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Arathusa Safari Lodge
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Canoeing

HomeDestinationsKruger Private Reserves
The private reserves along Kruger's flank, Sabi Sands and Timbavati among them, share the park's wildlife and set their own rules.
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The private game reserves in Kruger are set alongside the national park’s unfenced western boundary and deliver the best Big 5 safaris in Southern Africa. Here are some of our favourite reasons to visit:
The ‘Kruger area’ and a ‘Kruger safari’ usually comprise the massive national park itself plus the park's surrounding private game reserves. Easily accessible via road or air, these exclusive, conservation-driven reserves are pioneers of the ‘luxury safari’ concept. Whether you're planning a safari for the family, a romantic honeymoon or a wildlife adventure, you can expect a superb luxury safari experience at Kruger private reserves like:
To discover other exclusive safari areas in the rest of the continent, see our list of the best private game reserves in Africa.

The Kruger National Park and its neighbouring private game reserves deliver incredible game viewing, thanks to the large concentration of animals that live within this vast wildlife area. Remember, because there are no fences and the animals are free to roam as they please, sightings in both the national park and the Kruger private game reserves can be equally sensational. The difference is in how you experience those sightings.
When you’re on safari in one of the Kruger private reserves, you are privy to special activities like:
The below table provides a good overview of the the key differences but for a more comprehensive comparison, read our guide to the differences between the Kruger National Park and Kruger private reserves.
| Kruger National Park | Kruger Private Game Reserves | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Government-owned and managed | Privately owned and managed | |||
| Admission | Public | Only guests of the private reserve | |||
| Self-drivers & Tour Buses | ✔ | ✖ | |||
| Safari Vehicles From Private Reserves | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Guided Game Drives | ✔ (with national rangers) |
✔ (with private guides) |
|||
| Vehicle Limit at Animal Sightings | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Walking Safaris | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Night Game Drives | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Star-bed Sleepouts | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Private Pools | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Big 5 Sightings | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Self-catering Accommodation | ✔ | ✖ | |||
| Off-road Game Driving | ✖ | ✔ | |||
| Public Camping | ✔ | ✖ | |||
| Budget Accommodation | ✔ | ✖ |
Bird watching
Food and wine
Private concessions and conservancies
Wildlife and safari

For genuine exclusivity, low visitor numbers and sensational game viewing, we recommend a safari in a private game reserve in Kruger. Leading the way in luxury safaris, these exclusive-use conservation areas are world famous for their virtually guaranteed Big 5 sightings.

Home to several of Africa’s famous safari brands including Singita, Londolozi, MalaMala and the eponymous Sabi Sabi, this reserve features the most exclusive and luxurious safari accommodation in South Africa. Not only is this private reserve a pioneer of the luxury safari concept, but it also delivers the best Big 5 game viewing in all of Africa.

Aptly named after its open savannah woodland with dense patches of tangled thicket and thorny scrub, Thornybush is a famous Big 5 game reserve in Kruger. It features excellent safari accommodation for families or groups, couples and wildlife enthusiasts.

A local conservation success story, Timbavati’s 53 000 hectares (131 000 acres) make up a spectacular private game reserve in Kruger.
Easily accessible from nearby Hoedspruit Airport, Kapama is 13 000 hectares (32 000 acres) of open woodland and tangled riverine forest. Besides Big 5 game viewing, guests at Kapama’s lodges can enjoy hot-air balloon flights and sleep-outs under the stars.
The 60 000-hectare (148 000-acre) Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is hot and dry for most of the year, which makes game viewing along its Klaserie River hugely rewarding. Expect great Big 5 game viewing and plenty of plains game too.
Manyeleti delivers excellent Big 5 game viewing thanks to its prime location between the Kruger, Sabi Sands and Timbavati. One of the drier areas of the Kruger, it’s famous for both its animal-packed waterholes and clear night skies. You can look forward to beautiful evenings at the ‘Place of Stars'.
This private game reserve in Kruger features 22 000 hectares (54 000 acres) of acacia scrub, rocky hills and open savannah surrounding the riverine forests of the Makhutswi River. Makalali is classic Big 5 country and you can also expect to see traditional Shangaan dancing at the handful of lodges on the reserve.

The dry winter, May to September, is the classic. School holidays and Christmas cost more and feel busier.

Malaria area. Ask a clinic. Ask about age rules before you choose a camp for a family.
If you want to go on a luxury safari in a private game reserve in Kruger, look no further than our selection of Big 5 safaris, family-friendly holidays and romantic honeymoons. Kruger's private game reserves augment a part of the Greater Kruger area that's famous for its superb game viewing, world-class guiding and sublime safari accommodation.
Browse our recommended tours and safaris below or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to tailor-make an itinerary based on your travel wishes:
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Explore Cape Town's beaches & family-friendly attractions.
Explore the city & surrounds at your own pace. Drink in the beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Exceptional accommodation. Five-star cuisine & service.
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town.
Stylish, central boutique hotel in Cape Town. Fly-in Sabi Sands Game Reserve (adjoins Kruger).
Stay at the heart of the V&A Waterfront at one of our favourite hotels. A combination of hand-picked exclusive properties.
A fantastic honeymoon or celebration holiday full of pampering. Search for the Big 5 in Sabi Sands.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Ultra-luxury accommodation . Fine dining paired with award-winning South African wines.
Stay in a trendy Cape Town hotel. Lounge on beautiful city beaches.
Scenic helicopter flights in Cape Town and Victoria Falls included. Gourmet tours of the foodie havens of Cape Town and Franschhoek.
Stay in a beautiful Victorian-era guest house with an African twist. Enjoy Cape Town's top restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and boutiques.
Combine two of Southern Africa's biggest destinations. Walk to thundering Victoria Falls from your hotel.
Visit the Masai Mara, Victoria Falls & Cape Town. Luxury accommodation & excellent service.
Ranger & tracker guided 4x4 safaris. Personal butler.
Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
Zambezi River & Victoria Falls adventures. Big 5 game viewing in a premier reserve.
One of our favourite honeymoon trips. Stay at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront at the city's top hotels.
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Explore Cape Town's beaches & family-friendly attractions.
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Explore Cape Town's beaches & family-friendly attractions.
Explore the city & surrounds at your own pace. Drink in the beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Explore the city & surrounds at your own pace. Drink in the beauty of the Cape Winelands.
Exceptional accommodation. Five-star cuisine & service.
Exceptional accommodation. Five-star cuisine & service.
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town.
Combine two of South Africa's must-do destinations. Stay in the cosmopolitan heart of Cape Town.
Stylish, central boutique hotel in Cape Town. Fly-in Sabi Sands Game Reserve (adjoins Kruger).
Stylish, central boutique hotel in Cape Town. Fly-in Sabi Sands Game Reserve (adjoins Kruger).
Stay at the heart of the V&A Waterfront at one of our favourite hotels. A combination of hand-picked exclusive properties.
Stay at the heart of the V&A Waterfront at one of our favourite hotels. A combination of hand-picked exclusive properties.
A fantastic honeymoon or celebration holiday full of pampering. Search for the Big 5 in Sabi Sands.
A fantastic honeymoon or celebration holiday full of pampering. Search for the Big 5 in Sabi Sands.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Ultra-luxury accommodation . Fine dining paired with award-winning South African wines.
Ultra-luxury accommodation . Fine dining paired with award-winning South African wines.
Stay in a trendy Cape Town hotel. Lounge on beautiful city beaches.
Stay in a trendy Cape Town hotel. Lounge on beautiful city beaches.
Scenic helicopter flights in Cape Town and Victoria Falls included. Gourmet tours of the foodie havens of Cape Town and Franschhoek.
Scenic helicopter flights in Cape Town and Victoria Falls included. Gourmet tours of the foodie havens of Cape Town and Franschhoek.
Stay in a beautiful Victorian-era guest house with an African twist. Enjoy Cape Town's top restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and boutiques.
Stay in a beautiful Victorian-era guest house with an African twist. Enjoy Cape Town's top restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and boutiques.
Combine two of Southern Africa's biggest destinations. Walk to thundering Victoria Falls from your hotel.
Combine two of Southern Africa's biggest destinations. Walk to thundering Victoria Falls from your hotel.
Visit the Masai Mara, Victoria Falls & Cape Town. Luxury accommodation & excellent service.
Visit the Masai Mara, Victoria Falls & Cape Town. Luxury accommodation & excellent service.
Ranger & tracker guided 4x4 safaris. Personal butler.
Ranger & tracker guided 4x4 safaris. Personal butler.
Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
Zambezi River & Victoria Falls adventures. Big 5 game viewing in a premier reserve.
Zambezi River & Victoria Falls adventures. Big 5 game viewing in a premier reserve.
One of our favourite honeymoon trips. Stay at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront at the city's top hotels.
One of our favourite honeymoon trips. Stay at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront at the city's top hotels.
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
4 daysA visit with a local community.
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps
Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
South Africa | Western Cape
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh425,226 pps
Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps
5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps
Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
From KSh1,470,438 to KSh1,663,900 pps
Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
5 daysMorning and afternoon game drives.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
Accommodation in the private game reserves around Kruger ranges from luxury safari lodges to private tented camps – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and traveller types. If you’re looking for a Big 5 safari in one of the best game viewing areas in Africa, our selection of accommodation in Kruger's private game reserves is sure to inspire you.
Browse our favourite accommodation below or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help make planning your Kruger safari so much simpler:
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13 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
From KSh727,104 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Canoeing
From KSh1,741,154 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Fine dining experience
From KSh1,105,588 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Cultural visits | Bush dining | Bird watching | Wine tasting
From KSh1,036,123 to KSh1,982,657 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Star gazing | Bush dining | Bird watching
From KSh2,859,077 to KSh3,031,764 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Cultural visits | Star gazing | Bush dining | Bird watching | Fine dining experience
From KSh773,846 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Sleep-out experience available | Bird watching | Scenic flights
From KSh1,541,201 to KSh1,735,961 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaNight drives | Game drives | Bird watching | Cooking lessons | Fishing | Horse riding
From KSh917,969 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Cultural visits | Bird watching | Scenic flights | Fishing | Canoeing
From KSh1,470,438 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaNight drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Bird watching
From KSh1,053,002 to KSh1,207,512 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaNight drives | Game drives | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Fishing | Canoeing
From KSh2,994,110 to KSh3,819,893 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Star gazing | Bird watching | Boat excursions
From KSh2,424,113 to KSh3,140,830 pps
Kruger Private Reserves, South AfricaGame drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Historical tours | Bird watching
These reserves are the top of the South African price list. A rest camp in Kruger is the honest cheaper alternative.
International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.