Intimate and Exclusive Safari Areas
TOP 15 KRUGER PARK PRIVATE CONCESSIONS LODGES
Within the Kruger National Park are 9 private concessions, with some exceptional safari lodges. Similar in concept to the other private reserves of the Greater Kruger Park like the Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Klaserie, The Kruger Park Private Concessions are exclusive use areas leased from the Kruger Park or owned by the community of the area. Game viewing is always excellent and there is a wide variety of lodges and safari experiences to choose from.
A Kruger Park Private Concession is not open to the public that self-drive in the park, offers night drives, bush walks, and off-road driving for a close-up safari encounter. There is an added bonus of staying at one of the lodges if you self drive, you can take yourself along the park’s roads during the day, after your guided morning activity. Plus your guides are allowed onto the park’s roads. Our Top 15 Kruger Park Private Concessions Lodges highlights the lodges found across these 9 concessions. Some of the best safari lodges in the Greater Kruger Park are found in these areas. Singita Kruger National Park concession is in the southeastern part of the Kruger National Park, bordering Mozambique. Game viewing is private and exciting, with professional guiding teams and is well known for its lion prides.
The Tinga Concession is home to 2 stunning Lion Sands lodges and The Jock of the Bushveld Concession is where the tales from Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s life came from, are just a few. Read all about the lodges below and contact us to book your perfect Kruger Park Safari.
Top 15 Kruger Park Private Concessions Lodges
Below are the luxury safari lodges in the Kruger Park Private Concessions. From walking safaris to family villas, to the ultimate in opulent safaris, there is a safari experience for you. Many of these lodges can combine beautifully with a lodge in the Sabi Sand, creating a longer Kruger Park safari.
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
The Sabie River forms the boundary between the Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park. Perfectly located on the banks of the Sabie River is Lion Sands Narina Lodge. Nestled under tall trees, the main area offers a relaxing retreat complete with an expansive viewing deck. Each of the 9 suites is under thatch and connected via raised walkways. The ensuite rooms have outdoor showers and freestanding tubs while the room is airconditioned and opens up to a glorious private deck and plunge pool. Enjoy game drives, bushwalks, an indulgent spa treatment and more with Lion Sands.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge
Another beautiful safari lodge in the Lion Sands stable, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge offers a traditional and elegant safari experience. Built to overlook the Sabie River, the main lodge has it all. Expansive decks, a bar and lounge area, a library, pool and boma for alfresco dinners. Each of the private suites overlooks the river. You can spend your quiet time taking a swim in your private plunge pool or relaxing on the deck. Each room has a lounge and is ensuite. Enjoy the same exceptional hospitality you expect from lion Sands, with game drives, bush walks and more to enjoy whilst staying here.
Singita Lebombo
This is the private concession where the simply gorgeous Singita Lebombo is located. This opulent Afro-Chic retreat is sophisticated with extraordinary views over the landscapes below. Each of the suites at Singita Lebombo is dotted on the hill above the N’wanetsi River, each with marvellous views. Large floor to ceiling glass windows open onto a private balcony with a sitting area and day bed. The expansive rooms have a sitting area and beautiful ensuite bathrooms, complete with an outdoor shower. The main area of the lodge has two pools, deck under the trees, a well-equipped gym, a private wine cellar and a library.
Singita Sweni
Located on the same private Singita Concession in the Kruger, Singita Sweni is built along the banks of the Sweni River, under a canopy. This idyllic spot sees animals and birds regularly from the decks. This area has recorded over 500 species of birds so is a real twitchers paradise. Elevated on wooden decks, Singita Sweni has dark wood structures and shades of green, effortlessly blending into the surrounding forest, with bold colours and striking African inspiration at every turn. The main lodge has a lounge, dining and bar area, a swimming pool, wine cellar, with a spa, gym and gallery for guests to use. Each suite has a deck with a day bed, and a spacious interior with a private sitting area. The lavish ensuite bathroom has a gorgeous tub and outdoor shower that overlooks the river. The day beds can be used at night to sleep under the stars!
Kruger Shalati The Train on the Bridge
Located on one of the most iconic Kruger National Park sights, Kruger Shalati is The Train on the Bridge! The Selati Railway Bridge spans the Sabie River at the Skukuza Restcamp, on the historical railway line which started bringing tourists to the Kruger in the 1920’s. Today, Kruger Shalati is a beautiful refurbished train parked in the middle of the bridge with uninterrupted views over the Sabie River and the Kruger National Park beyond it. Each room has large floor to ceiling glass windows with a small Juliet balcony with a sitting area. The rooms are surprisingly spacious considering it is a train! Each room is ensuite with both a shower and a bath. The main lodge has a pool with the same magnificent view, a well-stocked library, a sitting area and a viewing deck area.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
On a large private concession in the game-rich southern Kruger National Park, Lukimbi Safari Lodge overlooks a natural spring and the Lwakahle River. You are never far from the surrounding bush at Lukimbi, in the main areas or in your suites. Each of the suites has an outdoor sitting area where you can watch the animals go by. The ensuite bathrooms have an outdoor shower. The main area has a wonderful boma for alfresco dining and a viewing deck and pool. Activities at Lukimbi Safari Lodge including daily game drives, a spa visit or for the keen golfer a round of golf at Leopard Creek Golf Course or Skukuza Golf course can be arranged.
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Jock Safari Lodge
One of the oldest concessions in the Kruger, Jock Safari Lodge is named after the four-legged hero “Jock of the Bushveld” by Sir Percy FitzPatrick. Jock is a classical safari lodge with suites under thatch spread along the riverbed, each with its own private sala – perfect for a sleep out under the stars! Each room has a private plunge pool, and sitting area. The main lodge has the Relaxation Retreat spa with a sauna and gym area. The multilevel main area provides various sitting spaces to enjoy the outstanding Kruger views and passing animals. Enjoy daily game drives and bush walks. As Jock Safari Lodge is in the southern part of the Kruger, a round of golf at Leopard Creek or Skukuza golf courses can be arranged with ease.
Fitzpatrick’s at Jock
A private villa experience can be had at the intimate Fitzpatrick’s at Jock, perfect for families or small groups. The villa has a dedicated guiding and hosting team on hand to ensure your stay is wonderful. Each of the three suites has a private deck, two rooms have private plunge pools. All the ensuite bathrooms do have outdoor showers and soaker tubs. Fitzpatrick’s at Jock has excellent kids on safari program and is a fenced camp which makes it a perfect safari lodge for families. The main area has a pool, a boma fireplace dining area and a lounge area that overlooks the surrounding bush.
Rhino Post Safari Lodge
Just north of the Skukuza Camp is the authentic luxury Rhino Post Safari Lodge, built along a seasonal river. The camp has a light footprint with structures being built from thatch, canvas and glass. Game drives take place within the concession and further into the Kruger National Park. Each suite is nestled under a riverine forest with a small sitting area. The suite has canvas and glass walls creating a wonderful feel. The bathrooms have an indoor tub and outdoor shower (only). The main areas have an open view over the river where animals pass by regularly, with a lovely fire pit in the evenings.
Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp
One of the original Walking Safaris in Kruger Park, Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp is located on the same concession as Rhino Post and is their sister camp. Nothing beats being on foot in the wilds of the Kruger, with your knowledgeable guide showing you the sights not seen from a vehicle. Rooms are spacious en-suite safari tents with all the luxuries you need with the glamour of a bygone era. Walks are done in the early morning for a few hours and then a shorter walk in the afternoon followed by a game drive after the sun goes down. Safaris here are often combined with Rhino Post to get the best of both worlds – walking and game drives.
Pafuri Tented Camp
In the very far north of the Kruger National Park, right near the border with Zimbabwe, is the lovely Pafuri Tented Camp. Located on the Makuleke Contract Park concession, ReturnAfrica’s Pafuri Tented Camp stretches along the Luvuvhu River in one of the most beautiful sections of the Kruger. This area is also home to a plethora of birds as well as outstanding general game viewing. Your twice-daily game drives will take you through this pretty area including the unique lime green fever tree forest. Each spacious tent has a deck and sitting area that overlooks the river and passing animals. The rooms are ensuite with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The main area has a pool, bar, lounge and deck area. ReturnAfrica also runs the Pafuri Walking Trails in the Makuleke Contract Park, an immersive experience where you walk through the dramatic landscapes and enjoy the Kruger on foot.
The Outpost
In the Makuleke Contract Park concession in the northern Kruger lies The Outpost, a stylish safari lodge with some of the most dramatic views. The Outpost is built on a hill, creating beautiful elevated scenes over the Luvuvhu River Valley. The main area enhances the views, with expansive decks, a swimming pool and a sitting area. The Outpost offers a truly luxurious safari experience. Each of the suites has state of the art retractable screens, with outdoor decks and day beds. The bathrooms are a thing of beauty, with soaker tubs that overlook the bush below. There are daily game drives, bush walks and spa treatments available. Pel’s Post echos The Outpost as a luxury exclusive use safari lodge.
Imbali Safari Lodge
Located near the Manyeleti and northern Sabi Sands is the Mluwati Concession in the Kruger National Park, near Orpen Gate. Imbali Safari Lodge is a traditional safari lodge that stretches along a seasonal river bed, with each suite boasting a deck area and private plunge pool. The main area is ensuite and the room has large doors that open up to the deck. The rooms either overlook the dry riverbed or the savannah grasslands. The main area has a lovely lounge area with a fireplace, a deck and a dining area. On the other side of the river, at the same eye level as the main lodge is an active waterhole where animals are regularly seen coming to drink. Game drives are the main focus here, where the knowledgable teams conduct game drives on the concession which ensures a private experience. Guided bush walks are available on request. There is a spa where relaxing treatments can be made.
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
In a true celebration of the tribes of South Africa, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is built to resemble a traditional Tsonga home. Burnt orange and earth tones adorn the six rondavels (round rooms) and the main area of the lodge. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is under thatch with the main area a series of interconnected decks that overlook the seasonal Mluwati River with a waterhole on the far bank that attracts animals day and night. There is a fire pit area and a welcoming pool. The unique Tsonga inspired rondavels to have a veranda to sit outside, a large freestanding bed and ensuite bathrooms complete with an outdoor shower. Traditional African design is carried through from the main areas into the rooms. Enjoy twice-daily game drives with the excellent guiding teams.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Hamiltons Tented Camp was named after Colonel Stephenson Hamilton, who was instrumental in establishing the world famous Kruger National Park. The camp is unique and one of the few tented safari camps in the Greater Kruger Park. Your stay is complete with a personal butler at your every beck and call. The main areas at Hamiltons Tented Camp are under canvas and with a nod to the golden age of safaris. The camp over looks the Ngwenyeni Dam. There is a pool, main dining, lounge and deck have various spaces, Hamiltons offer a true “Out of Africa” safari experience with just six spacious tents. The tents have a lovely outdoor sala and private plunge pools. The ensuite bathrooms have a soaker tub and outdoor shower. Explore this prolific part of the Kruger Park with twice daily game drives and bush walks.