Kuname River Lodge would be unremarkable as one of many excellent luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park area were it not for the hosts, rangers, chefs and staff. Genuine willingness to help, an obvious passion for the land and the lives it supports, exceptional meals and an uncanny ability to establish instant rapport are the products of a well-managed and well-fed team.

Accommodation at the exclusive Kuname River Lodge is in palatial and luxurious chalets of brick and thatch shrouded by the dense riverine forest. The en suite bathrooms spill out into the open and the private decks offer views of the seasonal river and the Drakensberg escarpment, which forms a picturesque backdrop. The main lodge exudes class with a plush lounge area that opens out onto a glorious riverside deck with a rock pool and front-row seats on the wildlife action below.

Kuname River Lodge – exclusive safari in the greater Kruger area

The wildlife safari in a private game reserve means fewer rules, more freedom to explore, walking safaris, night drives, impromptu off-road traversing and almost nobody else within, in this case, a 9,000ha radius of you. The Karongwe Private Game Reserve joins the Kruger National Park by way of several other private reserves and forms what is known informally as the Greater Kruger Park area. Elephant and leopard are particular highlights with good numbers of lion, buffalo, rhino and hyena, and over 250 recorded birds.