My Top 5 Kruger South Africa Tented Camps

Tented camps in Kruger South Africa, are a more laid-back way to go on safari. With all the comforts and extras, you’d expect from a high-end lodge. There’s something magical about staying in a tent on safari that I can’t explain.

Firstly, you are not locked up behind walls of brick and glass. Instead, you can enjoy the glow of candlelight’s on canvas walls and fall asleep to the sounds of nature all around you. And if you think that living in a tent means roughing it in a brightly coloured polyester “dome,” you’re in for a real treat.

I have listed my best Tented Camps in Kruger.

Tanda Tula, Timbavati Kruger 

Tanda Tula takes the cake for one of the best Tented Camps in Kruger. This magical camp is made with love, has incredible people running the show and does not disappoint on game viewing.  The Tents are superb! You are surrounded by tent walls and can hear everything. Including, the elephants munching in the riverbed at night. The rooms are massive, you have panoramic views of the bush and better still you feel as if you are the only tent there! I loved my stay at Tanda Tula. Fell in love with the people, sublime comfort, food, and the decor! I highly recommend 3 to 4 night’s stay here, nothing less.  The plunge pool is private and helpful for those hot days. No doubt, my highlight was watching the most beautiful leopard grooming himself for 30 minutes. What a treat!

Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush

Found in the Thornybush area, this darling tented camp, has heart and soul! The tents are cozy, beautifully decorated, and unique.  The tents ceilings are a statement, the bed is extremely comfortable, and you have everything you need and some.  Saseka is for an intimate occasion, the tents are spread far apart from one another. For this reason, you get the best of the bush, birds and nocturnal animals visiting at night. The night I stayed there I could hear hyenas close by.  It’s an African dream come true. Equally, the food is exceptional.  Finally, the game viewing was AMAZING!  My highlight was sitting in a massive herd of Buffalo, golden hour.  Listening to them munch away. Absolute peace!

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Timbavati 

Hilltop Lodge is in the secluded and unfenced Timbavati Private Game Reserve within Kruger National Park.  Without a question, offering you the most picturesque views. From its hilltop location, you enjoy your own private Sala. A luxurious tent with a deck and daybed. Most certainly, a place to rest, rejuvenate and find your connection to Mother Earth. From here, you can see the Drakensberg escarpment mountains in the distance and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness. Uniquely, you’ll find the vast Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River. Providing you with a stream of game. Such as, elephants, rhino and impala.  With, only 8 large, tented suites linked to the main lodge by wooden walkways, you feel connected to the earth. As an illustration, this opulent tented lodge boasts a romantic, light, and airy ambiance. Just absolutely beautiful!

Pafuri Tented Camp, Kruger National Park 

The Pafuri Tented Camp is in the farthest northern part of Kruger National Park. It’s a great place to stay in style and see some of Africa’s most beloved animals. Every day, go on experiences and then come back to your peaceful tented camp. Wake up to the sound of birds singing and elephants walking by from your own balcony. Explore the magic of the area on foot with knowledgeable guides from the area.   In fact, Pafuri, provides a wide range of one-of-a-kind experiences.  A stunning environment with significant historical and geographical value. Many, different kinds of plants and animals, and a base of exceptional comfort, such as spa treatments, relaxing by the pool, and eating outside. Indeed, Pafuri is the new way of living on Safari.

Hamiltons Tented Camp, Kruger National Park

I would say that this is this is definitely the “Gem of Kruger”. Hamiltons Tented Camp is named after Colonel Stevenson-Hamilton, a man who helped building the world-famous Kruger National Park. Equally important, this tented camp combines luxury with a memorable safari experience.  In essence, you will find magical tented suites with teak floors, lovely mosquito nets over a gorgeous bed. Luxurious slipper tubs, private plunge pools, and a spectacular view of the entire seasonal river.  You are connected to the main lodge area by raised timber walkways nestled amid ancient Jackalberry trees. To sum up, your daily game drives are full of fauna, wildlife and birds.  Indeed, a rich tradition of luxury in the authentic ‘Out of Africa’ style. In summary, an awesome big five experience!

Finally, any safari is thrilling.  From all corners of our beautiful Africa.  But to get to the Kruger, is a quick flight.  From city to bush, takes only 2 hours!  Sleeping in a tented camp, changes your perception in many respects!  Lastly, I recommend that when you book on safari, book 3 nights tented and 3 nights in a lodge.

After all, being on safari is one of the best experiences ever! Is it not?