Recommended lodges in Greater Kruger Park with heated safari pools

This camp will open in June 2023 after a complete rebuild. Upon reopening the owners have thought of each and every requirement that a luxury safari enthusiast will want and that includes a heated pool, that will further welcome guests for the ultimate luxury safari experience.  Each of the 9 glass-fronted suites will have a large terrace with a private heated safari pool that will overlook the riverbed.  As Timbavati can be cold in the winter – around 51 Fahrenheit or 11 Celsius in the evening, to have a heated private safari pool is one for the books.

The camp has also been designed to have a lighter footprint and be an ecologically sensitive camp with all materials locally sourced.

Imagine returning from an exciting morning game drive or guided nature walk, followed by a bush breakfast and then escaping to your private heated plunge pool to relax on the terrace with a refreshing beverage and a good book.

This opulent lodge is located in the exclusive Kapama Private Game Reserve and is set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River in the Greater Kruger. Each of the twelve superior suites have a generous outside deck with sun loungers and a large lap pool that is heated in the cooler winter months, allowing for year-round swimming pleasure. When not using the heated safari pool you can have a spa treatment or two at the award-winning Karula Spa which boasts 4 treatment rooms, and guests can of course join the outstanding daily scheduled game drives in the Big 5 reserve, with top notch guides.

The lodge is well known for its gourmet cuisine served to perfection by the Executive Chef. One of our favorite desserts is the Mango & Amarula Parfait with meringue. End the day with either room service while relaxing in your heated pool or take a dip after returning from your evening dinner.

Dulini Moya was recently renovated and is one of our recommended lodges with heated safari pools. There are six generous stone cottages set under a leafy canopy of ebony trees. With space for just 12 guests at time, you are assured of privacy and an intimate safari with personal service. The suites have classic interiors and lead out to a private heated plunge pool that looks out onto a dry riverbed. In the evening dine under an ancient jackalberry tree to end off a magical day on safari.

There are special touches at this lodge including a well-stocked mini bar that even comes with fresh lemons for the traditional gin & tonic sundowner to enjoy in the warm heated plunge pool. We recommend this lodge for anyone who wants a high end lodge with a personal touch. We guarantee that you will be back with the service, food, game activities and the heated safari pool.

Looking for frequent leopard sightings as well as the finest accommodation within this private reserve, then you should consider Singita Boulders Lodge as one of your top choices.  Set along the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve within Sabi Sands, this lodge is built around some of the impressive organic-shaped rocks found on the site during construction. This is modern decor as its finest with 12 glass-fronted suites that feature contemporary interiors. Each of the suites has a fireplace, private deck that overlooks the river, outdoor shower and then the indulgent heated safari pool.

The main areas has uber special touches including:

• Temperature-controlled wine-cellar with an award-winning wine collection that offers personalized wine tastings
• Handmade furnishings
• Copper Bar which serves freshly squeezed juices in the morning or fabulous cocktails in the evening
• In-house spa for beauty treatments and massages

This lodge is very modern and has a contemporary-design and is totally different to Singita Boulders which it is often paired with, as there is a 20-minute light aircraft flight in between each lodge. Although not every suite has a plunge pool, the main lodge has 2 swimming pools and one of them is a large heated safari pool, which more than makes up for each suite not having a private plunge pool. The pools are large enough to do laps. Some of the suites which are more like private villas do contain their own private plunge pools. The game drives have rangers and trackers and this assures you of the best game viewing experience each time. Although the game activity times are set, there is still time to enjoy relaxing around the swimming pools or enjoy a cooking class.

Further highlights of this lodge, other than the heated pool, is the cookery school, the services of a private butler, bush dinners and access to view and edit photography in the impressive media room. We also recommend some retail therapy at the well-stocked shop and gallery.

Serondella Lodge, means “the place of the elephant” and is a pristine, 5-star, boutique that also includes the enjoyment of a heated pool in the two-bedroom and in three-bedroom suites, so perfect for family or friends that want to experience a safari while staying together in separate accommodation. These suites are called Botsotso Family Suite and Willem’s Den respectively.  It’s good to know that the camp is fenced so that means children of all ages are welcome. Serondella was also recently renovated and is located on the banks of a tributary of the Monwana watercourse in a captivating setting. Game viewing is phenomenal as it is flanked by two waterholes that allows for great game viewing opportunities from the comfort of the two and three bedroom suites with their heated private safari pools. It is also a birders paradise as Thornybush has 507 recorded different species of birds.  It provides guests with the opportunity for a unique intimate safari experience, while staying with family or/and friends.

Rock Lodge is one of the camps at Ulusaba and offers 8 different room types including Master suite, Makwela suites, rock cliff rooms and a two-bedroom rock suite. Some of these suites have private plunge pools. But the pool in the main public area is heated for the chilly winter months, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to swim year-round.  Activities include twice daily game drives, a walking safari that is optional, informative talks on the plants and wildlife in the surrounding area. The fully equipped gym offers the opportunity to maintain your fitness in the fully equipped gym, while the library provides a great selection of books, and the heated swimming pool the opportunity to just relax. Guests also have access to the use of the 2 floodlit tennis courts, wine tasting and an aroma boma.

The lodge provides beverages with all meals including a celebrated wine list and fine champagne with lunch or dinner.

Londolozi Private Granite Suites | Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve

Located in the exclusive Sabi Sand which has unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, this is a safari lodge for the discerning traveler who appreciates the finer details while on an African safari with understated elegance, and includes a really large heated private safari pool.

Each and every suite has a heated swimming pool as can be seen in the picture above. All suites open out to the Sand River with glorious views and they were designed to maximize space, light and privacy. If exclusivity is what you are seeking, then the private granite suites at Londolozi are the perfect choice as it has just 3 glorious villas so the camp is limited to three couples.  All of this combined makes for an unforgettable experience.

If you are interested in a safari while staying at one of the premium lodges with heated private safari pools with Ker & Downey® Africa, get in touch with our travel experts who will include one of these in the perfect safari itinerary just for you.

See you out there!