SPECIALISING IN GARDEN ROUTE & ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK TOURS SINCE 2006
SPECIALISING IN GARDEN ROUTE & ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK TOURS SINCE 2006
Early December 2025, Chrissy and I packed our bags and headed for a Greater Kruger safari during the lush green season. As the owners of Earthstompers, these trips are not holidays in the traditional sense; they are an essential part of how we learn & expand our tourism offering. We believe that if we are going to recommend a lodge, a location, or a safari experience to our guests, we must first experience it ourselves. “We know because we go.”
We travel across Southern Africa to personally visit the lodges we work with, meeting the teams, understanding the guest experience, inspecting rooms, checking service levels, and getting a true feel for the wildlife viewing in different seasons. Our goal is simple: to be able to give our clients excellent advice and help our clients select the safari experience that is right for them.
This Kruger trip was a fantastic opportunity to explore and compare some of the region’s top properties. During our journey, we visited:
The green season brought a completely different atmosphere, dramatic clouds, vibrant landscapes, newborn animals everywhere, and the smell of fresh rain in the bush. It’s a magical time of year that many travellers overlook, and we were reminded again why we love it so much.
In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of each lodge we visited: the rooms, the food, the game viewing, the small touches, the surprises and the reasons we feel confident recommending these properties to our guests.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
Tucked away in the northern reaches of Sabi Sands, Simbambili occupies a wonderfully remote corner of the Greater Kruger. This is not the busy, high traffic side of the reserve and that’s exactly what makes it so special. With only a handful of lodges in this part of Sabi Sands, the feeling here is quieter, wilder, and beautifully removed from the crowds.
Fly-in safari. The most seamless way to arrive is by FedAir charter flight from Johannesburg, Skukuza, Kruger Mpumalanga Airport or any Greater Kruger airstrips directly into Aratusha airstrip which serves the lodges in the northern part of Sabi Sands. From there, it’s a 20-minute game drive transfer to the lodge. And here’s the magic: the safari effectively begins the moment you land. Guests are met at the airstrip by the Simbambili team, hop straight onto a game viewer, and head off into the bush en route to camp. There’s something incredibly special about arriving this way, stepping off a small aircraft into the African wilderness and transitioning immediately into safari mode.
Sightings were exceptional. We left Cape Town at 08:50am; just before 13:00 we were in the bush; at 16:00 we headed out on our first game drive, and by 16:10 we had already found our first leopard! This northern area of Sabi Sands is famous for its leopard density, and it absolutely delivered. In the 24 hours we stayed, we saw six different leopards. We never recommend a 24-hour stay, two to four nights is always ideal, but this was a working trip with other lodges to visit. Even within that short window, the quality of game viewing was remarkable.
What stood out just as much as the sightings themselves was the exclusivity. During two game drives (around six hours in total), we encountered only two or three other vehicles. Two were from the same lodge and one from a neighbouring property. At most sightings, we were either alone or with just one other vehicle, and sightings are limited to a maximum of two vehicles at a time. That level of privacy changes the entire experience. You’re not jostling for space, you’re not waiting in line, you are not trying to get a photo with other people in the way. You’re simply immersed in the moment.
Simbambili welcomed us with genuine warmth and professionalism that immediately set the tone for our stay. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality felt natural and sincere. Small example: Chrissy is lactose intolerant, and pizza was on the lunch menu when we arrived. There were no worries though – the team already knew of her dietary requirement, and had multiple vegan cheeses available!
With just eight suites, Simbambili offers a true sense of exclusivity. Even when full, it never feels busy. The main lodge areas overlooks a beautiful waterhole and dry riverbed, creating a constant connection to the bush, whether you’re dining or simply relaxing between activities.
The suites are a real highlight. Each one is completely private and thoughtfully spaced, so when you step onto your deck, all you see is wilderness. The rooms are incredibly spacious, with large bedrooms, generous bathrooms, and outdoor decks featuring a daybed and splash pool perfect for soaking in the surroundings. Simbambili gives you that rare feeling of being completely immersed in the bush, just you and the wilderness and that sense of space and privacy is what makes it so memorable.
Kruger National Park
Jock Safari Lodge is in the southern region of the Kruger National Park, set within a 6,000-hectare private concession inside the park itself. This private concession offers an exclusive safari experience while still being part of the greater Kruger ecosystem combining the feeling of a private reserve with the scale and authenticity of Kruger National Park. The lodge lies at the confluence of the seasonal Biyamiti and Mitomeni Rivers in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of southern Kruger.
Despite being located deep within Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge is surprisingly easy to reach. By Air: Skukuza Airport (SZK), located inside Kruger National Park itself. From here, it is only about a 1-hour transfer to the lodge on excellent tar roads through the park. Transfers from Skukuza are typically conducted by the lodge, often in an open safari vehicle, which already feels like part of the experience rather than simply a transfer. Via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA): Guests can also fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, near Mbombela. From here, the transfer to Jock Safari Lodge takes approximately 2 hours.
The safari experience at Jock Safari Lodge was, once again, excellent. One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the exclusivity of the game viewing. The lodge operates only four safari vehicles, which means that within the private concession you are sharing the wilderness with just those vehicles and no one else.
There are no self-drive vehicles and no other lodges operating within the concession, creating a wonderfully private safari experience. The guides work closely together, communicating sightings and coordinating movements, yet we rarely crossed paths with the other vehicles. This careful balance allows guests to enjoy incredible wildlife encounters without the feeling of crowding that can sometimes occur in busier areas of the park.
During our stay, the sightings were memorable. We were fortunate to see a beautiful pack of wild dogs twice, along with two exceptional leopard sightings. One particularly special moment was witnessing to separate lion pairs mating, always a rare and fascinating behaviour to observe in the wild. Beyond these highlights, we enjoyed countless classic Kruger moments, including large herds of elephants and abundant general game throughout the concession.
Game drives at Jock primarily take place within the private concession itself, but another advantage is that guides are also permitted to use the nearby tar roads of Kruger National Park when needed. This flexibility allows them to quickly reach sightings on the far side of the concession or follow up on reported wildlife activity beyond its boundaries. As a result, guests benefit from both the exclusivity of a private concession and access to the broader Kruger landscape.
The combination of limited vehicles, excellent guiding teamwork, and access to both concession and national park areas creates a safari experience that feels private, relaxed, and consistently rewarding.
Jock Safari Lodge offers a very different atmosphere compared to many modern safari lodges, and that is exactly what makes it so appealing. With only twelve suites, the lodge feels intimate and relaxed, never busy or overwhelming. Each suite overlooks the seasonal dry riverbeds, creating a constant connection to the surrounding wilderness.
The overall style leans toward a more classic, rustic safari experience, something that feels timeless and authentic. There is a strong sense of traditional safari charm here, and the lodge embraces its setting beautifully.
As with many of the places we visited on this trip, the staff and hospitality stood out immediately. The team at Jock delivers warm, attentive service, and the food throughout our stay was excellent. You can clearly see the level of training and thought that goes into the culinary experience.
One of the highlights was the variety of dining settings. On our first evening, we enjoyed a classic South African braai in the traditional boma area with a relaxed atmosphere, and very much part of the safari tradition. The following night offered a completely different experience, a more formal sit-down dinner with a set menu in the main dining area. Both settings overlook the dry riverbeds, meaning the bush remains part of the experience no matter where you dine.
The suites themselves are spacious and comfortable, featuring a large bedroom, indoor shower, small lounge area, and a well-appointed coffee station. But once again, it was the outdoor living space that impressed us. Each suite includes an expansive deck with a small splash pool, an outdoor bathtub, and an open-air shower, something we always love on safari. A particularly memorable feature is the outdoor daybed, complete with a mosquito net, which can be prepared for guests who wish to sleep under the stars.
Jock Safari Lodge is, in many ways, an “outdoor lodge.” Much of the experience happens in open spaces on decks, in river-facing lounges, and under the African sky which enhances the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness rather than simply observing it from indoors.
The lodge is also planning a soft refurbishment and upgrades between May and October 2026, and we are very excited to see how a refreshed version of Jock will build on its already strong character while preserving its classic safari charm.
During our visit, we also had the opportunity to view Fitzpatrick’s at Jock, located just a short distance upriver from Jock Safari Lodge itself. Fitzpatrick’s is the lodge’s exclusive-use villa, and it has recently been beautifully renovated and upgraded.
The lodge consists of just three suites, making it an ideal choice for families or small groups seeking privacy and exclusivity. When booking Fitzpatrick’s, guests enjoy complete private use of the property essentially turning the lodge into your own home in the African bush.
All meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, are prepared and served at the villa, allowing for a completely personalised and relaxed experience. Guests also benefit from a private safari vehicle, dedicated guide, and private chef, meaning every aspect of the stay is tailored entirely around your family’s pace and preferences.
This setup makes Fitzpatrick’s particularly well suited to multi-generational travel where flexibility and shared private space become especially valuable. Days can unfold naturally, without fixed schedules or the need to coordinate with other guests.
For families wanting intimacy, flexibility, and the feeling of having their own safari home, Fitzpatrick’s is a great choice.
We chose to spend our second night sleeping out on the deck, and it became one of the most special moments of the trip, falling asleep to the sounds of the bush and waking up surrounded by nature. Chrissy slept so soundly that she didn’t hear the lions roaring in the distance!
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
Sabi Sabi is located within the renowned Sabi Sands Reserve, one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations. The area is famous for its exceptional Big Five sightings, and Sabi Sabi has a variety of different lodges, perfectly set up for different types of travellers.
Despite feeling wonderfully remote once you arrive, Sabi Sabi is surprisingly easy to access. By Air: The closest airport is Skukuza Airport, situated inside Kruger National Park. From Skukuza, the transfer to Sabi Sabi takes approximately 1 hour. The drive itself already feels like part of the safari, as you travel through prime wildlife territory before entering the reserve. Guests can also arrive via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Mbombela, which is about a 2 to 2.5-hour road transfer to the reserve.
Just like in all the areas we visited on this trip, the safari here was magnificent, well above expectations for the green season. With the bush full of new life, impala lambs were everywhere, which led to incredible predator activity. We enjoyed multiple leopard sightings, including a special moment of a female with her cub resting in a tree with a freshly caught impala lamb, as well as wild dog sightings and even a crocodile feeding on an impala.
A big part of what made this experience so memorable was our outstanding ranger and tracker team. Their sense of humour, friendliness, and knowledge made each drive a moment. What makes Sabi Sabi unique is not only the abundance of wildlife, but also the exclusivity. The reserve shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely, while vehicle numbers are strictly controlled. The result is an intimate, uncrowded safari experience with incredible wildlife and a real sense of wilderness.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
We started our stay at Bush Lodge, set in a beautiful position overlooking a busy waterhole, with a spacious deck and two swimming pools perfectly placed to take it all in.
On arrival, we saw a full herd of elephants coming down to drink – an unforgettable first moment at the lodge! Bush Lodge is Sabi Sabi’s largest lodge with 25 suites, and is a family-friendly lodge welcoming children of all ages. While we often lean towards smaller lodges, this one is thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of space between the suites, so you still get a sense of privacy and tranquillity.
The food was excellent, and the traditional braai boma dinners under the stars were a real highlight. Overall, Bush Lodge offers a vibrant, welcoming safari experience with great wildlife, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bush Lodge is a fantastic option for families, multi-generational travel, or groups looking for a social and well-rounded safari experience. It’s also a great choice for first-time safari travellers who want excellent game viewing combined with comfort and a lively lodge atmosphere.
Earth Lodge
Our last night we were completely spoiled and stayed at Earth Lodge and quite honestly, it stands out as one of the most incredible lodges I’ve experienced in over 20 years of travel and tour operating.
It is a masterpiece of design and architecture. Built seamlessly into the landscape, Earth Lodge blends so naturally into the surrounding environment that you can hardly see it on arrival. It feels less like a lodge, and more like a living art gallery of the bush.
The lodge offers just 12 suites, all positioned far apart to ensure complete privacy, along with a stunning three-bedroom villa. The sense of space throughout is remarkable. Each suite feels expansive, with a large private pool, generous lounge area, outdoor veranda, indoor and outdoor showers, and a beautifully designed bathroom and bar area.
The main lodge areas are equally impressive, with a striking wine cellar, exceptional food, and views over a waterhole that draws in constant wildlife.
Earth Lodge is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip an unforgettable experience that redefines what safari luxury can be.
We recommend Earth Lodge for honeymooners, special occasions, and travellers looking for an exclusive, design-led safari experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate architecture, privacy, and high-end luxury, while still being fully immersed in the African bush.
Selati Camp & Little Bush Camp
Two beautiful, smaller lodges tucked away deep within Sabi Sands.
Both camps offer a intimate and secluded safari experience. They are incredibly well designed, with privacy clearly a top priority; something Sabi Sabi does exceptionally well across all their lodges.
Selati Camp has just seven suites, while Little Bush Camp offers six, creating a very exclusive and peaceful atmosphere. The suites are luxurious, thoughtfully spaced, and perfectly positioned to make you feel completely immersed in the bush. What really stood out is just how private and remote these camps feel, ideal for guests looking to escape the busier lodge environments and enjoy a quieter, more personal safari experience.
We recommend Selati and Little Bush Camp for couples, honeymooners, or families with older children looking for a more intimate safari. They also work exceptionally well for small groups. Both lodges can be booked on an exclusive-use basis, making them an incredible option for families or friends travelling together and wanting their own private safari experience.
Another unforgettable experience was spending time alone with a pack of wild dogs, just Chrissy and I in the vehicle with our guide. No other vehicles, no distractions just us and the wild. We sat there for nearly 30 minutes observing the pack in their natural habitat, full of antics.
If you’re travelling to South Africa and dreaming of an unforgettable safari, chat to one of our consultants. Chrissy and I have personally visited all the lodges featured on our website and many more. Our team regularly returns to these properties to ensure we stay up to date and truly know what we’re recommending. It’s this first-hand experience that allows us to match each traveller with the right lodge, not just any lodge. Tell us your budget, your travel style, your family setup, and what you most want to experience, and we’ll tailor the perfect safari for your time in South Africa.
Kruger and the Greater Kruger region are truly magical. This is where you’ll find some of the best safari lodges in the world, offering uncrowded and exceptional game viewing in a real, natural South African wilderness. Expect exceptional guiding, passionate rangers and trackers, warm and genuine hospitality, and food that consistently exceeds expectations. It’s this combination of world-class lodges, incredible wildlife, and dedicated people that makes the experience so special.
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South African Greetings
Hendrik & Chrissy
