Kruger National Park, South Africa
Exclusive use: top 5 private safari lodges in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park’s best private safari lodges
There’s nothing quite like having an entire safari lodge to yourself. No strangers, no schedule to follow – just you, your group and the wild landscapes of Kruger National Park. The lodges we’re diving into today offer the ultimate exclusivity, blending private luxury with some of the best wildlife encounters on the planet. These exclusive-use lodges take your Kruger adventure to the next level, combining top-notch amenities with complete seclusion.
Overview: Kruger’s best private safari lodges
01
Ximuwu Lodge
Ximuwu Lodge is situated within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This exclusive retreat spans 6000 hectares, accommodating just 8 guests. The lodge’s minimalist design keeps the focus on nature, with panoramic views of the surrounding bushveld. We love the rooftop sky deck, a perfect spot for stargazing or keeping an eye out for wildlife at the nearby waterhole. The lodge offers a fully customizable safari experience, with a private chef crafting meals based on your preferences and a personal game ranger ensuring every game drive is tailored to what you want to see. You can also enjoy an infinity pool, gym and even a wine cellar, creating a luxurious yet intimate setting.
Ximuwu Lodge
2 of Hull
Hoedspruit
Limpopo
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Ximuwu Lodge
02
Cheetah Plains
Cheetah Plains is located in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This eco-luxury lodge offers exclusive-use villas, each accommodating up to eight guests. Each villa has a private pool and a dedicated hospitality team, including a guide, tracker, chef and butler. When staying at Cheetah Plain you enjoy daily game drives, bush walks and cultural village visits. We loved that the focus here is not just on luxury but also on sustainability, making Cheetah Plains an ideal choice for eco-conscious travellers who don’t want to compromise on comfort or experience.
Cheetah Plains
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Mpumalanga
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Cheetah Plains
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03
The Farmstead at Royal Malewane
The Farmstead at Royal Malewane is an intimate, exclusive-use lodge with just three suites and a large Farmhouse for families or groups. The Farmstead’s relaxed yet elegant vibe makes it feel like a home away from home but with the added perk of top-notch service, including a personal chef and guide. Game drives here are known for their high success rate in spotting the Big Five, particularly lions. Royal Malewane is also committed to conservation, with proceeds supporting local wildlife initiatives, making it a great option for responsible travellers.
The Farmstead at Royal Malewane
Royal Malewane
Amanda
Limpopo
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Farmstead at Royal Malewane
04
Dulini Leadwood
For those craving an intimate, immersive safari experience, Dulini Leadwood is hard to beat. The lodge features just four spacious suites, making it ideal for small groups seeking exclusivity. The lodge’s suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows with river views and private plunge pools for cooling off after a day of adventure. The service here is highly personalised – you’ll have a private guide, tracker and chef at your disposal. But what we really love at Dulini Leadwood is the guided bush walks – it offers an intimate encounter with Kruger’s wildlife.
Dulini Leadwood
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Western Sector
Skukuza
Mpumalanga
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Dulini Leadwood
05
Simbavati Amani
Simbavati Amani is a charming, intimate safari villa in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The villa features four luxury suites, a double-volume sitting room, a mezzanine library, an interactive kitchen and a bar. Amani offers a slower-paced, more introspective safari, with options like yoga sessions overlooking the bush and a wellness spa offering massages and treatments. At Simbavati Amani you can relax around the fire pit, marvel at the star-studded sky and enjoy guided game drives. During the day the infinity pool with its stunning views is the perfect spot to relax among the wildlife.
Simbavati Amani
Northumberland Farm
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Hoedspruit
Limpopo
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Simbavati Amani
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