Located in the heartland of South Africa, between the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, lies the expansive Kruger National Park. With a size that spans approximately 7,500 square miles, it is considered the largest national park in South Africa. The park’s impressive size is roughly equivalent to that of Israel or slightly larger than the state of New Jersey. It is also renowned for its remarkable diversity of wildlife. The park supports a complex ecosystem, hosting over 500 breeds of birds, 147 mammalian species, and an extensive range of diverse flora.
Photo: Airbnb
Spot the Big Five Over Breakfast at These Epic Kruger National Park Airbnbs
A safari in Kruger National Park offers a chance to see the famous Big Five — elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros, and buffalos. Here, you’ll find herds of elephants gracefully meandering by the riverbanks and giraffes towering above the tree canopies. Hippos wallow in the water holes while lions roam the savannah, establishing dominance in this untouched wilderness.
You can explore the vast expanse of the park through several activities. Guided tours are available, offering expert insights into the park’s wildlife and ecosystems. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can opt for self-drive safaris, allowing you to discover the park at your own pace. For those planning to visit, it’s advisable to book accommodations and tours well in advance due to high demand. There are, of course, many excellent hotels and lodges, but if you’d like the comfort of a home, opt for an Airbnb near Kruger National Park. They much more affordable than a hotel safari package and offer you an authentic experience of South Africa. These homes range from two-bedrooms to larger properties for families and groups. All come with a stunning backdrop of the savanna and opportunities to spot wildlife from your rental.
What is the best month to visit Kruger National Park?
The best time to visit is during the dry winter months from May to September. During this period, the grass is low, and the bushes and trees are sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife. Moreover, the lack of rain during these months means that animals tend to gather around waterholes, again making them easier to see. The weather is also pleasant during the winter months, with cooler temperatures compared to the hot summer months. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season at Kruger National Park. So, you might encounter larger crowds, and prices for accommodation and tours can be higher. It’s always a good idea to book your trip well in advance and budget accordingly.
We hope you love the Airbnb near Kruger National Park rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Modern glass-fronted five-bedroom house on Mjejane Private Game Reserve
With views of the Crocodile River and renowned Kruger National Park, this Airbnb is a modern architectural masterpiece, blending indoor-outdoor living seamlessly. Ideal for multi-generational families or small groups of close friends, the house sleeps 10 in its luxury five bedrooms. The waterfront property has WiFi, free parking, a swimming pool, and an expansive deck with a fire pit and outdoor dining facilities.
10 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $990 per night
Jaw-dropping Kruger Sunset Lodge
This rental called Kruger Sunset Lodge is hands down the best Airbnb for a group in the area. The open-planned layout is ideal for entertaining and comfortably sleeps 10 guests in the five ensuites. It is situated in an exclusive private reserve incorporated into the national park. And you don’t have to venture far to spot wildlife. The savanna in front of the home provides hours of relaxed game viewing. The outdoor areas are as expansive as they are impressive. There’s a stunning swimming pool and deck area with ample lounging and shower facilities. In the evenings, you can relax by the fire pit — just be sure to keep watch, the back garden is not fully fenced.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $583 per night
Stunning two-bedroom modern house on Crocodile River
It might seem like a modern home such as this would stand out in a wild bushveld setting, but it blends in perfectly. This two-bedroom self-catering rental is on the higher end, with beautifully decorated airy spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows, sublime bed linen, and luxurious bathrooms. It’s also sustainably run with solar power. Outside, you’ll find the al fresco dining area with a built-in braai (grill) on a spacious patio that opens up to Crocodile River and Kruger beyond.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $345 per night
Watch elephants from the patio at Thula Sana Lodge
This affordable home has rave reviews and is suitable for up to six adults. The private lodge in Mjejane Game Reserve has a gym, swimming pool, a patio to watch the elephants go by, and a balcony to enjoy a sundowner and gaze into the game reserve. The owners can organize game drives, but these must be pre-booked. There’s also a daily cleaning service, leaving you to fully relax on your African safari vacation. This Airbnb gets a lot of return visitors, and it’s worth noting that repeat guests get a discount when booking.
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $159 per night
Beautifully decorated private Marloth Park home
This opened-planned bush house is located in beautiful Marloth Park. Marloth Park is a wildlife conservancy and holiday town on the southern border of the Kruger National Park. It lies between Malelane and Komatipoort, two entrance gates. The two-bedroom Airbnb is the perfect getaway for couples, small families, or friends. The home is very private and looks out over unobstructed parkland. Each bedroom has an ensuite, and the decor is simply stunning. Artworks adorn the walls and light shades of woven fibers add a natural ambiance.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $143 per night
Solar-powered house with separate studio
Another solar-powered listing, this Airbnb consists of a house and a separate studio. The national park fence is a short walk from the front door, and the main gate is a quick drive down the road. Both properties are open-planned with large windows that look northeast over natural bushland. Outside the main dwelling, there’s a splash pool to cool off after a day of exploring, a fire pit, and an outdoor eating area.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $129 per night
Lindi Lodge in the southern area of the Kruger National Park
Like all of the listings here, you’ll have ample opportunity to view game directly from the house. A great rental for a family — there’s room for six — Lindi Lodge sits in Mjejane Game Reserve, which is fenced into the Kruger National Park. Large walls of windows line both sides of the home allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding fauna and flora. There’s a private outdoor pool on the property and an installed battery backup to ease the burden of power outages.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $318 per night
Two-bedroom nature retreat surrounded by giraffes
Nature is the focal point of this two-bedroom villa. Previous guests rave about the privacy, with one stating that a stay here was better than the five-star safari resort they previously stayed at. The glass sliding doors throughout can be opened up, allowing for airflow. And, if you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from a curious giraffe.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $102 per night
How expensive is Kruger?
The cost of visiting Kruger National Park can vary greatly depending on the type of safari and accommodation you choose. A Kruger safari can range from just over $100 per person per day to a whopping $5000. Booking an Airbnb can be a cost-effective alternative to staying in a hotel or camp within the park. The average cost of an Airbnb for a couple per night is $105.
How many days do you need in Kruger National Park?
The duration of your stay will largely depend on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience. However, a typical recommendation is to spend at least three to four days exploring this vast wilderness.
In three days, you can cover several of the park’s key areas while also allowing time for leisurely game drives, bird watching, and nature walks. This allows you to soak in the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes without feeling rushed. For those with a keen interest in wildlife photography or enthusiasts hoping to spot the Big Five, you might want to consider staying for up to a week. This will provide more opportunities for early morning and late evening game drives, which are often the best times for wildlife viewing. 