Top 10 mid-range hotels & camps in Kruger Park

Kruger Park’s Best Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges

Find all the information, advice and reviews you need on the best mid-range hotels in Kruger National Park South Africa. We feature the top 10 well-priced lodges for your safari here, chosen for their family-friendly facilities and romantic bushveld settings.   Planning a trip to the famous Kruger means choosing best value accommodation in mid-range luxury lodges, affordable safari hotels, rustic bungalows and authentic campsites in nature. Enjoy a self-drive holiday to the park or experience an organized safari tour with a top operator on one of our special package safari itineraries tailor-made for your needs. 

We recommend one of our top mid-range hotels when you head to Kruger for a family holiday in the bushveld. Browse our top 10 affordable romantic getaways in remote wilderness settings. Experience jaw-dropping wildlife sightings from your well-priced bungalow, tented camp or thatched chalet. Our best-rated Kruger safari accommodations range from budget, self-catering units to fantastic 3-star hotels and luxury safari lodges. 

Best-value mid-range hotels and lodges in National Kruger Park include accommodation in rest camps managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks). Various well-equipped self-catering accommodations suit those who prefer more independence and flexibility during their Kruger safari holiday.  Mid-range bush lodges within the Greater National Kruger Park offer a blend of comfort and an authentic African bush experience ranging from traditional thatched huts to luxurious tented camps. Many bush lodges provide game drives and guided bush walks led by experienced rangers, ensuring unforgettable wildlife encounters. Such as these – take time to browse our top well-priced mid-range hotels in Kruger National Park

Kapama Southern Camp Kruger Park 

Luxury mid-range accommodation in a wilderness setting at the tranquil Kapama Southern Camp can be found in the greater Kruger Park area within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. ‘Wow’ features include modern and air-conditioned suites with undulating bushveld views, all boasting private verandas, full en suite bathrooms, and minibars. Get unbeaten deals at this designer camp and stay in funky new suites, chic villas with plunge pools or larger family chalets with extra bedrooms. Ideal for family safari holidays, honeymoon escapes or business meetings in Africa, Kapama Southern Camp has been constructed with huge glass windows to promote continual game viewing and bird watching wherever you are.  

Choose Kapama as your honeymoon safari destination as part of a thrilling cross-country safari between Kruger and Limpopo National Park, or the excitement of a Victoria Falls adventure and a city break to Cape Town. Couples will revel in magnificent outlooks over a waterhole where wildlife gathers at all hours and the inviting rim-flow swimming pool offers respite in the heat of the day. Chill out in the sophisticated lounge with a glass of wine and dine around the traditional Boma fire. Thrilling game drives with top pro rangers take guests into the bushveld every day and relaxation takes on new meaning with a high-tech wellness center with spa and fitness facilities nearby. 

&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge 

Family safari holidays at &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge are the ultimate, exciting break in the beautiful Kruger Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Here, upmarket mid-range accommodation suits children and parents staying in family-style accommodation in 3 thatched en-suite safari chalets with private verandas along the seasonal Timbavati River banks. The two-bedroom family suite has its own swimming pool, as well as a dedicated vehicle and ranger. Inhale the grassy thatch aroma as lanterns and candles twinkle in the trees at night. Enjoy the soft decor with its ethnic trims. Children will run off with game rangers and staff and leave parents to chill at the Spa or fitness center then sip a cocktail together at the warm bush bar. 

Enjoy a colonial enclave in the African wilderness, a place where antiques, silver cutlery and crystal glassware reflect a bygone era. Guests will appreciate how AndBeyond cares for the land, the wildlife and its people when they stay at Ngala Safari Lodge. Game drives reveal so much more than the Big 5 in their iconic glory but also fascinating nocturnal animals and birds. Voyage2Africa recommends combining this idyllic bush story with an exclusive island break at the magical &Beyond Benguerra Island retreat with the same company! It’s a designer 9-night bush-beach combo package tour invaluable to families who dream of that terrific safari-island holiday into Kruger and Mozambique. 

Jock Safari Lodge Kruger National Park 

Stay in the delightful award-winning Jock Safari Lodge on the edge of Kruger National Park at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers. This mid-range eco-accommodation is rather luxurious to stay the least, offering peaceful suites decorated in a colonial, stylish décor with African artworks, private plunge pools and stunning ensuite bathrooms. Find Jock Safari Lodge on an inspiring 6 000-ha bushveld concession packed with wildlife and boasting some of the oldest Bushmen rock artworks in Africa, about 3000 years old. It’s an environmentally friendly and conservation-oriented destination committed to sustainable tourism ethics.

Jock Safari Lodge is proud to be known as the best environmental concession within the Kruger and guests can become part of the drive to sustain people and the planet in eco-tourism approaches. Make the most of bush walks to learn as much as you can about the biodiversity around you and the endangered plants and animals. Bring the children to learn about the threats to wildlife and what they can do to help when they join the Kids on Safari programme, in nature. 

Jock has for many years worked to upskill and uplift community members to sustain their own livelihoods. A great partnership has been formed with the well-known Wilderness Foundation Africa to teach kids conservation education and then take them on to get green jobs. It’s a place to rediscover the real you! And it’s affordable when you choose one of our unbeaten package deals for the Kruger National Park region. We can make Jock Safari Lodge the go-to Kruger destination in this combo bush-beach package deal that lasts 11 nights and takes you to a bush lodge, then a Mozambique beach and island retreat. 

The Outpost Lodge Makuleke 

The Outpost Lodge would be classified as upmarket mid-range romantic accommodation in the greater Kruger region and it features simple, clean lines created using steel, concrete and open space to create a bold modern style. Honeymoon couples love this affordable lodge, part of many special deals, and it blends into and preserves the wilderness that is its home. 

As an intrepid safari traveler to The Outpost Lodge in the Makuleke Contractual Park, you will revel in this huge and untouched wilderness area on the borders of the Limpopo River, Zimbabwe, Crooks Corner and Mozambique. Look out for Nyala and Tsessebe on game drives in 26 500ha of private wilderness paradise. Then relish excursions to Thulamela, an archaeological site dating back hundreds of years – or to the Makuleke Village for a cultural experience. Seek out more than 350 bird species and the ancient Baobab trees dotted around. It’s a diverse and dreamy holiday for two.

The award-winning Outpost features 12 spacious minimalistic (fancy mid-range) en-suite luxury chalets, wide open to nature with big, polished screed decks that flow from the bedroom into the tree canopy. Find them on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River and linked to the central living area with an attractive Zimbabwean teak boardwalk. 

Lukimbi Safari Lodge 

You are in for a real treat when you book into Lukimbi Safari Lodge with one of our super game viewing special deals and what a surprise to find such lavish ‘mid-range’ accommodation. Your once-off rate includes your stay in en-suite, air-conditioned suites, 3 full meals daily, all teas and coffees, two game drives daily in open Land Rovers and a safari walk. You simply cannot go wrong with excellent game sightings at Lukimbi Safari Lodge in this private Kruger National Park concession. 

Explore 15 000 ha of pristine bushveld wilderness when you book a suite at the African-designed 5-star Lukimbi, a place of unique beauty and carefully designed architecture. Lavish yet unobtrusive safari accommodation in 16 elevated suites is decorated with modern African furnishings, making the most of the incredible river views. You may find yourself in the Giant Eagle Owl and King Cheetah rooms which boast private pools, dining areas, larger lounges, huge bathtubs, inside and outside showers, and private pools on wooden decks. 

Premiere suites are ideal for honeymoon couples with a bit more luxury thrown in! Open wooden decks along the Lwakahle River link the social areas of Lukimbi in a subtle, attractive manner. Lukimbi is a huge magnet for business delegates thanks to its high-tech conference facilities and space for 40 delegates to meet and relax, game drives finishing off a day of hard work. Remember to book your reflexology treatment at the spa after a full body massage. Why not extend the Lukimibi safari experience for a few days to add on a beach and island Mozambique vacation too? We recommend our scintillating 11-day bush Vilanculos and Benguerra Island package deal for travelers looking for a bit more than mid-range accommodation!

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge offers superior mid-range safari accommodation in a 12000-hectare private wilderness concession in Kruger National Park. The property shares a 15 km unfenced boundary with the Mala Mala and Sabi Sand reserves and each of the 8 elevated suites at Rhino Post Safari Lodge boasts a furnished balcony overlooking the riverbed. These chalets on stilts are semi-permanent structures that have little impact on the environment around them. And are created from thatch, wood and canvas. 

Game drives at Rhino Post Safari Lodge are eco-friendly and ethical in that no off-road driving is permitted and all guests are privileged to ride the Kruger National Park roads at night, alone and in search of nocturnal animals. The main attraction at this private lodge near Kruger is wildlife viewing and bushwalking to get close to animals and feel the magic. Relax on the shaded patio overlooking the waterhole or enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool under huge Tamboti trees on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed.

It’s a good idea to extend your Rhino Post safari with a bit of city and beach in our once-in-a-lifetime rainbow nation South African package tour. Set off on a 10-night jaunt from Cape Town to the Kruger then to the amazing Timbavati Game Reserve. The highlight is of course the gorgeous Rhino Post, an authentic safari lodge with just 8 bush suites, making it an intimate experience in a prime position in the Kruger National Park. 

Simbavati River Lodge 

Hiding in the thick of the famous Timbavati Game Reserve, the Simbavati River Lodge awaits visitors to experience unbeaten wildlife encounters. This fancy ‘mid-range’ accommodation features vast viewing decks and elegant interiors – a great blend of rustic chic décor with a pleasing effect on the eye and the psyche.  Three family chalets offer two bedrooms, a bathtub set on a stone ledge and a large rain shower. Gaze in awe at the wildlife before you from your private deck overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. Six lavish tented suites offer outside rain showers and game-viewing decks over the river while honeymoon couples get their own secluded romantic tented villas complete with solar-heated splash pools where elephants love to drink! 

The best part about your safari to Simbavati Lodge is the fantastic game drives and trails to marvel at biodiversity including the ‘big 5’. There’s plenty of time to enjoy all the luxurious lodge facilities and evenings offer tranquil campfire relaxation with traditional African cuisine often prepared on the ‘braai’ or barbecue. 

Find the amazing Simbavati River Lodge in the northern sector of the lush Timbavati Private Nature Reserve embraced by 12 000-ha of rich wilderness. We suggest that you plan an extensive trip to South Africa on our irresistible rainbow nation 10-night adventure package tour that incorporates this game reserve with the Greater Kruger region a Cape Town city adventure. 

Sabi Bush Lodge 

Welcome to this flagship lodge for Sabi Sabi, the award-winning Bush Lodge offering a lively inviting aura, hospitable staff and dedication to wildlife conservation.  Find it in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, now part of Kruger National Park in South Africa, a haven of luxury and African adventure. This upmarket, more than ‘mid-range’ accommodation ranges over a magnificent waterhole and an open savannah and it’s one of our best safari camps in the Greater Kruger region.  

Designer safari accommodation in 25 spacious air-conditioned thatched suites leaves nothing to the imagination. Tasteful ethnic decor compliments the bush environment outside, and en-suite bathrooms feature glass-fronted showers plus outside showers with great views of the bushveld beyond. 

Game drives take precedence at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and children are welcomed with open arms. The amazing EleFun Centre is a child-friendly retreat offering environment education activities with trained staff. Visitors love this Kruger destination with its stunning waterhole views and immersion in real wilderness. 

Allow us to customize your safari package deal in the Sabi Sands for your family this summer vacation with an easy 3-day fly-in safari to sample this exquisite bush destination. Spend the next 2 days game viewing and walking and being entertained by the local people around the warm fire in the Boma at night.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Getting to Lion Sands River Lodge is easy as it’s part of the Kruger National Park so all visitors can catch a plane from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Skukuza, jump on lodge road transfers and find their exquisite ‘mid-range’ accommodation. This is a bushveld destination where hands-on service and attention to detail make visitors feel right at home in a wild setting. Discover the perfect Lion Sands River Lodge situated on the Sabie River where hippo plays and antelope come down to drink.

Accommodation in 20 elegant, thatched chalets soaks in the river views and the rich bushveld beyond. Sit on private wooden decks and watch wild animals drinking. Indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, overhead fans, and minibars add to the romance. Raised boardwalks link chalets to the main guest areas where guests are treated to a comfy lounge and bar area with fireplace, an indoor dining area and an open-air boma for firelit meals.

A secluded bird hide adds tremendous value to this lodge and for those seeking modern comforts, head for the Lalamuka Health Spa and Gymnasium. Make this happen with an extensive tour to Cape Town then Kruger when you book our Cape Town Kruger Safari Explorer 7-night package deal especially created for South African residents on a budget. See both the highlights of the flourishing Mother City and the thrilling wildlife of the famous Kruger National Park. 

Londolozi Varty Camp 

Londolozi Varty Camp is down-to-earth and loves children. Take two game drives daily to see leopards, lions, elephant, rhino and buffalo – including hundreds of smaller game species. Guided nature walks are a must, followed by a daily yoga class or a visit to the massage treatment room, the Cardiovascular Room and the library.

This warm, family-oriented, inviting lodge is definitely more than mid-range quality but the many special deals make it attractive to South Africans with children. Stylish and elegant accommodation and world-class game viewing remind all visitors that Londolozi Varty Camp is one of the first ever private bush lodges adjacent to Kruger and will soon reach the 100 years mark! 

This luxurious family-friendly safari lodge is elevated to make the most of the trees and everything centers around outdoor living. Designer family accommodation includes attractive chalets with interleading rooms and private swimming pools under thatched roofs. Children will love the kids club and the gym while parents can relax on the main deck.

And now we are promoting an unusual safari and beach combo tour that starts in superb Londolozi in the greater Kruger National Park and ends in dreamy Mauritius. Choose this brand new 9-day bush-beach safari tour for buckets of luxury and romance – come and indulge in the pristine wilderness of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve where conservation is key, then fly to a splendid beach resort in Mauritius. 

 FAQ on Kruger Park

• How much does it cost to stay in Kruger National Park? 

All accommodation in Kruger has varied rates, from the rustic campsites and bungalows of SANParks to the luxury lodges and private safari lodges within the greater Kruger region. SANParks campsites start at around R500 for 6 people, bungalows start at R`1700 for 3 people, family cottages start at R3200 for 6 people and guests houses start at R8200 for 8 people. Luxury lodges such as Simbavati and Mala Mala cost anything from R9000 per person per day to R20 000 or more per person per day. 

Daily Conservation Fees change every year but can cost around R120 per adult per day for South Africans, double that for SADC nationals and nearly R500 a day for international visitors. 

• Is Kruger Park a malaria area? 

Yes it is. Everyone who visits Kruger is at risk of getting malaria so do contact your doctor for good medical advice and that you take these precautions when you enter the Park:

Don’t get bitten – wear loose long sleeves and long pants in the evenings, spray insect repellent on your skin, burn mosquito coils in rooms and sleep under mosquito nets. 

Take and bring a Malaria Prophylaxis even though these are not 100% effective and finish the course! 

• What’s the best value 3-star lodge in Kruger? 

There are many best value 3-star lodges in Kruger, ideal for family safaris in the bush and for couples on a budget. We list a few right here: 

1. Baluleni Safari Lodge – on the banks of the Olifants River in the 57,000 ha Balule Nature Reserve in the greater Kruger National Park. Unfenced, animals stroll around the lodge (even the Big 5!) and the many activities appeal to all ages. Game drives, bush walks, boat rides, scenic tours and more! 
2. Rhino Walking Safaris – Wilderness walking safaris from Plains Camp deep in a private 12 000 ha concession just north of Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger. Stay in 4 en-suite luxury African explorer style tents under Acacia Knobthorn thickets. Vast viewing decks, a plunge pool and a waterhole. Walk to “Sleepouts” – a giant tree house for a night slept out in nature.
3. Umkumbe Safari Lodge – A personal, rustic and authentic bush experience in 10 bungalows looking over the seasonal Sand River. View elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed and relax at the swimming pool, lounge, bar and dining area. Enjoy braais at night in the traditional boma. 
4. Umlani Bushcamp – A traditional safari camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve all-inclusive of meals and game drives. Stay in natural African reed and thatched huts with lanterns for light and spend days out walking on safari. 

• When is the best time to visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger is an all-year-round safari destination and every season has something very special to offer. No disappoints at any time of the year! The dry winter months are probably better for game viewing but the wet summer season brings full waterholes, lush bushveld, many newborn animals and summer migrant birds. Kruger Park is hot with a sub-tropical climate most of the year – above 25 ° C. Summer temperatures soar into the 40s and it gets humid too with all the rain, and mosquitos are at their worst. In the dry winter, the bush thins out and it is easier to find animals which also gather at watering holes and rivers. 

• Is there a difference between the Kruger Park and the Greater Kruger National Park?

Yes.  There are many private lodges and hotels situated outside Kruger in the Greater Kruger area. Kruger National Park, however, is a vast area of proclaimed conservation land run by South African National Parks (SANParks) and offers numerous Park owned and managed camps, tented camps and bungalows – plus several luxury lodges on concessions found within the defined boundaries of the Park. In 1994 the western boundary fences were dropped adding 400,000 ha of land to Kruger from private landowners to allow game to move freely – in the Sabi Sands, Lion Sands, Kapama, Thornybush, Timbavati and other Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) along the western front. This greater area is known as the Greater Kruger National Park. 

• How do we get to the Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is very easy to get to! All roads are in good condition and you can self-drive from anywhere to various entry points into the Park. The N4 Main highway is managed with toll gates if self-driving. The distance from Johannesburg is roughly 475 km Flights from Johannesburg land at KMIA Airport as well as Skukuza and Hoedspruit.  Many visitors fly from Cape Town or Durban to Johannesburg or these Kruger airports.

Remember to ask Voyage2Africa about all of our well-priced lodges for your safari in big five territory because we offer the best mid-range hotels in Kruger National Park. These affordable safari holidays won’t break the bank but still treat you to luxury accommodation and hands-on service.  You will just get so much more for your rate. Choose the best hotel for your needs.