The African Voyager

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Unwind in nature’s paradise: the 5 best spa lodges in Kruger National Park

Southern Africa • See & do • Unwind in nature’s paradise: the 5 best spa lodges in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park’s best spa lodges

If you’re looking to combine the thrill of the African wilderness with total relaxation, then a spa lodge in Kruger National Park is your answer. These spa lodges offer the best of both worlds – an authentic safari experience paired with relaxing spa treatments. Staying at these spa lodges gives you the opportunity to experience exhilarating morning game drives where we encounter elephants and lions, followed by afternoons spent relaxing in a serene spa, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African bush. Let’s dive into our top picks of spa lodges that promise to elevate our safari experience to new heights.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge brings you up close and personal with the wild, yet keeps you pampered in total luxury. Set along the Sabie River in the Sabi Sand Reserve, this lodge gives you front-row views of wildlife directly from your suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows making game-watching effortless. This lodge offers the ultimate spa experience, where treatments like their signature bush massage are done to the calming sounds of the river and nearby wildlife. We loved the variety of massages to choose from, where they use indigenous oils designed to soothe tired muscles after an action-packed safari. And after a long day of safari, there’s nothing like unwinding in the outdoor lounge areas or with a dip in the private plunge pool.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Tintswalo Safari

Tintswalo Safari Lodge, located in the private Manyeleti Game Reserve, offers a more exclusive and intimate experience. What sets Tintswalo Safari apart is its proximity to active game paths, so it’s common to spot elephants or lions right from the lodge and they offer private game drives with a very knowledgeable guide. Tintswalo Safari’s spa features therapies that are inspired by indigenous African traditions. Treatments like the Africology range use natural ingredients like rooibos, aloe vera and marula oil, all sourced from local plants, to create a soothing and restorative experience. We loved the open-air treatment rooms, where you can enjoy a massage while listening to the sounds of the wilderness around you.

Tintswalo Safari
Manyeleti Nature Reserve
Hoedspruit
Limpopo
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Tintswalo Safari

Kapama Karula

Kapama Karula is one of the most modern lodges in Kruger National Park, featuring sleek designs and luxurious amenities. The spa here is truly exceptional, with treatment rooms that open up to views of the tranquil Klaserie River. Their signature treatment, the African Wood Massage, uses local oils and techniques designed to relieve stress and restore energy after a day in the bush. The lodge’s amenities don’t stop at the spa; you can also enjoy a well-equipped gym and refreshing infinity pool. After your spa sessions, you can kick back and enjoy gourmet meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients – talk about a perfect end to a day of adventure!

Kapama Karula
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Hoedspruit
Limpopo
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Kapama Karula

Royal Malewane

Royal Malewane is where classic elegance meets wilderness adventure. Situated in the Thornybush Reserve, this lodge is renowned for its exceptional game viewing and incredible guides. Each of the suites, from the Luxury Suites to the palatial Africa House villa, features rich fabrics, Persian rugs and antique furnishings, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Every suite comes with its own private deck and plunge pool, offering panoramic views of the bush where wildlife sightings are frequent. The on-site Bush Spa offers world-class treatments like reflexology, hydrotherapy and specialised skincare programs designed for post-safari recovery. If you’re seeking more than just relaxation, the spa also offers a comprehensive fitness centre, along with private yoga classes overlooking the bush.

Royal Malewane
Orpen Road
Thornybush Game Reserve
Limpopo
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Royal Malewane

Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Lodge is one of the first commercial safari camps in South Africa and has a long-standing reputation for excellent game-viewing experiences. The lodge offers 16 luxury suites, each uniquely designed with a blend of wood, steel, leather and rattan. We love the thatched main area, which overlooks a sandy riverbed, where you can enjoy meals while watching wildlife such as elephants and buffalos pass by. The spa at Thornybush Game Lodge uses all-natural Africology products, with a range of treatments like aromatherapy massages, deep tissue therapies and African-inspired body treatments using natural, locally sourced products like marula oil and rooibos.