game viewing of the Kruger Park or Sabi Sands. A Kruger safari takes you on thrilling game drives as well as guided nature walks and spot-lit night drives from the comfort of accommodation ranging from family-friendly to super-romantic.
Exclusive-use, game-rich concessions within the Kruger Park are highly recommended for discerning safari travellers but nowhere is the Kruger safari experience bettered than in its adjoining private reserves. A set of exclusive, privately-run concessions lying on the Kruger’s unfenced western border, these reserves are home to some of Africa’s leading safari brands and offer not just the most luxurious safari accommodation on the continent but also honeymoon hideaways, activity-packed family lodges and genuine value-for-money safari camps.
Divided into smaller individual concessions, the Sabi Sands is the best known of these private reserves and has legendary names such as Mala Mala, Londolozi and Singita among its accommodation choices. The same exclusivity is enjoyed at the Kruger’s other private reserves – Klaserie, Thornybush and Timbavati – larger reserves with fewer lodges and with equally stellar reputations for wildlife viewing.
Whichever private reserve you choose, you’ll be in the hands of some of the best guides and trackers in the business with close-up sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino more or less guaranteed over a three or four-day stay. Back at camp you’ll enjoy superb meals and sophisticated wines plus luxuries ranging from spa treatments and private pools to yoga studios and table-for-two dining.
A Kruger safari is usually the centrepiece of a larger travel itinerary. The natural attractions of the surrounding Panorama Route lie a short distance from the Kruger Park, Sabi Sand and other private reserves, and your safari is easily combined with South Africa’s other highlights – Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route.
To get there, fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to the Kruger’s Hoedspruit or Nelspruit airports and then simply sit back on a short overland transfer to your Kruger or private reserve lodge. You can even fly straight into the reserve if you want. And thanks to such slick logistics, you can add exotic destinations such as Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago or thundering Victoria Falls to your Kruger travel plans. Ask us how.
Two distinct climatic zones means the best time to visit South Africa depends on your priorities. Cape Town, the Whale Coast and the Winelands enjoy long, hot and dry summers from November to April and short, cool and wet winters from May to September. Visitors to Cape Town and the Garden Route in high summer (December – March) may experience very windy weather. Cape winters on the other hand are often marked by long periods of dry, windless and sunny weather.
The rest of South Africa – including all the safari destinations – is the reverse: a short, hot and wet summer season and a long, mild and dry winter. Safaris are best enjoyed in the comfort of winter but summer season safaris have their own attractions – lush landscapes, off-the-scale bird watching and lots of new-born animals.
Our selection of Kruger and Sabi Sands lodges represent some of the finest safari accommodation in Africa. And you’ll have one of the widest ranges to choose from too: traditional thatched lodges, lamp-lit tented camps and modern, sculpted safari villas.
Some of our top lodge recommendations are the crème de la crème of safari accommodation. Facilities range from private pools, gyms and luxury spas to bird-watching hides and yoga studios. But you’ll also have a choice of more budget-friendly lodges and camps that welcome families with children, offering child-minders, junior ranger programmes, and kids’ menus. The standards of service and guiding are very high at all lodges and you’ll enjoy a wide range of activities – game drives, guided walks, night drives and community visits.
Browse our recommended Kruger and Sabi Sands lodges or simply contact us for information on which lodge would be suitable for your needs and budget.
Exclusive luxury lodge nestled in the tranquil riverine setting of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. With only six thatched suites, each offering a private plunge pool and shaded deck, it provides an intimate and romantic safari experience.
Eco-friendly retreat with only eight thatched chalets, the lodge offers a serene and exclusive safari experience. Its prime location provides guests with exceptional opportunities to witness the Big Five and the rare white lions of the Timbavati.
Family-owned safari retreat nestled within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. With only seven free-standing suites accommodating a maximum of 16 guests, it offers a serene and exclusive wilderness experience.
Owner-run Umkumbe is all about delivering a genuine Big 5 safari at a great value price; you’ll enjoy all the thrills of game drives & walks plus the comforts of a traditional rustic lodge, set overlooking the Sand River.
Charming and authentic lodge located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional wildlife sightings, especially leopards, it offers a classic, immersive safari experience.
Defining the standards of service, accommodation & cuisine on safari, Londolozi Granite Suites offer unsurpassed style & comfort for discerning travellers & honeymooners. Enjoy amazing game viewing, private pools and massages.
Showpiece of South Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage, a Kruger and Sabi Sands safari is easily combined with other destinations around the country and beyond.
Ever-popular Cape Town and the neighbouring Cape Winelands and Whale Coast are easily included on the same itinerary as the Kruger and Sabi. A Garden Route holiday is also simple to add on: you can even self-drive this panoramic coastline at your own pace, return your car at Port Elizabeth and fly to Johannesburg. One of our most popular itineraries is to combine a Kruger and Sabi Sands safari with Cape Town and Victoria Falls – it’s a honeymoon favourite and delivers southern Africa’s three iconic destinations in one tour.
Browse our recommended itineraries below, each including a Kruger and Sabi Sands safari. If you’d like a more personalised tour, then simply contact us and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary for you based on your needs and budget.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
Make your Kruger safari part of an unforgettable holiday by adding on other great African destinations. Just an hour’s flight from Johannesburg and two and a half from Cape Town, the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands Reserve can easily be combined with sunny Cape vineyards or Indian Ocean island getaways. And if you want to keep the safari theme, head north for Victoria Falls, gateway to the southern African safari experience and where safaris in Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe await.
