19 Best Hotels in Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leadwood is the smallest lodge of the Dulini collection with just four stunning suites generously spaced across the confluence of the Mabrak and Sand Rivers with views among the best in Sabi Sand. It's got an undeniable hideaway feel (room four is particularly secluded) and each comfortable, understated elegant suite features a lounge area with a cozy wintertime fireplace, a private pool (bigger than most in the area), a bathroom big enough to house Noah's cargo, and a curated minibar that brims with local craft liquor. The dining boma is also uniquely open to the river, and a fire crackles each evening for a drinks stop before dinner or a story-filled nightcap afterward. It's easy to book out as an exclusive retreat for friends or family. Blankets, sunscreen, binoculars, and protective eyewear for bugs and gnats are a nice touch on the game drive vehicles. 

This lodge, one of South Africa’s loveliest, is set among 14,826 acres of private concession in southwest Kruger—the park's first with game-rich traversing rights as a result—with 12 comfortable, spacious suites, each with a plunge pool and stunning views over the Biyamiti River. Had Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the famous Jock of the Bushveld, and his canine superstar still been alive, they would have highly approved of today’s camp, which is authentic and steeped in history. The food, service, and rangers are superb, but the game-viewing is spectacular—think night drives in Kruger. The nearby Fitzpatrick’s Camp is better for families and intergenerational trips, but pricey.

The first Relais & Chateaux game lodge in the world, this gorgeous camp (think leopards, lanterns, leadwoods, and leopard orchids) is tucked into the riverbank overlooking indigenous forest. The lodge is themed in chocolate and white, with exquisite leopard photos on the walls, airy and stylish interiors, and elegant yet simple furnishings. Huge bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, and plunge pools continue the elegance, simplicity, and sophistication. From your spacious deck you look out onto a world of cool-green forest dominated by ancient African ebony and marula trees. Treat yourself to a bottle of bubbly from the champagne library and then dine with others while swapping bush stories or sip it alone in your private sala.

Stone and thatched, air-conditioned rondavels with two bathrooms and an outside shower are decorated in creams and browns and luxuriously furnished with natural finishes like copper and wood, colorful handwoven tapestries and rugs, terra-cotta floors, and original artwork. Public areas have a traditional safari feel, with plush couches, animal skins, and African artifacts. Shaded by ancient jackalberry trees, a huge deck overlooks the Sand River and its continuous passing show of animals. Browse in the air-conditioned Monkey Room for books and wildlife videos, sample the magnificent wine cellar, sun yourself by the pool, or stay fit in the well-appointed gym. The food is tasty, wholesome, and varied. Children over four are welcomed with special programs, activities, and goody-filled backpacks; children under four are not allowed on game drives. One guest room is geared toward travelers with disabilities.

This exclusive camp with seven ultra-luxurious suites lies at the southern end of Main Camp and overlooks the Sand River and surrounding bushveld. If it's privacy and exclusivity, or a perfect family or friends getaway you're looking for, then this is the spot. With its own pool, library, and boma, it's smaller and more intimate than Main Camp, but it shares the same magnificent all-around bush and hospitality experience. No children under 12 years old are allowed.

Overlooking the Sand River, Singita Boulders Lodge intermingles the wildness of its setting among boulders with traditional African decor at its most luxurious. Inside and outside blend so seamlessly that you feel a part of the wilderness rather than an observer. Terra-cotta, polished stone floors blend with cowskin rugs, hide-covered armchairs, hand-carved tables, and carefully chosen artifacts. From every side, there are stunning bushveld views. Luxuriate in a sumptuous suite with comfortable leather and wicker armchairs, and desks and tables fashioned from organic wood. A herd of impalas could easily fit into the bathroom, with its claw-foot tub, his-and-her basins, and an indoor and outdoor shower. All doors lead out onto a big wooden deck with a private plunge pool (heated if it's chilly), sun loungers, and bushveld views. Children over the age of 10 are welcome.

Named for the nearby Lebombo mountain range, this breathtakingly beautiful lodge—winner of numerous international accolades and eco-driven in concept—hangs on the edge of a cliff (inspired by eagle nests) with wooden walkways that connect the aptly named "lofts" (suites) seamlessly fusing the outdoor and indoor areas. Organic materials—wood, cane, cotton, and linen—are daringly juxtaposed with steel and glass. Service and food are superb and a cooking class (where local community members are trained) at the on-site culinary school (for a donation of R1,000) is not to be missed. Twice-daily game drives (dawn and late afternoon) in an open vehicle are led by a highly experienced and knowledgeable ranger. You can also take a bush nature walk or camp out under the stars.  A carbon-neutral levy has also been automatically included in every booking. The property, and its sister lodge Singita Sweni (not to be confused with their sister Singita camps in Sabi Sand private reserve), are located in the privately operated, 37,000-acre N'wanetsi Concession in the park's extreme northeast. The area was once the base for the park's foot and horse patrols, and until the building of the lodges, it had never been traversed by vehicles. Today it's home to the Big Five as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, hundreds of bird species, and varied flora.

Dulini Moya Lodge comprises six stone-and-thatch bungalows for a maximum of just 12 guests in prime game-viewing territory. Ancient ebony trees shade each explorer-glam room, where a brass-edged writing desk invites you to record sightings, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows to your private pool prompt yet another swim before the afternoon activity. A high-ceilinged, thatched hangout completes this classic safari stay, where classic leather armchairs and deep sofas paired with vintage finds furnish the elegantly airy main area. There's also ample space to stretch your legs on the lawns or explore the artworks secreted into the indigenous garden. Dinners in the exceptionally stocked wine cellar are a delight. Children over the age of eight are welcome. 

One of Sabi Sand's oldest lodges, Dulini River Lodge scores 10 out of 10 for its gorgeous location—one of the best in the whole reserve—with lush green lawns sweeping down to the Sand River. Game-viewing is so superb that you'd be unlucky not to spot the Big Five. The experienced rangers and staff, some of whom have been at the lodge for years, will look after you in a friendly, unfussy way. Children 8 years and older are welcome, and this is the best family option in the Dulini Collection. Your roomy, air-conditioned suite (try to sleep with the windows open, so you don't miss that lion roaring or hyena whooping) is decorated in soft earth colors and has its own heated plunge pool. The South African wine list is very impressive and showcases some very fine wines.  

Ivory Lodge offers the ultimate in luxury, privacy, and relaxation. Suites are really more like villas, as each has its own private entrance, separate sitting room and bedroom joined by a breezeway, and superb views overlooking the Sabie River and Kruger—the spacious deck comes equipped with a telescope and a plunge pool. Suites are decorated in contemporary African-European style with wood-burning fireplaces, a butler's passageway—you'll have a personal butler—and an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a freestanding tub. For something even more special (if possible), inquire about spending the night at the Chalkley Treehouse. 

Set on one of the longest and best stretches of river frontage in the Sabi Sands, you can watch the passing animal and bird show from your deck or from the huge, tree-shaded, wooden viewing area that juts out over the riverbank facing Kruger National Park. The guest rooms are comfortable and attractively Africa-themed, with honey-colored stone floors with pebble inlays, cream wooden furniture, embroidered white bed linens, and lamps and tables of dark indigenous wood. The food is imaginative and tasty, the staff enthusiastic, and the rangers highly qualified. After an exhilarating game drive, take a bush walk, browse in the classy curio shop, or relax with a beauty treatment at Lalamuka Spa (lalamuka means "unwind" in Shangaan). 

This friendly camp has 10 stone-and-thatch individual chalets set amid thick riverine bush; some chalets are linked by interconnecting skywalks, which is great for families or groups traveling together (children six years and older are welcome). Decorated in warm, comforting earth tones, each chalet has its own wooden viewing deck and plunge pool. Old family photographs decorate the walls and tables in the public areas, reminding you of Londolozi's decades-old history. Relax on the huge thatched dining and viewing deck that juts out over a quiet backwater of the Sand River, and watch the mammals and birds go by. Or join a group yoga class under the African sky.

The most secluded of all Londolozi's camps, Pioneer's three private suites overlook the river and are perfect if you want seclusion and privacy. They can also be adapted into a temporary family homestead if you choose to rent the whole place (children over the age of six are welcome). Suites have floor-to-ceiling glass sliding panels with great wilderness views. Super-elegant bathrooms and classy bedrooms meld contemporary chic and classic African styles while the  out-of-Africa furnishings in the public rooms blend perfectly with faded sepia photographs, old hunting prints, and scuffed safari treasures. Check out the unique wallpaper behind the inviting bar. In winter sink deeply into your comfortable armchair in front of your own blazing fireplace; in summer sit outside in your outdoor dining room and listen to Africa's night noises. There are inside and outside dining areas, viewing decks, and a gorgeous S-shaped pool in the surrounding bush.

Londolozi's largest camp, centered on a thatched A-frame lodge that houses a dining room, sitting areas, and a lounge, has been around for decades and is the very soul and center of Londolozi. Meals are served on a broad wooden deck that juts over the riverbed and under an ancient jackalberry tree. The thatch rondavels, which were the Varty family's original hunting camp, now do duty as a library, a wine cellar, and an interpretive center, where you can listen to history and ecotourism talks—don't miss the Londolozi leopard presentation. If you're looking for romance, have a private dinner on your veranda and go for a moonlight dip in your own plunge pool. In suites, the pool leads right to the riverbed. All rooms are decorated in African ethnic chic—in creams and browns and with the ubiquitous historic family photographs and documents—and have great bushveld views. Families are welcome (children must be over six), and the fascinating kids' programs should turn any couch potato into an instant wannabe ranger. Then there's the unique Healing House wellness center on-site. This is no typical spa massage parlor, but a holistic all-in-one retreat including wilderness walking and ancient forms of sound therapy.

The breathtakingly beautiful Rattray's Camp merges original bushveld style with contemporary African luxury. Stay in one of eight opulent villas with spacious double bathrooms, dressing rooms, and private heated plunge pools. The entrance hall, with art by distinguished African wildlife artists such as Keith Joubert, leads to a huge bedroom with a wooden four-poster bed, lounge with comfy furniture, writing desks (for crucial nightly journal entries), antique Persian rugs, and a dining nook. Floor-to-ceiling windows with insect-proof sliding doors face the Sand River and open out onto your own game-viewing deck. Public areas include viewing and dining decks, an infinity pool, lounge areas, a library, a bar, and an impressive wine cellar.

Set in Kruger National Park's fertile south (near the Numbi Gate), this attractive tented camp—think enormous infinity pool overlooking a waterhole—has partnered with the local Mdluli Community (some 45,000 people that live adjacent to the park) to help them earn back 2,100 acres of land inside the borders of the iconic Kruger that was seized by the government in 1967. If you're not on a game drive in the morning, each capacious and contemporary en suite tent has a deck and swing seat for lapping up the bushveld view with a mug in hand (ask for a unit directly overlooking the Kruger as some are obscured by other tents). There are four disability-friendly tents, and the entire lodge is wheelchair accessible. Daily drives can be done either in your own vehicle on public roads or pre-booked with safari guides, where you'll traverse quiet, private roads—a luxury in this game-rich, tourist-filled southern section of the park.

Although the southern section of Kruger is prone to overtourism, this luxurious tented camp lies in the underrated and remote northern realm of the Kruger National Park and stretches for more than a kilometer along the banks of the winding Luvuvhu River. It's a quieter experience, focused less on the Big Five and more on the precious land and the people that once inhabited it—the Makuleke. The area has rich human heritage sites and is one of the few places on earth where fever-tree and baobab forests intermingle. Birding is top-tier, with regular sightings of the rare and elusive Pel's fishing owl, and the multiday walking safaris here are renowned. Children of all ages are welcome, but must be six years old to join a game drive.

If you're looking for mega-opulence in traditional safari style, then this breathtakingly luxurious lodge is for you. From the moment you walk into the main lounge with its genuine antique furniture, leather chairs gleaming with the polish of years of use, old photographs and paintings, mounted game trophies, and hand-carved doors and windows, you'll be transported to Old Africa at its best. Your room gives exactly the same feel—beautiful antiques, a claw-foot bathtub, a four-poster bed, and a dressing room big enough to swing a leopard by the tail. Write in your journal at the antique desk or laze on your deck next to your private plunge pool and soak up the stunning views. The variety of interleading room suites makes this a top choice for intergenerational family safaris. 

More intimate than its sister camp, Lebombo, but still smack in the middle of the "Land of Lions," Sweni is built on wooden stilts with seven huge river-facing suites glassed on three sides, wooden on the other. At night khaki floor-to-ceiling drapes divide the living area from the bedroom, with its king-size bed and its cascade of ceramic beads. Brown netting lampshades, cream mohair throws, and brown leather furniture enhance the natural feel and contrast boldly with the gleam of stainless steel in the living room and bathroom. You can relax in a wooden rocking chair on your large reed-shaded deck and watch game, or spend the night under the stars on a comfy, mosquito-net-draped mattress. The pool suite is more plush with its own bathing deck.