South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife and the fact that it is one of the best places in the world to do a self-drive safari (see here for other self-drive safaris in South Africa and how to do a budget family safari).
If you’re wanting something a bit more exclusive, then there are several private game reserves next to the Kruger National Park that offer luxurious accommodations and intimate safari experiences.
There are no self-drive safaris in these reserves so whilst you may see the same animals as a cheaper safari in the Kruger, you will most likely have the sighting to yourself. Your guide may also be able to go off-road and closer to the animals.
Each of these private family-friendly game reserves next to the Kruger have a range of accommodation to suit everyone from luxury to budget and include many options for families.
The most popular Kruger private game reserves are: Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Kapama, Manyeleti and Thornybush.
Make sure you take a look at our safari section on this website. There are lots of helpful posts about going on safari with kids including what clothes kids need for a safari, a complete packing list for a family safari and how much a family safari costs.
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Private game reserves next to the Kruger National Park
Fences between these reserves and the national park have all been dropped to form one vast ecosystem allowing the free movement of wildlife.
This means that your game viewing will be very similar wherever you (although Sabi Sand is known for a higher number of leopard sightings) are so your choice of private game reserve will most likely come down to the choice of accommodation.
For each game reserve we have listed the most family-friendly accommodation options.
If you need help with booking any of these lodges or with your itinerary in general, we recommend reaching out to Go2Africa. They have arranged loads of our travel in Africa and are experts in their field winning many travel awards.
Read our honest review of Go2Africa to find out all about them.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is perhaps the most famous private reserve bordering Kruger, known for its exceptional game viewing, particularly leopards.
It is the most southern of the private game reserves bordering the Kruger and spans 65,000 hectares. Weaving through it are the Sabi and Sands rivers creating a very diverse habitat for the wildlife.
We had one of the best family safari holidays ever in Sabi Sand!
Family-friendly lodges in Sabi Sands:
Elephant Plains Game Lodge: A more affordable option with family chalets and child-friendly programs. Find out more and book here.
Chitwa Chitwa Lodge: Luxury lnown for its large suites accommodating families and a kids’ program with fun, educational activities. Kids of all ages welcome but only those over 6 years can go on safari. Find out more and book here.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge: Luxurious lodge with outstanding facilities for kids. See here for our review of Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge for families. Find out more and book here.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Timbavati is a 75,000 hectare game reserve next to the Kruger known for its pristine wilderness and rare white lions with blue eyes. It provides an immersive safari experience with fewer crowds.
Family-friendly lodges in Timbavati:
Kambaku Safari Lodge: Specifically designed for families, it offers interleading rooms and children’s bushcraft activities. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
Simbavati River Lodge: Features family suites and a kids’ program tailored for young explorers. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
You can read more about the family lodges in Timbavati.
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Kapama is a 15,000 hectare reserve near Kruger known for its good value mid-range lodges and excellent wildlife sightings, including the Big Five.
Kids are really looked after at Kapama. If you are travelling with young kids, there are Bush Bumble Drives for kids under 6. Kids over 6 are welcome to join the Big 5 game drives.
There are also lots of activities in camp for kids to get involved with from bush walks to crafts and cooking classes. See here for Kapama Kids info.
Family-friendly lodges in Kapama:
Kapama River Lodge: Offers family suites, a swimming pool, and a children’s center with engaging activities. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
Kapama Southern Camp: Provides family villas and a dedicated children’s program. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Thornybush offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife within its 15,000 hectares, making it a fantastic option for a family safari.
Family-friendly lodges in Thornybush:
Thornybush Game Lodge: Has family suites and a children’s program that includes bush walks and animal tracking. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com). You can also read our thorough review of Thornybush for more info.
Little Saseka: Offers a luxurious family tent within Saseka Tented Camp with private deck and pool overlooking the dry riverbed. Find out more and book here.
Royal Malewane: Very exclusive lodge with private villas for families and activities for kids of all ages. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
Manyeleti Private Game Reserve
Manyeleti is a hidden gem, known for its tranquility and excellent game viewing without the crowds.
It is a 23,000 hectare reserve sandwiched between Thornybush to the north and Sabi Sands to the south.
Family-friendly lodges in Manyeleti:
Tintswalo Safari Lodge: Provides family suites and children’s activities like bushcraft and storytelling. Find out more and book here (or check rates on Booking.com).
Honeyguide Khoka Moya: offers authentic luxury safari tents and activities for kids including game drives and animal tracking. Find out more and book here.
Tips for choosing a family-friendly lodges
- Look for lodges with family suites or interleading rooms.
- Ensure there are child-friendly activities like bush walks, wildlife tracking, and educational programs.
- Check age restrictions for game drives.
- Choose lodges with swimming pools and babysitting services for added convenience.
Conclusion
The private game reserves next to the Kruger National Park offer some of the best family-friendly safari experiences in South Africa.
From the renowned Sabi Sand to the serene Manyeleti, these Kruger private reserves provide luxury, adventure, and engaging activities for all ages.
