The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship Big Five game reserve, covering two million hectares of the Lowveld region. Anyone who has visited this natural treasure knows all too well that this is where you go to recharge your batteries, absorb nature and unwind for a while. That is exactly why TravelGround compiled a list of stays close to the entrance gates of the Kruger National Park, allowing you to enjoy comfortable getaway destinations not too far from the park!

Sit back, relax and scroll through these conveniently located spots.

Hamiltons Lodge and Restaurant

Malelane

Distance to park: 500 m from the Malelane Gate

This family-friendly stay has a relaxed atmosphere and boasts lovely rooms that sleep two to four guests each. Breakfast is included at this spot where the fresh Bushveld air helps unwind any guest. The rooms are serviced daily, and have high ceilings, DStv, and large sliding doors.

Facilities: swimming pool, restaurant, two local art and homeware shops, conferencing facilities and wine tasting

Click here for rates. 

Elephant Walk Retreat  

Crocodile Bridge

Distance to park: 700 m from the Crocodile Bridge Gate

This retreat on the banks of the Crocodile River caters to those in search of the Big Five. The lodge often has magnificent herds of elephants visiting the area and the units here each have views of the Crocodile River. Activities include game drives into the Kruger National Park, hiking tours and fishing.

Facilities: braai facilities, swimming pool, shaded lapa area and free Wi-Fi

Click here for rates. 

Sausage Tree Safari Camp

Hoedspruit

Distance to park: This safari camp shares an open boundary with the Kruger National Park.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp is where you want to be if you’re in search of a luxurious African safari experience and the best part is two meals and two Big Five game drives are included! These tents overlook a dry river bed and are nestled between trees. Each tent has a private deck and outdoor shower and guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner with a view of waterholes frequented by animals.

Facilities: boma, swimming pool, fireplace on the deck and free Wi-Fi

Click here for rates. 

Silonque Bush Estate & Spa

Phalaborwa

Distance to park: 8 km from the Phalaborwa Gate

Silonque Bush Estate flaunts luxury self-catering safari houses, each suitable for two to six guests with terraces facing the Kruger National Park. Enjoy the birds, warthogs, impalas and other animals that roam freely on the estate and come and unwind at night while you listen to the lion’s roar in the distance. 

Facilities: tennis courts, two swimming pools and free Wi-Fi

Click here for rates. 

Cambalala Kruger Park Lodge

Hazyview 

Distance to park: 9 km from the Phabeni Gate 

This self-catering lodge is located on a golf resort on the banks of the Sabie River and offers the perfect location for exploring the Kruger National Park. Impala, vervet monkeys and Egyptian geese roam freely on the grounds while the lodge also has a hippo hide. The rooms are ideal for couples, families or groups of friends, and guests can braai on one of the large wooden decks.

Facilities: tennis courts, mini-golf course, swimming pools, walking trails and a Gary Player-designed golf course

Click here for rates. 

Awelani Lodge

Tshikuyu

Distance to park: 12 km from the Pafuri Gate

Awelani Lodge hides in a 1700-hectare conservancy, near the Pafuri Gate on the R525. Here, guests can walk or mountain bike through a wooded conservancy with a variety of trees and enjoy nature to its full extent. Accommodation is available for two to six guests in bungalows, a chalet, standard rooms or neat safari tents. 

Facilities: on-site restaurant and pub, braai facilities, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi and conferencing facilities

Click here for rates. 

Kruger View Chalets

Malelane

Distance to park: 11 km from the Malelane Gate 

Kruger view Chalets, krugerpark wildlife game viewing accommodation

Come and relax on the banks of the Crocodile River in these chalets for two to four guests. When you are not enjoying the wildlife in the park, you can sunbathe by the pool, go birdwatching or indulge in a delicious meal at the restaurant.

wildlife accommodation self catering kruger park

Facilities: swimming pool, covered parking and a braai area

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Komati River Chalets

Komatipoort

Distance to park: 13 km from the Crocodile Bridge Gate

Crocodile Rivers in the Southern Kruger Park

Komati River Chalets are located at the confluence of the Komati and Crocodile Rivers in the southern area of the Kruger National Park and offers accommodation in striking chalets, each suitable for two to eight guests. The chalets are just 50 m from the tranquil water, offering a quiet escape. Activities include fishing, swimming and birdwatching. 

kruger wildlife park game viewing accommodation

Facilities: game drives, swimming pool, restaurant and wheelchair-friendly accommodation 

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Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge

Marloth Park

Distance to park: 22 km to the Crocodile Bridge Gate 

Each chalet at this lodge has a deck, splash pool and braai area. It sleeps two to six guests, is equipped for self-catering and has air-conditioning for those hot summer days. Enjoy a peaceful stay while game roams freely around the lodge and surrounding areas. 

Facilities: splash pool, braai area and dinner is available on request

Click here for rates. 

Bundox Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit

Distance to park: 50 km from the Orpen Gate

Bundox Safari Lodge has a true Bushveld atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful wooden furnishings. It is located near Hoedspruit and guests can easily visit the Blyde River Canyon. Two chalets and seven structured tents offer unique accommodation, some units flaunt small boma areas and all of them include dinner and breakfast. Guests can also enjoy the early morning sounds of roaring lions from nearby reserves. 

Facilities: swimming pool, a deck overlooking the bush, two bomas, free Wi-Fi and braai area

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Amafu Forest Lodge

Kruger to Canyons

Distance to park: 62 km from the Orpen Gate

Amafu Forest Lodge boasts tents, cottages and freestanding units suited for couples or bigger groups. This oasis lies in the foothills of the Mariepskop Mountains and is just a short driving distance from the Blyde River Canyon. Pets are welcome here, and the site has over 500 species of birds!

Facilities: restaurant, alfresco bar, infinity pool, Wi-Fi, braai area and boma

Click here for rates. 

Lengau Lodge

Phalaborwa

Distance to park: 30 km from the Phalaborwa Gate

Situated in the Grietjie Private Nature Reserve, part of Balule and the Greater Kruger region just outside of Phalaborwa, Lengau Lodge offers an intimate experience where guests can see the Big Five. The lodge has no fence, so animals visit the property freely. Come and stay in one of three rondavel chalets or the family room, take a dip in the pool, enjoy a meal at the restaurant or partake in one of the daily game drives. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Facilities: restaurant, sun deck, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and game drives

Click here for rates. 


What are you waiting for? Book your stay close to one of the Kruger’s gates today to experience wildlife and so much more that South Africa has to offer. 

Feature image: Sausage Tree Safari Camp on TravelGround.com