Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most exciting African safari destination. For the best safari experience, there are luxury tents at various campsites. We’ll show you the most decked-out tents, furnished with king beds, private baths, and pools. Many are located in and around private game reserves so there’ll be plenty of wildlife to see. Whether you’re traveling with family or as a couple, there’ll be a luxury camp for you. So before you head out on a safari drive, here are the best luxury tented camps in Kruger National Park.
1. Saseka Tented Camp
Saseka Tented Camp is a 5-star luxury safari destination on the Monwana River. For the camp’s most luxurious accommodation, we recommend Leadwood Villa. This tented suite features sleeping, living, and dining areas, plus a private bath with a soaking tub. Glass doors open onto a private deck with a pool, chair, and sun lounges. Your deck overlooks the riverbed and is ideal for game viewing. The camp offers morning and afternoon game drives for more wildlife spotting. Saseka’s main area is an elevated deck where guests gather for meals and drinks. At night, they offer an African-tasting menu featuring a variety of local game meats.
- Guest Reviews: Absolutely 5-star experience. The game drives, the room, and the food exceeded expectations.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Leadwood Villa
- Address: Thornybush Nature Reserve, 1380 Hoedspruit, South Africa
2. Kapama Buffalo Camp
Kapama Buffalo Camp is a 5-star tented safari camp in Kapama Private Game Reserve. For the best stay, book one of the camp’s luxury tented suites. Each tented suite has a wooden floor with dark wood and leather finishes. Perfect for couples, there’s a king bed, a soaking tub, and an elevated deck overlooking the river. Buffalo Camp will also arrange safari game drives with experienced guides and rangers. After a day in the bush, you can relax on the deck by the outdoor pool. There are cocktails at the camp lounge and spa services at a nearby lodge. Meals are ala carte, with a traditional African dinner in the camp’s outdoor boma.
- Guest Reviews: Luxurious tent and delicious food. Spotted the Big 5 and saw a lion hunt on 2nd game drive.
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Rooms: Luxury tent
- Address: Hoedspruit, 1380 Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa
3. Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp
Parson’s Hilltop is an authentic tented safari camp in Balule Game Reserve. For the best game views, book a luxury safari tent with a private viewing deck. Each deck offers a birds-eye view of the lit-by-night waterhole and an outdoor shower. There’s even a luxury tent with an extra-long king bed and a private jacuzzi. One early morning or late afternoon game drive is included with your stay. And you can add more game drives or bush walks for an extra charge. In the evening, there’s a traditional braai BBQ with local meats cooked to perfection. If you want to relax, you can enjoy massage, facials, and body treatments on your private deck.
- Guest Reviews: Our tent was superb with two decks, a private pool, and a view of the watering hole.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Luxury safari tent
- Address: Parsons Nature Reserve Plot 36, 1380 Balule Game reserve, South Africa
4. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Hilltop Lodge is a luxurious tented camp in one of Timbavate Reserve’s finest settings. Relax in style with one of the camp’s luxury tented rooms. These rooms feature king or twin beds, with French doors opening onto a viewing deck. Each deck has a double rain shower, a private pavilion, and panoramic views of the bush and the river. Your luxury tent includes two safari activities per day, meals, and selected beverages. After a day on safari, cool off at the infinity pool or enjoy cocktails at the bar. There are also spa treatments available in the privacy of your tent. At night, you’ll enjoy dining under the stars and a campfire in the outdoor boma.
- Guest Reviews: The best safari experience we’ve ever had. We saw the Big 5 and much much more.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Luxury tent
- Address: Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
5. Hamiltons Tented Camp
Hamiltons Tented Camp is a 5-star tented safari lodge in Kruger National Park. Surrounded by ancient Jackalberry trees and wildlife, they offer an outstanding safari experience. Each tented suite features teak floors, slipper tubs, and a private deck with a plunge pool. Two game drives per day are included with each tented suite. The morning drive features tea and coffee, while the sunset drive offers gin and tonics. During the day, you may even see more wildlife as you cool off by the outdoor pool. Every evening guests will enjoy a lantern-lit 5-star dinner on the lodge grounds. When it’s time to relax, African spa treatments are available in the privacy of your tented suite.
- Guest Reviews: Glamping at its finest in a private location. Great safari experience and great food.
- Star Rating: 5 star
- Best Rooms: Safari tent
- Address: Mluwati Concession, Kruger National Park 1350 South Africa, 0740 Mluwati Concession, South Africa
6. Pafuri Tented Camp
Pafuri Tented Camp is a luxury safari camp along the banks of the Luvuvhu River. They offer nineteen designer tents, including seven tents for families of four. Each tent includes king or single beds, plus an ensuite bath with indoor and outdoor showers. Your outdoor deck overlooking the river is ideal for game-watching. And your luxury tent is all-inclusive, so meals are covered as well as two game drives per day. All meals are served al fresco and include traditional African entertainment. For the more adventurous, they offer guided bush walks, where wildlife encounters are guaranteed. After a day out, guests can unwind with a swim in the pool or a cocktail at the bush bar.
- Guest Reviews: Luxury tent with river and wildlife views. Meals were tasty and the game drives were a special experience.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Tent
- Address: Kruger National Park, 0982 Makuleke Contract Park, South Africa
7. Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps – Mantobeni
Honeyguide Mantobeni is a tented safari camp in the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve. Each tented suite features large beds, open-air baths, and outdoor viewing decks. Included are two daily Big 5 safaris, all meals, and a sunset cocktail stop for wildlife viewing. Honeyguide Mantobeni is unfenced, so there’s a high chance local wildlife will come to you. Chill with a cocktail in the open-air bar while elephants drink at the waterhole below. Relax in a sun lounge or cool off with a swim at the camp’s infinity pool. And don’t be surprised if you’re joined by an elephant or two. Breakfast is a choice of a buffet, or full English, while dinner is served under the stars.
- Guest Reviews: Our tent was super luxurious and the meals were delicious. The highlight was the elephants drinking at the pool.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Tent
- Address: Manyeleti Game Reserve Manyeleti, 1360 Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa
8. Shindzela Tented Camp
Shindzela is a tented safari camp within Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Their safari tents are under thatched roofs and come with twin or double beds. Ideal for couples, each tent features a wooden deck and an ensuite bath with a shower. Your stay includes two Big 5 game drives and all your meals. For dinner, guests enjoy African dishes, served under the stars in the outdoor boma. Morning safaris include coffee or tea, while the afternoon includes a sundowner break. A morning walking safari can be substituted for either game drive. After your safari, take a swim or relax with a book by the camp’s outdoor pool.
- Guest Reviews: The best safari experience. Our guides knew all the best places to find the Big 5.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Safari tent
- Address: Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 1360 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
9. Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Ukumbe Bush Lodge is a luxury tented camp inside Sabie Game Reserve. For families, we recommend the Superior tent. It’s big enough for five with a king bed, sofa bed, and a third bed available. There’s air conditioning, a bathtub, and a private deck with an outdoor shower. Packages include morning and afternoon game drives in open jeeps, plus all your meals. The main lodge’s viewing areas offer wildlife views of the savannah and the river. The lodge features a well-stocked bar, a large pool, and a sun lounge area. Guests enjoy breakfast and lunch at the lodge with dinner around the fire in the boma.
- Guest Reviews: Air-conditioned tents and great food. Saw the Big 5 and our game driver tracked a hunting lion.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Superior tent
- Address: Sabie Game Reserve Sabi Sand Wildtuin, 1242 Skukuza, South Africa
10. Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp – Khoka Moya
Honeyguide Khoka Moya is a luxury tented safari camp on the river in Manyeleti Reserve. For the best stay, book the Khoka Moya luxury tent. Each tent features queen or single beds, a seating area, double showers, and a wooden deck. The decks overlook the river or the bush, so there’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife roaming around. Also included are two game drives per day and all your meals. Safari drives include coffee or tea in the morning, with a sunset drink in the afternoon. Bush walks and junior tracking safaris for kids are available for an extra charge. At night, dinner is a communal meal where guests interact with the guides and rangers.
- Guest Reviews: Loved the food and relaxing by the pool. Our guide knew the best game spots.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Khoka Moya luxury tent
- Address: Manyeleti Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, 1380 Manyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa
11. AfriCamps at Hoedspruit
AfriCamps at Hoedspruit is a tented camp located by a peaceful dam, a well-known fishing spot. It’s common to see wildlife come here for a drink including zebras and waterbucks. Their luxury tents are designed for families, fitted with bunk beds and a double bed for parents. There’s also a full kitchen, dining, lounge area, and a cozy fireplace. Just outside the tent, you’ll have a wood-fired hot tub and barbecue area by the water. It’s the best spot for family gatherings during the day. Africamps are one of the more affordable options for accommodation, so safaris are extra cost.
- Guest Reviews: We had a great family stay, our kids loved it. Our favorite was the wood-fired hot tub overlooking the dam.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Tent
- Address: Guernsey Klaserie Klaserie,, 1380 Hoedspruit, South Africa
12. Mdluli Safari Lodge
Mdluli is a tented safari lodge in the southwestern region of Kruger National Park. Each custom-designed luxury tent sleeps a family of four comfortably. There’s a king bed, a double sleeper couch, and private indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, the elevated oversized patio offers the best wildlife viewing. Book a Game Drive Package, and you’ll enjoy one game drive a day, plus breakfast and dinner. At night, dinner is particularly memorable as you’re served local cuisines under the stars. Cool off from the African sun in the infinity pool overlooking the watering hole. Enjoy wildlife views, including elephants, zebras, and impalas.
- Guest Reviews: Huge tents, great meals, and cocktails by the pool. The sunset game drive was incredible.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Luxury tent
- Address: Kruger National Park between Numbi Gate and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, 1242, 1242 Hazyview, South Africa
Best Time To Visit Kruger
The best time to visit Kruger National Park depends on your preferences. But if you want to see certain animals, some months may be better than others. Here are three main things to consider when planning your visit:
- Weather and Wildlife Viewing – The dry winter months (May to September) are generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park. With water sources becoming scarce, animals tend to gather around rivers and waterholes. This makes them easier to spot. Additionally, the cooler temperatures during winter are more comfortable for game drives. However, it’s important to note that it can get quite cold in the early mornings and evenings, so pack warm clothing.
- Birdwatching – For birdwatching, the wet summer months (October to March) are the ideal time to visit Kruger National Park. During this time, migratory bird species arrive. This is when the park’s birdlife is at its most diverse. The landscape is also lush and green, which can provide beautiful backdrops for your wildlife photographs. However, it’s worth noting that the summer months are also the park’s rainy season. Be prepared for occasional showers and increased mosquito activity.
- Crowds and Accommodation – Kruger National Park is a popular tourist destination, so visitor numbers can vary depending on the season. The park tends to be busiest during school holidays, long weekends, and South Africa’s local holiday periods. If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, it’s advisable to avoid these peak times. Additionally, booking your tent well in advance is crucial.
How To Get To Tented Camps In Kruger
Getting to a tented camp in the Kruger usually entails a flight to the nearest airport and a car transfer. Many lodges have transfer services with preferred partners. A few lodges do complementary transfers, and those with an airstrip have light aircraft shuttles at extra cost. In either case, you should contact the game lodge to request a pickup. But generally, transfer details will be on their official websites – (also if no such service is available). Always check arrival times and travel times to your camp so you can get there before the gates close. If you’re self-driving, make sure to print out the route details. Cellular services and Google Maps are very limited in this region. Here are the airports that are closest to campsites in Kruger National Park.
- Hendrik Van Eck / Phalaborwa Airport (FAPH/PHW) – PHW is the northernmost airport for the Kruger area. Unfortunately, regular commercial flights are un-operational. Instead, you should use Hoedspruit (HDS) Airport just 75 km south.
- Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) – HDS Airport mostly serves the central Kruger region. You can use this airport to get to most Luxury Tented Camps on our list. This includes Pafuri Tented Camp in the far north and east-central camps, like Honeyguide and Hamilton’s. Additionally, Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp now uses HDS. But if you don’t want to travel too far, Kapama Buffalo Camp and Saseka Tented Camp (photo above) are the closest. The Airport has a private rental car and transfers services.
- Shukuza Airport (SZK) – SZK Airport serves the southern Kruger area, especially Sabi-Sabi. A number of camps use both HDS and SZK airports. One such camp is Hamilton’s, but the HDS transfer is cheaper. Umkumbe Bush Lodge is closest to Shukuza Airport. The airport offers lodge transfers and private car hire.
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) – KMI Airport is the newest and southernmost airport serving the Kruger area since 2002. You can use this Kruger airport to get to the luxury tented camps at Mdluli Safari Lodge. The airport has a number of car hire companies and shuttle services.
Tented Camps vs Safari Lodges
Tented camps tend to be more intimate with fewer guests as they are quite remote. You’ll be immersed in the natural elements so you’ll hear all the sounds of nature in tents. In our list, the luxury tents are almost as luxurious as safari lodges. Some may have teak floors, fine furnishings, air-conditioning, or even glass-walled sections. Generally, tents should be cheaper than safari lodges. Due to their often remote locations, some campsites don’t receive cellular signals and few are for adults only. Overall, tented camps may offer a closer experience of nature compared to safari tents.
Best Tented Camps In Kruger For Safari Game Drives
Most tented camps, like safari lodges, have two inclusive game drives – morning and evening. Although AfriCamps at Hoedspruit, located outside the game parks, has only one drive. While Mdluli Safari Lodge has a cost difference between one or two drive packages. In most instances, the vehicles are open back 4 x 4’s seating between 4 to 8 guests. Some camps even allow self-driving safaris. You will also be accompanied by a professional ranger and an assistant or tracker. Other options may be inclusive bush walks, bird-watching tours, or photography safaris. Based on guest ratings, these luxury tented camps offer the best game drives:
- Kapama Buffalo Camp – Kapama’s regular game drives have both a senior and assistant guide, with off-road viewing. Amateur photographers can enjoy a two-day safari workshop. Meanwhile, walking tours will take you on an adventure following animal tracks. You can also fly door to door from Johannesburg or Cape Town in their executive 8-seater Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
- Simbavati Hilltop Lodge – Simbavati teams up professional guides with local traditional animal trackers. Safari drives use open-sided 4 x4’s with tiered seating. Evening drives always continue a little into sundown for more shy animal sightings. Off-road viewing is included and each vehicle has extra binoculars and bird books for guests.
- Hamilton’s Tented Camp – Hamilton’s was one of the first private concessions within Kruger Park, so you can also self-drive at your own leisure. They also have private vehicles to rent. The included game drives use experienced guides and open 4 x 4 land cruisers. Their bush walks, birding tours, and open-bush dinners are a must.
Best Tented Camps In Kruger For Families
- Pafuri Tented Camp – Pafuri has designer family tents. Inside you’ll find a large double and two single beds with an indoor and private outdoor shower. Raised wooded platforms between facilities make it safe for children. There’s also a pool and bar overlooking the Luvuvhe River, and you can enjoy riverside picnics. Children aged 6 and older can go on game drives, and walking safaris can include teens 16 years and older.
- AfriCamps at Hoedspruit (photo above) – AfriCamps is a tented facility alongside a Hoedspruit damn. It’s ideal for fishing and is frequented by non-predator games. For families with young kids, they’ll love the bunk beds in the Luxury tents. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, so you can enjoy the outdoor barbecue. The private hot tub by the river is a nice touch as well. You can choose from one of eight guided game drives per day to the Kruger or private reserves nearby.
Best Tented Camps In Kruger For Couples
- Saseka Tented Camp (photo above) – Saseka is in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve. Luxury tents have beautiful designer fabrics, even for the tent ceiling. Exquisite foods range from healthy breakfast bowls to local fusion cuisine – or you can request a private chef. Specials include honeymoon and wedding safaris, catered special occasions, and private safari drives.
- Hamiltons Tented Camp – Hamilton, named after one of the original founders of the Kruger Park, offers colonial-style luxury in a tent! Each tent also has a teak deck with a plunge pool. You’ll love the beautiful river views. No cell phone reception ensures couples spend time together. Self-driving safari is also an option, but car rentals are not available onsite.
Kruger National Park Tented Camps Map
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Find More Luxury Tents in Kruger National Park
Best Kruger National Park Tents
| Kruger National Park Camps | Best Rooms |
| Saseka Tented Camp | Leadwood villa |
| Kapama Buffalo Camp | Luxury tent |
| Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp | Luxury safari tent |
| Simbavati Hilltop Lodge | Luxury tent |
| Hamiltons Tented Camp | Safari tent |
| Pafuri Tented Camp | Tent |
| Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps – Mantobeni | Tent |
| Shindzela Tented Camp | Safari tent |
| Umkumbe Bush Lodge | Superior tent |
| Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp – Khoka Moya | Khoka Moya luxury tent |
| AfriCamps at Hoedspruit | Tent |
| Mdluli Safari Lodge | Luxury tent |
