When it comes to African safaris, it is safe to say that South Africa’s Kruger National Park is at the very top of most visitors’ lists of places to visit. Stretching some 360 kilometres north to south and 65 kilometres from west to east at its widest, it is mighty in both size and biodiversity; ranking as the 7th largest park in Africa and offering a variety of flora and fauna that few others can rival.
International visitors tend to eschew the main national park, its large rest camps and busy tarred roads for the lesser-known private reserves that sit on the park’s western boundary. Reserves like Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Timbavati Private Game Reserve and Thornybush Nature Reserve have become synonymous with exceptional wildlife encounters and some of the most exclusive lodges South Africa offers. Naturally, these remain some of the most sought-after spots to visit. But for those who have exhausted their portfolio of world-class lodges and camps, yet still want to enjoy a new South African bush experience, should look to Kruger Park’s private concessions.
When it comes to African safaris, it is safe to say that South Africa’s Kruger National Park is at the very top of most visitors’ lists of places to visit. Stretching some 360 kilometres north to south and 65 kilometres from west to east at its widest, it is mighty in both size and biodiversity; ranking as the 7th largest park in Africa and offering a variety of flora and fauna that few others can rival.
International visitors tend to eschew the main national park, its large rest camps and busy tarred roads for the lesser-known private reserves that sit on the park’s western boundary. Reserves like Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Timbavati Private Game Reserve and Thornybush Nature Reserve have become synonymous with exceptional wildlife encounters and some of the most exclusive lodges South Africa offers. Naturally, these remain some of the most sought-after spots to visit. But for those who have exhausted their portfolio of world-class lodges and camps, yet still want to enjoy a new South African bush experience, should look to Kruger Park’s private concessions.
Image by Singita
Considered an open secret, these huge tracts of Kruger National Park, leased from the National Parks Board, aim to offer visitors something a little different. Be that complete seclusion, away from the crowds, in the park’s most remote areas—playing a key role in both conservation and anti-poaching—or closer to better-known parts, they are a truly majestic experience and one not to be missed.
It was hard to comprehend that after 19 years of travelling to the Kruger to visit its many surrounding private lodges I had never set foot in one of these concessions. My trip in March turned out to be the perfect chance to experience a very different side of a place I was nearing my 20th visit to.
First on the itinerary was the legendary Singita Concession, a nearly 13,500-hectare expanse tucked into the far eastern reaches of the park, pressing right up against the Mozambique border. Defined by the breathtaking Lebombo Mountains and perennial flow of the Sweni River, Singita offers a gateway to a lesser-trodden, awe-inspiring corner of Kruger. Its two lodges, named after these natural landmarks, more than uphold Singita’s reputation as one of the most refined names in safari travel. In fact, their beauty is rivalled only by the breathtaking diversity that surrounds them. Along the rivers, the dense riverine bush that characterises much of the Kruger flourishes, but beyond that lie huge areas of open grasslands, more reminiscent of the Serengeti, tracts of forest and, of course, the towering rocky peaks of the Lebombo Mountains.
Image by Singita
With four large lion prides known in the concession, we were lucky enough to witness 7 adult females and their 10 collective cubs drinking from the river in a single evening. It is undoubtedly one of the best places in Kruger to observe these magnificent animals in the wild. The area is also a stronghold for leopards, which descend from the rocky heights at dusk to hunt, while cheetahs prowl the open plains, rhinos graze peacefully in the grasslands and large herds of buffalo move steadily through the terrain. Elephants love the thickets around the river, where the combination of ample shade and a reliable year-round water source offer a welcome escape from the heat—conditions that also attract more than 450 bird species to the area.
Being a private concession means only Singita vehicles use its network of dirt roads. The instinctive relationships between the guide and tracker teams that operate the safaris are as good as any I’ve encountered elsewhere in Africa. During the cooler, drier months, guided walking safaris are also available, offering a fantastic way to immerse yourself more deeply in this extraordinary ecosystem.
Access remains as straightforward as the better-known private areas, with guests able to fly into the Kruger’s Satara Airstrip and drive across (roughly 30 minutes) to the lodges. I took the more unusual, but incredibly rewarding route of driving up from Skukuza in the park’s south. Though the drive did add 3 leisurely hours to my transit time, the chance to see elephants along the Sand River, framed by the beautiful Lebombo Mountains made the approach a truly memorable part of the experience.
Experienced safari-goers will love the peace and solitude this place brings; you could easily stay here as a stand-alone experience. First or second-timers may, on occasion, find the game viewing more hard work. Compliment a few days here with a couple at one of the Singita Sabi Sand properties—Boulders, Ebony or the delightful exclusive-use Castleton—where the wildlife almost lines up as if ready to put on a show.
Throughout my stay, the hallmark elements of the Singita experience—genuine, heartfelt hospitality, outstanding cuisine, remarkable design and an enduring sense of peace—shone through, elevating this overlooked corner of Kruger to one of my personal favourites.
Image by Singita
Whilst Singita is best suited to those with the luxury of time—its remote location and seamless pairing with longer itineraries make it great for longer stays—there are some easier-to-access private concessions that offer guests all the advantages of better-known private reserves, without compromising on quality.
The best of these is the Lion Sands Concession, which sits adjacent to both Skukuza Airport and the more southern and legendary Sabi Sand Wildtuin. Here, the outstanding hoteliers and wildlife custodians at MORE Hotels have built Narina and Tinga Lodges. Delivering a remarkable blend of wildlife and comfort, just 15 minutes from the airport, this concession is a great choice for time-conscious visitors who want to enjoy a private safari experience without long transfers between airports and lodges.
The food stood out as a true highlight at both lodges and was complemented by the staff who created an incredibly relaxing atmosphere. Nothing felt rushed; something that clearly resonated with fellow guests, many of whom remarked on how this laid-back vibe helped them ease into safari life. There is also a strong feeling of history at these lodges, particularly Narina. Formerly a South African National Parks “VIP” Lodge before transitioning to private hands, its centrepiece is a giant fig tree beneath which Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerck once held pivotal discussions during the final unravelling of apartheid in South Africa.
Those who have visited the Sabi Sand, especially its southern areas, will notice a similarity in both the terrain and game viewing: large river systems lined with thick bush flanked by open grassy areas. Here, lion survey their kingdom atop rocks polished smooth by millennia of shifting river currents. Elusive leopards stalk prey through grasses, while breeding herds of elephant approach the waters cautiously, ever watchful of their endearing youngsters. Rhino roam freely through this majestic land, offering a rare opportunity to see these wonderful creatures in their natural environment.
A special bonus of staying here is the exclusive access guests have to the neighbouring Lion Sands Reserve within the Sabi Sand—an arrangement not extended to visitors coming from the other side. This opens up even more opportunities for remarkable wildlife sightings in yet another stunning, game-rich area. That said, with the sheer abundance of wildlife within the concession itself, there’s little need to cross the boundary—though it certainly adds an extra layer of adventure for those who do.
Whilst other concessions are dotted around the park, especially in the area between Lion Sands and Singita, these two are undoubtedly the gold standard. Offering visitors the chance to explore previously remote or closed off areas of the Kruger, they have an outstanding wildlife offering and some of the area’s very best accommodation, away from the crowds with world-class hospitality.
Image by Lion Sands
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