Kruger National Park Accommodation

Kruger National Park Accommodation

Kruger National Park Accommodation – Kruger Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise, filled with breathtaking scenery and stunning wildlife, fauna, and flora. The best way to experience everything the park has to offer is by staying at one of the many private lodges scattered throughout the park. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect accommodation for your ultimate Kruger adventure? That’s where Destination Africa comes in.

I am a seasoned digital marketer with a passion for travel, I have scoured the park to find the best lodges that offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. In this article. I will share with you my top picks for the best private lodges and camps in Kruger National Park, so you can plan a trip that you will never forget. So, whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who wants to experience the beauty of Kruger National Park, read on to discover the best places to stay for your ultimate adventure.

There are many Kruger National Park Lodges, some belong to SANParks whilst others are privately owned on 7 different private concessions within the Kruger Park. This Blog will be your ultimate guide to accommodation in the Kruger National Park in some of the private concessions. For more information on accommodation in Kruger National Park belonging to SANParks click here. Kruger National Park has over 500 birds. For a comprehensive Bird List click here

How much does it cost to stay in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park prices for private lodges vary from R7000 to R37000 ($350 to $1900) per person per night. Kruger National Park entrance fees start at R115 (SA Residents Rate) to R460 ($23) (Non-resident rate).

SANParks has 15 Rest Camps that cost from R700 (for a Hut) sleeping 3 persons. They have 2 and 3-bedroomed chalets costing between R1000 and R1800 per chalet and some of the Rest Camps have got a large family Villa. All Kruger Park Rest Camps have caravan and camping sites. Most are at the Rest Camp, however, a few are satellite camps a few km away from the main camp.

Kruger National Park Self-Catering

All of Kruger National Park Rest Camps have self-catering chalets. most of the camps however do have a restaurant where you can buy a meal. The Rest Camps also have a shop where you can buy essentials to make a meal at your chalet. For Kruger National Park’s availability you need to go to their website – click here here.

Best Kruger National Park Accommodation

There will always be a debate as to which Kruger National Park Rest Camp is the best. The Rest Camps have been built in similar styles and have more or less the same pricing. Most of the Rest Camps have their own camping sites or at least a satellite camp nearby. If you need any advice on Kruger Park Rest Camps, email Anthony at bookings@destinationafrica.net and I will gladly assist in helping you make a decision. I however don’t do bookings at the Rest Camps.

Is Kruger National Park a family safari destination?

One of the best things about Kruger National Park is that all the SANPark Rest Camps are children and family-friendly. All the camps are fenced so safety is almost guaranteed. The private camps, however, are not fenced. Please check with the private camp if they are child friendly before booking. You can also email Anthony at bookings@destiationadfrica.net for further information.

Kruger National Park game drives

If you are staying in a SANParks Rest Camp, you can do your own self-drive game drive. All the Rest Camps do offer guided game drives with a qualified guide early in the morning and a late afternoon drive. Some of the Rest Camps do a night drive as well. This is an extra cost. You are not allowed to drive off-road in your private vehicle.

All the private safari lodges in Kruger National Park offer 2 daily game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They last about 3 hours. These safari game drives are included in your rate. Due to the fact these private luxury game lodges are on a private concession, they are allowed to drive off-road and bring you closer to the wildlife or a preditor kill.

What is the best time to visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is on the eastern side of South Africa on the border with Mozambique and stretches all the way in the north to Zimbabwe. Both the wet and dry season has its advantages. From a birding perspective, the wet season brings all the migrant birds, but the dry season allows for easier game viewing.

The Wet Season

It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperatures reach 32°C/90°F with high humidity. It seldom rains all day, but the pattern is afternoon storms.

• October & November – It gets warmer and starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/88°F in the afternoon.
• December, January & February – These are the wettest and hottest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and high humidity. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F but can soar up to an unbearable 40°C/104°F.
• March & April – Rainfall decreases, and it slowly gets colder. April has lovely, clear weather and fewer clouds. The nights get a bit chillier but are still pleasant at about 18°C/61°F. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C/64°F and the humidity drops.

The Dry Season

There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, and the humidity is very low. Animals are attracted to permanent water sources as water becomes scarce in the bush. Sightseeing also improves as the leaves fall off during the winter months and the bush is not so dense.

• May – This is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures are cooling down to typically 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon.
• June, July & August – Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so it’s recommended to pack warm winter clothing. The average morning temperature is 10°C/50°F.but can drop to as low as 2°C/35°F.,  Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 26°C/79°F and cloudless skies.
• September – The heat gradually builds to about 29°C/84°F in the afternoon, and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

The wet and dry season is your choice, but make a plan to return again in a different season to enjoy the true magnificence of Kruger Park.

Kruger National Park Aminals

Kruger National Park has a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, snakes and fish in the game reserve. This makes Kruger National Park one of the most sort after safari game reserves in Africa. The official numbers are as follows:

147 Mammals species- Click here

114 Reptiles species

51 Snakes species

49 Fish species

Kruger National Park Birding

There are a great variety of birds in Kruger National Park. The wet season brings the migrant birds who often breed during the summer months before flying back up north as the dry season starts. Below is a comprehensive list of Kruger Birds.

509 Bird species – Click here

For more details visit the SANParks website. Click here

Kruger National Park Walking safaris

There are 5 official walking safaris from SANParks Rest Camps. Bookings are essential. The private safari camps all offer daily walking safaris, normally at no extra cost. These walks take place after breakfast and last for about 90 minutes. This is a great way to see the little “things” in the park as well as fauna and flora.

Is Kruger National Park malaria-free?

Kruger National Park is in a low-risk malaria area. It is however advisable to always apply an anti-mosquito spray to your body once the sun starts to set. All lodges supply anti sprays but take your own with you, even a small can of spray you can put into your pocket or handbag in case you need to apply more spray. If you are bitten many times and it itches and the next day you have a headache or fever, report it immediately to the camp manager. A simple home test kit will determine if you need further treatment.

Kruger National Park Tours

Destination Africa recommends that if you want to spend 6 days or more on a safari in Kruger National Park, you stay at least 2 different safari lodges. The Kruger Park is very big and the northern, central, and southern lodges offer very different safari experiences. Email Anthony for advice and the best 2 or 3 lodges to include in your Kruger National Park Tour. Transfers between lodges can be easily arranged.

How far is Kruger Park from Johannesburg?

There are a few entrance gates distance to Kruger National Park from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. You can choose from the following entrance gates:

Paul Kruger Gate – 450km  – near Hazyview

Malelane Gate – 400km – near Malelane N4

Crocodile Bridge Gate – 450 km – near Komatipoort N4

Orpen Gate – 450 km – near Hoedspruit

How do I book a private lodge in Kruger National Park?

Destination Africa can assist with all your bookings, transfers, and activities in Kruger National Park. Just send Anthony an email at bookings@destinationafrica.net with dates, number of people, and any other preferences and I will start planning your safari adventure. Page down for more information on private lodges in Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park Facts

1: Kruger National Park was first proclaimed in 1898 by Paul Kruger. It was called Sabi Game Reserve.

2: Kruger National Park is 20 million hectares, approximately the same size as Belgium.

3: The first visitors to the Kruger National Park were in 1927. Guests were charged One Pound.

4: There are over 500 birds, 2000 plant species, and 147 mammals (including the Big5 – lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and elephant) in Kruger Park

5: There are 6 diverse ecosystems within the Kruger National Park.

To view, the Kruger National Park Map click here

 

Northern Kruger National Park Accommodation

The Outpost Lodge

Where is the Outpost Lodge? Northern Kruger National Park on the Luvuvhu River

Nearest Gate: Pafuri Gate or the Punda Maria Gate

No. of Suites:12 and sleeps 24 people

Rates from: R7600 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information on the northern Kruger Park click here

Pel’s Post

Where is the Pels Post Lodge? Northern Kruger National Park on the Luvuvhu River

(Next to The Outpost) Solar Powered – eco-friendly

Nearest Gate: Pafuri Gate or the Punda Maria Gate

No. of Suites:4 and sleeps 8 people

Rates from: R12 080 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information on the northern Kruger Park click here

Pafuri Tented Camp

Where is Pafuri Tented Camp? Northern Kruger National Park on the Luvuvhu River

Near the Pafuri picnic site and Crooks Corner

Nearest Gate: Pafuri Gate or the Punda Maria Gate

No. of Tents:19 designer tents (2-sleeper) and 7 family tents (4-sleeper)

Rates from: R6750 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information on the northern Kruger National Park click here

Baobab Hill House

Where is Baobab Hill House? Northern Kruger National Park

Near Pafuri Picnic site and Crooks Corner

Nearest Gate: Pafuri Gate or the Punda Maria Gate

Self Catering House for 8 guests

Rates from: R32 000 for the exclusive use of the house per night

Includes 2 game drives daily and an in-house chef for meals if required

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information on northern Kruger National Park click here

Central Kruger National Park Accommodation (West)

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Where is Hamilton’s Tented Camp? Central Kruger National Park

Near Orpen Gate on a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Orpen Gate or Paul Kruger Gate

No. of Suites: 6 luxury tented suites sleeping 12 guests

Rates from: R12 900 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily and selected drinks

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information on Hamiltons Tented Camp  click here

Imbali Safari Lodge

Where is Imbali Safari Lodge? Central Kruger National Park

Near Orpen Gate on a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Orpen Gate or Paul Kruger Gate

No. of Suites: 12 luxury tented suites sleeping 24 guests

Rates from: R8 707 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily and selected drinks

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information click here

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Where is Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge? Central Kruger National Park

Near Orpen Gate on a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Orpen Gate or Paul Kruger Gate

No. of Suites: 6 luxury circular suites sleeping 12 guests

Rates from: R6 917 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily and selected drinks

SA Resident’s Rates are available.

For more information click here

Central Kruger National Park Accommodation (East)

Singita Lebombo

Where is Singita Lebombo? Central Kruger National Park

Near Orpen Gate and Sitara Rest Camp on a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Orpen Gate

No. of Suites: 13 double suites and 2 family suites

Rates from: R37 000 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily and all drinks except French Champagne

SA Resident’s Rates are not available.

For more information click here

Singita Sweni Lodge

Where is Singita Sweni Lodge? Central Kruger National Park

Near Orpen Gate and Sitara Rest Camp on a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Orpen Gate

No. of Suites:  6 double suites and 1 pool suite

Rates from: R37 000 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily and all drinks except French Champagne

SA Resident’s Rates are not available.

For more information click here

Southern Kruger National Park Accommodation

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Where is Lukimbi Safari Lodge? Southern Kruger National Park

On a private 10,000-ha concession

Nearest Gate: Malelane Gate

No. of Suites:  14 Classic Suites and 2 Premier Suites

Rates from: R9 350 per person per night

Includes 3 meals and 2 game drives daily

For more information click here

Kruger National Park Accommodation Gate Times

Kruger Park Camp Gate times do not affect the lodges on Private Concessions. Your game drives are included in your rate. Departures in the morning differ throughout the year. You depart on your morning game drive about 30 minutes before sunrise. On the afternoon drive you normally arrive back at the camp about an hour after sunset. If however, you want to know the Kruger National Park Gate Times of the Rest Camps, click here

Transfers can be arranged from the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, Skukuza Airport, or the OR Tambo International Airport to any of the lodges in the Kruger National Park.

Destination Africa often has Kruger National Park specials – email Anthony at bookings@destinationafrica.net for more information or any other requests, or visit the website at www.destinationafrica.net

A safari in Kruger National Park is a dream destination for any nature lover – let Destination Africa make it happen

Kruger National Park Accommodation at its best