South Africa is home to nineteen national parks and as many as 10 000 private game reserves. It is one of the most visited destinations in Africa – renowned for its gorgeous scenery and unique experiences. More than one million people visit wilderness reserves like the Kruger each year to enjoy the plefora of animals, birds and flora that thrive in the region.
The Kruger is an icon for tourism in South Africa, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and plenty of opportunity to get up-close with the famous Big Five. But when it comes to luxurious accommodation, it is hard to deny that the Kruger is a contender for hosting some of the Top Luxury Lodges in Africa. Here are just some of the traveler favorites:
Dulini Lodge
In the southern reaches of the Kruger lies the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which is home to the luxurious Dulini Lodge. With 65 000 hectares of bushveld, woodland, grasslands, rivers and waterholes, the Sabi Sands is the perfect home for a variety of animal species and has been identified as one of the best places in the Kruger to see the big cats and as many as 300 species of birds. Dulini Lodge boasts six opulent suites, each with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, lounge area with fireplace, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, a private viewing deck and plunge pool.
The facilities and service at the lodge are nothing less than exceptional. A stay at Dulini is not without some relaxation on the patio with your favorite glass of South African wine, enjoying candle-lit dinners under a canopy of stars, or treating yourself or loved ones to some memorabilia from the gift shop.
The safari experience is just as good, with open-vehicle game drives conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons, along with mid-morning bush walks that discover the different trees and smaller creatures of the bushveld.
Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
Sabi Sands Little Bush is an intimate five-star camp that nestles in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve: a private reserve within the Sabi Sands.
The camp’s location and size make it a top choice for couples and families who seek that more exclusive safari experience. The camp has six chalets, each with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, air conditioning and private wooden decks. The facilities are great, with a bar, swimming pool, lounge, and gift shop.
Little Bush Camp offers guided safari drives that are led by experienced game rangers and local shangaan trackers who will astound you with their knowledge of the bushveld. The camp also offers guided bush walks after breakfast for the more adventurous travelers.
Ulusaba Rock Lodge
Ulusaba Rock Lodge nestles in Ulusaba Private Game Reserve – a private reserve that forms part of the Sabi Sands. This luxurious 5-star lodge is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a health spa and tennis court.
The lodge has eight unique African-inspired rooms that are well-appointed and have views over the vast landscape. Each room is spacious and equipped with everything one would need for an unforgettable stay. The lodge prides itself on offering a personalized service and world-class facilities, including a lounge area, wine lounge for private dinners, spa, outdoor rock pool, a viewing deck with telescopes and gym.
Guests venture out on morning and dusk game drives, and have the option to go on guided bush walks, take a tour of the Panorama route, enjoy helicopter flights over the bush, or visit a local village for an authentic Shangaan experience.
