Accommodation For Every Budget

Although there are a number of rest camps within the main park, they tend to be budget options. For a more comfortable trip, we opted for a range of accommodations from selfcatering luxury to super luxurious all within the private concession areas. Our first two nights were spent on the western side of Central Kruger in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. We stayed at Sir Richard Branson’s private game lodge, Ulusaba Rock Lodge. The beautiful luxury lodge is built on a mountain top and our suite had the most unbelievable views. We were impressed with the knowledgeable guides, friendly staff, and superb gourmet food. Next, we headed to Manyeleti Game Reserve in the western section of Southern Kruger. We stayed at Tintswalo Safari Lodge which is located on the banks of a seasonal river and usually has a local herd of elephants nearby to welcome guests. Each suite is decorated in a luxury colonial style and named after a 19th-century explorer. The Kingsley Suite (Mary Kingsley) we stayed in has a private deck and plunge pool and we had many animals visit to drink water from the pool. Next, we headed up to Balule Game Reserve in the western part of Northern Kruger. We stayed at Ezulwini River Lodge which had gorgeous views out over the Olifants River. The name means places of paradise and when we saw the spacious suites, excellent food, and great location, it sure felt like paradise. Finally, we headed to Mjejane Game Reserve in the southernmost part of Southern Kruger. We stayed in a luxury selfcatering private lodge called Elephants’ Corner (AirBnB) and as promised had elephants pass by the property daily. Self-catering lodge stays in the bush is a truly South African way of visiting Kruger National Park and a fun experience.