Best hotels near the Kruger National Park

Sprawled across the southern-most frontiers of Limpopo, and Mpumalanga’s northern reaches, the Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. At almost 19,485 km2, it covers an area the size of Israel. Home to all of Africa’s ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) with a supporting cast of cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and many more, plus over 500 species of bird – it’s a must for wildlife lovers. Busier than some of South Africa’s other wildlife parks? Yes. Better managed, better connected, and with superb places to stay? Also, yes. The Kruger National Park remains one of the first places of many a traveller’s bucket list to South Africa. Our collection of the best hotels near the Kruger National Park showcase the best in budget and five-star accommodation. Suitable for families, couples, foodies, and wellness lovers, there is something for everyone in this stunning location, whether you want to be based right inside the park's perimeters or in an option close by.

For something truly special

One of the most luxurious stays in South Africa, Royal Malewane creates an unforgettable experience with that hefty price tag. A once in a lifetime experience.
As luxurious as it is wild Tanda Tula provides guests with an authentic stay amidst nature, without compromising on the luxury. Stylish tents are very private (perfect for couples) and surrounded by nothing but wildlife. Alfresco, candlelit dining make it an unforgettable stay.

For a great value stay

A 20-minute drive from the Kruger Park's Orpen Gate, Timbavati Safari Lodge is one of the best value stays in the area. Designed in a traditional style, each of its thatched cottages is painted in local tribal design and provide a characterful stay amidst the African bush.
Beautifully designed rooms, superb dining, not to mention a long list of spa treatments – it’s difficult to fathom the price tag at Unembeza Boutique Hotel & Spa. But who’s complaining!
Thatched roof, roll-top baths, and just ten minutes from the Kruger Park’s Phabeni gate, Rissington Inn is excellent value and the ideal pick for those on a budget.
With just eight rooms, the ever opulent Belgrace Boutique Hotel provides guests with an indulgent stay (four-poster beds, in-room Jacuzzis and fireplaces) at an enviable price tag.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a better value stay this close to the Kruger Park than Sabie River Bush Lodge. Great for families, easy on the pocket, this 18-room hotel does not disappoint.
The ever inviting Hamilton Parks County Lodge, comprising14 thatched suites, provides a warm welcome to travellers of all ages, at a truly inviting price. It boasts good sized rooms, characterful bathrooms, plus manicured gardens and a charming outdoor pool.

For a truly wild experience

Experience an authentic African safari at Baluleni Safari Lodge, with a few little luxuries thrown in. Sturdy tents are decorated in animal and tribal prints – guests can sit out on their terrace and watch the wildlife pass by.
Camping for grown-ups, Kapama Buffalo Camp’s paired-back interior designed tents are very chic, and arguably far too stylish to seriously be considered a ‘truly wild’ experience. But, with wildlife passing right in front of your terrace, it does not disappoint.

For a romantic stay

Catering for adults and older children, The Outpost creates a sophisticated atmosphere. Not your usual colonial-style tent experience, each stylish and beautifully designed tent is the height of luxury – not to mention the spa.
Just five rooms, the boutique and beautifully decorated Xanatseni Private Camp is a very charming stay and ideal for couples in search of seclusion and relaxation.
Sumptuous suites, private pools, spa treatments and private dining all ensure that Kapama Karula Camp is popular with couples again and again.
Make memories as you gaze out at the elephants drinking from directly below Kapama River Lodge’s infinity pool. Suites include private terraces with epic views.
Beautifully designed, Simbambili Game Lodge’s sprawling suites, complete with enormous tubs (the best come with private pools), are made for lingering. Spa treatments and superb dining (in-room and alfresco) complete the package.
Family-lodge turned five-star stay, Motswari Private Game Reserve is a favourite with couples. Superb dining plus interiors by David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo; it's an interior lover's dream.

For a family stay

With only four cottages, Kurhula Wildlife Lodge is a very intimate and very wild stay. Enticingly priced it provides budget-friendly accommodation with activities that all the family can enjoy.
Part of an ever-growing collection of excellently priced boutique stays around Southern Africa, aha Makalali Lodge is a great find. Characterful, thatched lodged accommodation adds to the character, whilst adults' and children’s activities ensure all ages are happy.
Kapama Southern Camp’s flexible accommodation options, and activities for all ages, make it an excellent, and very luxurious, choice for families travelling together.
with its eight private lodges with pools and relaxed indoor-outdoor living, Elephant Point allows families travelling together enough room to spread out and enjoy themselves, amidst the African savannah.
Child and budget-friendly, and within easy reach of the Kruger Park, Kruger Park Lodge ticks all the boxes.
Laidback and budget-friendly, Hazy View Cabanas provides individual cottage accommodation geared towards families, with plenty of activities on offer. It’s just a short drive from the Kruger Park.
More modern and more luxurious than its counterpart, aha Bongani Mountain Lodge is every bit as characterful. A great family stay, within easy reach of the Kruger Park.
With private cottage accommodation, acres on which to explore, themed dinner nights and a family of elephants to befriend, Hippo Hollow Country Estate is the perfect family stay.
Running since 1983 Idube Game Reserve demonstrates that a warm welcome and friendly service never goes out of style. Popular amongst families it’s a very comfortable stay.
An intimate, all-inclusive stay, with just six-rooms Senalala Luxury Safari Camp, is perfect for families or larger groups exploring the Kruger Park.

For bags of character

Full to the brim with curio pieces and original artworks, Khaya Ndlovu Manor House is an idiosyncratic stay in the heart of the African wilderness – families and couples alike, will love it.
Antique leather suitcases, white linen table cloths, and paraffin lamps: Hamiltons Tented Camp is an authentic colonial camping experience one doesn’t often come across – an ‘adults only’ camping trip!
There’s nothing quite like Imbali Safari Lodge. Classic interiors and colonial artwork, are juxtaposed with modern luxuries and private plunge pools. Indulgent dining is the height of opulence.
Dating back to the 1950s, Elephant Plains Game Lodge is one of the oldest family-run properties in the area – they must have been doing something right to keep it going for all these years!
Colourful, characterful, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge imbibes the spirit of Africa with its vibrant colour palettes and decorative artwork. All ages will love spending the night in one of their traditional thatched cottages.

For foodies

Fine dining and the African ‘bushveld’ might not be an obvious partnership, but at Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve they have gone above and beyond to ensure that even the gourmand is catered for at their haute cuisine stay.

Sleep under the stars

Fancy sleeping under the stars? Well, at Klaserie Sands you can. Not a sleeping bag in sight, spend the night in a four-poster bed with the savannah to serenade you. An unforgettable experience.
Possibly the most romantic room in all of Mpumalanga, Lion Sands Game Reserve’s treehouse suite is perfect for couples looking for the unforgettable al fresco stay. Sleep amidst the canopies at one of South Africa’s most luxurious reserves.

Still not sure which to book?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Limpopo
or the best places to stay in Mpumalanga.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

30 Best Hotels near the Kruger National Park

Motswari Private Game Reserve

Mpumalanga

Stunning family house turned safari lodge - with interiors by famed designer David Strauss and artwork by Marion Geiger-Orengo it is an aesthete's haven. Each of its suites boasts a private sit-out where you can listen to the sound of the bushveld. Superb dining, infinity pool, plus daily safaris.

Romantic Break - Al fresco dining, four poster beds, you can even opt to sleep under the stars
Restrictions on children - Children above the age of 16 can be accommodated
Great walks - Daily guided safari and nature walks
Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool

from $726 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

30 Best Hotels near the Kruger National Park

For something truly special

For a great value stay

For a truly wild experience

For a romantic stay

For a family stay

For bags of character

For foodies

Sleep under the stars

Still not sure which to book?

30 Best Hotels near the Kruger National Park

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