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The 15 Best Kruger National Park Accommodations for Families

Finding the perfect Kruger National Park family accommodation can be tricky. There are just so many options out there and this may be a once in a lifetime holiday so you want to get it right.

Having taken the kids on safari a few times, we know what to look for when choosing a property.

With this knowledge, we’ve narrowed the selection down and chosen the 15 best family-friendly Kruger National Park accommodations.

The selection is based on 4 main criteria that we look for ourselves when choosing where to stay.

  1. Large family accommodation
  2. Pool
  3. Kids’ club or child-friendly activities
  4. Game viewing from the lodge (in case you don’t want to take a game drive)

To help with your planning, we recommend getting a travel guide for the area or some general safari reading which will give you some great insights into a Kruger Safari. See also our guide to the best time to visit the Kruger.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using them, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If this is your first safari, you may want to take a look at our advice on taking kids on an African safari before booking anything. Also, take a look at our bumper guide to the best safaris in Africa. It may be that the time of year you are planning on going is not ideal for safaris in South Africa.

Or speak to one of the best African tour agents – Go2Africa who are highly knowledgeable and can help plan the most amazing safaris. See our complete review of Go2Africa for more info.

They can also help with family-friendly South African itineraries if you want someone else help you plan.

Visiting Cape Town? Make sure to read our guides on the best Cape Town activities for kids and the best family accommodation in Cape Town.


The 15 Best Kruger National Park Accommodations for Families 1

Going on safari in South Africa is one of the best holidays for families who love nature and we highly recommend it.

Without a doubt, South Africa is THE most family-friendly country in Africa for a safari but there’s a lot more to visiting South Africa with kids than a wonderful safari experience which is why we love it so much.

We suggest that you look at combining your safari with some of the many other family-friendly things to do in South Africa to make it an even more memorable holiday.

Kruger National Park for families

There are quite a few places to go on safari in South Africa but quite frankly, you can’t beat a Kruger National Park safari with a family.

Not only is it one of the best places in the world to go on safari, it’s possibly the best place in Africa to do a self-drive safari. This is ideal when travelling with little ones as you’re in the comfort of your own car and can do it at your own pace.

Doing a self-drive safari will also bring down the cost of the safari significantly as you will only pay the conservation fee (entrance fee) which is R400 for adults and R200 for children.

If you don’t feel like doing a self-drive safari, there are plenty of guided safaris to choose from.

giraffe by the watering hole

Watching the giraffe at the watering hole

There are lots of budget-friendly Kruger National Park camps to choose from which will help to keep your costs down too.

If it’s your first time on safari, or you just want to sit back and relax, then you also have the option of choosing the type of Kruger National Park family accommodation that offers the whole safari holiday package.

It can be quite overwhelming deciding where to stay in Kruger National Park because the selection of Kruger National Park lodges is enormous. We’ve narrowed down the choice for you and have only included safari lodges that offer beautiful family accommodation with a kids club or some other form of childcare.

This way, the whole family can enjoy their safari experience. Rest assured, these are the types of places that think of everything and have families firmly in mind when they do.

Most of the lodges are located in private game reserves on the fringes of the Kruger. They’re in no particular order, other than being grouped by game reserve.

The BEST Kruger National Park family accommodation options

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Game Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES.

Pool – YES.

Kid’s activities – YES.

We stayed at Thornybush Game Lodge in November 2022 and had such a lovely time. We had a family suite which had day beds for the kids.

The bath and shower looked out onto the reserve and the plunge pool was a welcome relief after a warm game drive.

There were additional activities on offer during our stay. We had a very educational talk from a K9 anti poaching team.

We can highly recommend Thornybush Game Lodge for families. See here for our review of Thornybush Game Lodge.

We also stayed at the sister lodge – Jackalberry Lodge. This was a fabulous choice for families as it is small, more personal and has a family suite. It is also a lot cheaper. See our Jackalberry Lodge review here.

You can book with Booking.com or enquire with Go2Africa.

Bathroom with a view in a luxury suite at the Thornybush Game Lodge

Photo Credit: Thornybush Game Lodge

Royal Malewane (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – fantastic Junior Rangers programme and kids’ activities.

View from the deck of the Royal Suite at Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Royal Malewane

Timbavati Game Reserve

Simbavati River Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kid’s activities – kids’ game drives and lots of child-friendly activities

Watching elephants at the watering hole at Simbavati River Lodge, one of the best Kruger National Park accommodation for families

Photo Credit: Simbavati River Lodge

Kambaku Safari Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – child-friendly game drives and bush walks

See our other top picks for Timbavati Game Reserve family accommodation with more information on each of these lodges.

Kids on a safari drive at Kambaku Safari Lodge.

Photo Credit: Kambaku Safari Lodge

Kapama Karula (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kid’s activities – YES. Children aged over 6 allowed on game drives.

Kapama Karula Luxury Family Villa.

Photo Credit: Kapama Karula

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Elefun Centre for kids of all ages. Kids under 6 not allowed on game drives unless a private vehicle is hired and children under 12 are not allowed on walking safaris.

Private game drives suitable for aged 3+. Babysitting available. Read more about the Elefun Centre here.

We visited here in November 2022 and were absolutely blown away with our accommodation (we stayed in a luxury 2-bedroom villa) with this incredible bathroom.

Luxury Villa Bathroom at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.

Photo Credit: SabiSabi.com

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Chitwa Chitwa (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Dedicated activities for kids under 6. 6+ can go on game drives.

Read more about children at Chitwa here.

Pool area of Chitwa House at Chitwa Chitwa in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Chitwa Chitwa

Cheetah Plains (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Cub club for all ages. Each child receives a complimentary backpack stuffed with exciting activities to enjoy on safari. Age-appropriate game drives.

Read more about Cheetah Plains Cubs Club here.

Outdoor area at Mvula House at Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve

Elephant Plains Game Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Kids’ club with activities. Babysitting available. No children under 3 years.

Luxury Suite at the Elephant Plains Game Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Ulusaba (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Cubs’ club with activities. Babysitting available.

Luxury Suite at Ulusaba Rock Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Ulusaba

Inyati Game Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Young Rangers Programme where they learn about the wonders of nature. Suitable for children over 8 years old only.

Inyati Game Lodge Family Chalet.

Photo Credit: Inyati Game Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – game drives for 0-5 years in closed vehicles. 6+ can go on adult game drives. Junior ranger training, kids activities and babysitting available.

Read more about kids on safari at Jock Safari Lodge here.

Outdoor bathroom and deck area of private suite at the Main Jock Lodge at Jock Safari Lodge.

Photo Credit: Jock Safari Lodge

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Hi’Nkweni Villa (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Mack & Madi kids’ programme. Read more here. Kids of all ages welcome.

Pool and outdoor area of Hi'Nkweni Villa at Lions Sands Game Reserve.

Photo Credit: Lion Sands Game Reserve

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – Mack & Madi kids’ programme. Kids aged 6 and above welcome.

Family suite at Tinga Lodge in Lion Sands Game REserve.

Photo Credit: Lion Sands Game Reserve

Singita Game Reserve

Singita Ebony Lodge (click for more info)

Viewing wildlife from lodge – YES

Pool – YES

Kids activities – dedicated kids’ activities and a mini ranger programme. Read more about children at Singita Lodge here.

Luxury family accommodation at Singita Ebony Lodge

Photo Credit: Singita Ebony Lodge

If you don’t see something here that you like, check out Booking.com which has the largest selection of accommodation in the Kruger area.

If you found this post useful, why not bookmark it, share it with friends or pin it?

15 best Kruger safari lodges for families

15 best Kruger safari lodges for families

15 Best Kurger NP safari lodges for families

15 replies
  1. Ashley says:
    January 22, 2020 at 9:49 am

    These look beautiful and it’s great to see that they have kids clubs and activities.

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 22, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      One of the things I find so impressive is that they have activities for the kids to get them interested in the animals and their protection. I think this benefits everyone.

      Reply
  2. Tal says:
    January 22, 2020 at 10:45 am

    Thanks for the tips! The lodges look gorgeous :)

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 22, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      Thank you! Yes, they’re all really stunning, aren’t they!?

      Reply
  3. Katie says:
    January 22, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    It’s scary to know that small kids are the perfect snack size for lions! But these are some fab safe options for accommodation and game drives – totally worth doing at any age!

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 22, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks for your comment Katie. I know! I had no idea about this little fact..but the rangers are so knowledgeable and they really cater well for families to ensure everyone has a great time.

      Reply
  4. Rahma Khan says:
    January 22, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Lions can eat small kids! What!! This freaked me out! Nonetheless, this is a great post and very resourceful too. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 24, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks for your comment Rahma. Well yes, and adults! But you just need to be sensible and not go walking up to a lion to pat it :)

      Reply
  5. Rhonda Albom says:
    January 22, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    This list is great for families wanting to take a safari in South Africa. Summarizing the family-friendly features is very helpful.

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      Thanks for your comment Rhonda. There are just so many choices out there so hopefully we have made the selection process a little easier by summarising the most family-friendly ones.

      Reply
  6. Amy says:
    January 23, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Great post! It’s great that there are so many activities for children!

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 24, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks for your comment Amy. These activities are so great for getting kids interested in animal conservation and protection.

      Reply
  7. Miki says:
    December 25, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    I just read all these blog posts of yours about budget options to take your family on Safari in Kruger, and while these lodges do indeed look great, 1000$ per night for a family is not exactly a budget option ;) Are you go2africa in disguise hehe :)

    Reply
    • Jacs says:
      January 8, 2022 at 9:42 pm

      Hi Miki, thanks for your comment. While I have some posts on budget safaris, the Kruger accommodation post is not titled ‘budget accommodation options’ so I don’t see how it’s misleading? It is to help people if they are searching for properties that allow kids to stay and indeed are looking for some child friendly activities/child minding.

      Reply

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Flashpacking Family.

Hi! We’re Ed, Jacs, Ernie and George. We’re passionate about adventurous family travel, and by sharing our detailed itineraries, travel tips and inspiration, we hope to provide you with the confidence to leap into the world of adventurous travel with kids too.



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