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Travels That Touch Your Soul

Explore The Featured Safari Lodges

We believe the best safari experiences come from genuine understanding, not packaged tourism.

We create unforgettable memories

Safari Lodges & Camps in the Greater Kruger

Discover handpicked safari lodges, private camps, and wilderness experiences across the Greater Kruger’s renowned private reserves. From intimate tented camps to luxurious private lodges, Wildlife Encounters connects you with safari accommodation carefully selected for its location, guiding quality, atmosphere, and overall experience. Because we live and work in the Greater Kruger, we offer firsthand insight into the lodges and reserves we recommend, helping you find the safari experience that best matches your travel style, interests, and budget.

Find Your Perfect Safari Experience

Whether you are planning your first safari or returning to Africa for a more specialised experience, we will help you find accommodation that fits your expectations, interests, and travel budget. 

Xanatseni Private Lodge

Umlani Bush Camp

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Nyala Safari Lodge

Kambaku Safari Lodge

Imagine Africa Safari Lodge

Ivory Wilderness Rock Lodge

Baobab Ridge Lodge

Seamless Safari Travel

Getting to the Greater Kruger

Most guests travelling to the Greater Kruger arrive via Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport — the main gateway to many of South Africa’s premier private game reserves and safari lodges. Wildlife Encounters can assist with airport transfers, road logistics, lodge-to-lodge connections, and travel planning to ensure your journey into the bush is seamless and stress-free.

Tailor-made travel assistance

Reserves we build into our itineraries

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Timbavati is a protected 53,400-hectare Big Five wilderness area with convenient access from Hoedspruit Airport. As part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) of the Greater Kruger, the reserve offers exceptional wildlife viewing and a wide range of accommodation — from some of the region’s original safari lodges established in the 1970s to modern luxury camps and rustic trail experiences.

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Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Bordering Timbavati and stretching along the Olifants River, Klaserie is a vast 60,000-hectare wilderness reserve easily reached from Hoedspruit Airport. Known for its quieter, more remote safari atmosphere, Klaserie offers a mix of intimate safari camps, luxury lodges, tented camps, and exclusive-use villas that are particularly well suited to families and private groups.

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Balule Private Game Reserve

Balule forms part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem and is made up of several sections, each with its own access gate and unique collection of safari lodges and camps. The Olifants River flows through parts of the reserve, while rocky outcrops and dramatic kopjies create spectacular landscapes ideal for wildlife photography and immersive bush experiences.

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Manyeleti Game Reserve

Situated near the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park, Manyeleti is a community-owned reserve managed by the Mpumalanga Parks Board. The reserve offers a diverse range of safari accommodation, from luxury lodges to authentic tented camps, and is located just over an hour’s drive from Hoedspruit Airport.

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sand is one of South Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and was the country’s first private nature reserve, established in 1934. Famous for pioneering photographic safaris, the reserve is internationally recognised for its exceptional Big Five sightings and luxury safari lodges. Access is available via Hoedspruit, Skukuza, or Mbombela airports depending on the lodge location and travel preferences.

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Hassle-free safari logistics

Travel Assistance

The nearby town of Hoedspruit serves as the central hub for safari travel in the region, offering access to accommodation, transfers, domestic flights, and safari departures.

Airport transfers

Lodge-to-lodge transfers

Road logistics and timings

Safari itinerary coordination

Customer Reviews

Crafted by People Who Know Safari Best

Mikayla
February 2026
Judy and her team organized an incredible safari experience at Umlani lodge in February 2026 for my friends and I on our trip to South Africa. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and provided years of expertise which ultimately allowed us to book the perfect safari experience. They were always quick to respond to questions, provided clear communication throughout the planning process, and made the entire trip feel effortless, which allowed us to fully unwind and enjoy the trip without any stress. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable safari experience and would highly recommend Wildlife Encounters to anyone planning a trip to the Kruger area.
Berne & Philippe | Switzerland
December 2025
Reviews “We booked our safari in December 2025 through Wildlife Encounters. We spent the first three days at Baobab Ridge, which was a wonderful lodge. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the ranger in particular organized the game drives with great enthusiasm. We saw all the animals, including the Big Five – all on the same day. We spent the next three days at Thaba Mati Resort – an absolutely fantastic, newer lodge set amidst stunning scenery. At night, you could even watch the hippos at the pond and hear them loud and clear. Judy from Wildlife Encounters organized the trip with great care and everything went wonderfully including the pick-up and all transfers.
Jocelyn
October 2025
When we decided to go to South Africa, we knew that a safari was on our list. What we didn’t know was how to narrow down the numerous options available to us. We sent enquiries to several outfitters, but as soon as we received Judy‘s email, we knew that she could plan the perfect trip for us. We stayed at Xanatseni Private Camp (in Klaserie Nature Reserve) and Umlani Bush Camp (in Timbavati Nature Reserve). In staying at two different camps, we had both a luxury and an eco lodge experience, and two different styles of safari to view the area wildlife. Judy also planned a perfect private tour of Blyde Canyon with an overnight stay at Moholoholo Ya Mati. From the moment we stepped off the airplane to the moment we returned to the airport, everything was seamlessly planned with knowledgeable and professional drivers. We couldn’t have had a better time on this once in a lifetime trip, thoughtfully planned by Judy to ensure we had the best possible experience.
Josh | Canada
November 2024
Took our trip from a worry to an experience of a lifetime! Booking our safari experience was new and a little scary for us. Judy from Wildlife Encounters took all of our desires, gave us suggestions we would never have known to think of, and organized a trip of a lifetime! The communication was exceptional and clear, all of our questions were answered, and from the time we got picked up, to drop off - we didn't have a worry! You could feel Judy's passion, and as a result - our safari experience went beyond our wildest imaginations. nDzuti Bush Camp was one of our stops and a true highlight that we highly recommend experiencing! If you're looking for a communicative, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and a great, priced experience (who wouldn't) then look no further! Wildlife Encounters is truly for you! I have no doubt your experience with Wildlife Encounters will be as exceptional as ours was.
Lacey | USA
July 2024
This was our 1st safari with Wildlife Encounters but it won't be our last! We knew from our first correspondence with Judy, when we were trying to figure out which camp was the right fit for our family, that we were in good hands. Because we were traveling with younger children, we ended up staying at the Tuskers Safari Camp and basically had the place to ourselves. The camp is situated above a watering hole, and we spent countless hours mesmerized by the various animals that came and went right below us. It was amazing! JD is an expert ranger and Vusi a very knowledgeable tracker. They not only found us a variety of wildlife (even the elusive leopard) but also spent time teaching our children all about the bush. From learning fun facts about the wildlife and terrain to stopping the jeep to look at different animal tracks, our kids had so many stories to tell their friends when we returned home. The camp itself was clean and comfortable. Every meal prepared by Victory and her team was tasty and memorable. The staff went out of their way to make sure all our needs were met. We can’t recommend Tuskers and Wildlife Encounters enough!
Ana Paula | Brazil
June 2024
Exceptional Judy and Bruce are super attentive and welcomed us very well. Their campsite is stunning and during our stay elephants were nearby and we were able to watch them from the "balcony" of our tent. Sabre is an incredible ranger and we got to see a lot of animals and learn a lot about the savannah and how it works. We highly recommend it.
Camila Trautmann | Colombia
March 2024
I felt like I was part if the family! If I could give more stars to Judy, Bruce, Sabre, and Justin, I definitely would! I picked the “Best of both worlds” tour and I dońt regret it! Even since de beginning, when booking the tour, I felt I was being taken care of, Judy was so kind and so patient, and she made sure my tour was as incredible as I could imagine. The second place I stayed at is Ndzuti Bush Camp, which is run my Judy and Bruce, and it was amazing, I felt so safe and so welcome there, it being a family business truly makes a difference! I even felt part of the family. And I can’t describe what it feels like to see the animals roaming free, it really changes your life. And Sabre does such an amazing job as a guide! She makes sure everyone is comfortable and happy and is always ready to answer your question. I don’t have enough words to describe what an amazing experience I had, I can’t wait to come back!
Create an adventure in the Greater Kruger

Start Planning Your Greater Kruger Safari

Whether you are seeking a luxury private reserve escape, a family safari, or a specialised wildlife experience, Wildlife Encounters will help you find the right safari expertly planned from the ground up.

Create an adventure in the Greater Kruger

Start Planning Your Greater Kruger Safari

Whether you are seeking a luxury private reserve escape, a family safari, or a specialised wildlife experience, Wildlife Encounters will help you find the right safari expertly planned from the ground up.

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