Pestana Kruger Lodge, Malalane ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Pestana Kruger Lodge Malalane Nature photo

Pestana Kruger Lodge Malalane Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

R570, Kruger National Park, Malalane, South Africa, 1320

Next to the Malelane Gate to Kruger National Park

Very good

7.6

8.3

/10

4.2

3.9

Loved by Pestana Kruger Lodge guests

Lovely service
Excellent location
Amazing view
Delicious meals

"Brilliant views of the crocodile river extremely close to the malelane Kruger gate"

Nicci from South Africa

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"The observation deck faces the Crocodile river and gives outstanding views of the wildlife in the park, without ever leaving the Hotel!"

Antoni P

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"Always go for the deluxe rooms there are resident Waterbucks there and Hippos and crocodiles in the river and Elephants cross the river at night to feed in front of the rooms"

Alwaleed

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4-star lodge on the banks of the Crocodile River in Kruger National Park

Location

Pestana Kruger Lodge stands adjacent to Malelane Gate in Kruger National Park, providing an exceptional vantage point for wildlife enthusiasts. The lodge is situated along the Crocodile River, offering views where guests can spot hippos and diverse wildlife. The proximity to the park, one of South Africa's largest wildlife reserves, connects guests directly to the 'Big Five' in their natural habitat.

Amenities

The lodge boasts two outdoor pools, including a water slide, catering to family recreation and relaxation. Guests can also access beautifully landscaped gardens that enhance the scenery surrounding the lodge. A well-appointed massage room provides a range of body treatments that leverage natural products inspired by African traditions.

Dining

Buhlebethu restaurant offers an a la carte menu that showcases contemporary South African cuisine with stunning views of the Crocodile River. The open-air Boma provides a traditional African dining experience around a campfire, supporting communal dining with a minimum of 20 guests. At the Eshonalanga Bar, snacks and drinks are available throughout the day in a cozy atmosphere.

Wellness

The dedicated wellness area at Pestana Kruger Lodge focuses on relaxation through various body treatments. Most sessions begin with a Turkish bath to enhance product absorption for skin rejuvenation. This approach ensures guests experience a comprehensive wellness journey after their safari adventures.

Business Facilities

With the capability to host meetings and events, the lodge features conference rooms with the capacity to accommodate up to 200 people. The Impala conference room is ideal for annual meetings and gatherings that require a scenic and inspiring environment. Guests can consider a coffee break on the deck overlooking the Crocodile River as an exceptional moment for networking.

Highlights

Location: Adjacent to Malelane Gate in Kruger National Park

Amenities: Two outdoor pools, including a water slide

Dining: Buhlebethu restaurant with stunning river views

Wellness: Massage Room with body treatments

Business: Impala conference room for 200 guests

“This lodge excels with its prime location next to Kruger National Park's Malelane Gate, an ideal launching pad for safaris. I admire the views of the Crocodile River, where hippos and other wildlife gather. The family-friendly amenities, including multiple pools and safari-themed decor, create an immersive experience that I would recommend.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast with Wildlife

The breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. You can enjoy it on the viewing deck watching hippos in the river.

Rajesh from India

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Room FeaturesRiverfront Retreat

The deluxe room's terrace sits right above the river, offering daily views of hippos, crocodiles, and zebras.

Isabelle from France

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Business FacilitiesWork and Nature

Great wifi connectivity, even by the pool! Deluxe rooms let you work from the balcony with hippo 'serenades'.

Kenji from Japan

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Guest ParkingSafe and Secure

It's a safe place to park your car. There is private parking available right in front of the rooms.

Hans from Netherlands

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Select your room type

Pestana Kruger Lodge offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Family Room

2 persons

room details

Deluxe Room

2 persons

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Pestana Kruger Lodge offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Golf course

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Back massage
Full body massage
Foot massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Dining Onsite

Pestana Kruger Lodge offers a delightful array of dining options, each showcasing the rich tapestry of contemporary South African cuisine with stunning views of the Crocodile River. Guests can immerse themselves in diverse culinary experiences, from casual breakfasts by the pool to traditional dinners under the stars.

Pestana Kruger Lodge Malalane Restaurant photo

Buhlebethu

Contemporary South African

Ambiance

Inviting restaurant with scenic views overlooking the Crocodile River, perfect for both relaxed meals and special occasions.

Key Offerings

Featuring an à la carte menu, guests can indulge in robust flavors alongside a buffet service. Special dinners serve traditional meals around the campfire, adding a touch of African cultural experience.

Reservation

Recommended

Open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Pestana Kruger Lodge Location

R570, Kruger National Park, Malalane, South Africa, 1320

Map view

R570, Kruger National Park, Malalane, South Africa, 1320

City landmarks

Nature reserve

Kruger National Park Malelane Gate

2900 ft

Landmark

Berg-en-Dal

2.7 mi

Landmark

Mthethomusha Game Reserve

3.0 mi

Nearby

Golf Course

Malelane Golf Club

300 ft

Restaurants

Hamilton's Restaurant

400 ft

Malelane Gate Road R570 Riverside Farm

Explore Malalane

Discover Local Highlights

Kruger National Park Malelane Gate

11 minutes' walk

Entrance to Kruger National Park, known for diverse wildlife. Excellent for guided tours and game drives.

Malelane Golf Club

1 minute' walk

A scenic 18-hole golf course ideal for golf enthusiasts and beginners alike. Stunning views and club amenities available.

Berg-en-Dal

8-minute drive

A location within Kruger known for stunning landscapes and abundant game viewing opportunities.

Mthethomusha Game Reserve

8-minute drive

A reserve offering a variety of wildlife and guided safari experiences for an immersive nature experience.

Golfing at Malelane Golf Club

1 minute' walk

A leisurely round of golf set against beautiful landscapes. Equipment rental available.

Safari Tours in Kruger National Park

11 minutes' walk

Guided tours customized for thrill-seekers. Daily game drives available, booking required.

Relaxation at Local Spa

5-minute drive

Spa services focusing on wellness and relaxation. Popular treatments include massages and facials.

Hamilton's Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Offers a mix of local and international cuisine in a comfortable setting. Reservations recommended for peak times.

Local Bars and Live Music Venues

10-minute drive

Vibrant nightlife spots featuring live music and weekly events. Perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures.

Getting around

City Centre

Malalane5 min · 1.9 mi

Airports

Kruger Mpumalanga International (MQP)100 min · 41.4 mi

Skukuza (SZK)102 min · 42.1 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Pestana Kruger Lodge guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Pestana Kruger Lodge from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Pestana Kruger Lodge is conveniently located very close to the Malelane gate, making access to Kruger Park incredibly easy for guests, and many find it offers good value. The spacious rooms often include comfortable beds, mini-bars, and reliable WiFi, with some boasting views of the Crocodile River, though a few guests have noted that not all rooms have the garden views advertised. The deck area overlooking the river is a highlight, offering the chance to spot hippos, elephants and other wildlife, while breakfast offers a good variety of choices.

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Review score

Based on 583 verified reviews

7.6/10

Very good

72%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.2/10

Value for money

7.5/10

Pros

Park gate proximity

Great staff

Riverview room

Great value food

Sunset drive

Cons

Blocked toilets

Construction noise

Expensive beverages

Frank from Germany

Family with children

Deluxe Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 10, 2026

9/10

amazing stay with awesome views!

amazing viewshelpful staffcrocodile rivergreat location

the deck gave me amazing views over the crocodile river. i saw elephants , buffalo , and hippos during breakfast! the location is super close to the malelane gate. the staff were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them.

the tv in my room was not working properly.

Rooms

9/10

the beautiful room was spacious and very comfortable for my family. it featured two separate sinks in the bathroom , a rainfall shower , and comfortable beds. the air conditioning worked well , keeping the room cool.

0 Helpful

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mark from united kingdom

Family with children

standard room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 24, 2026

6/10

understaffed and dated

wide varietyfood selectionbroken door latch

the breakfast had a wide variety of foods available.

the door latch was broken on my room. the bathroom door barely closed. the shower door stuck instead.

0 Helpful

Victor from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 20, 2026

6/10

limited selectionstale desserts

the buffet was disappointing the food selection was limited i found the quality inconsistent with what i expect at this price the same menu looked two nights in a row and the desserts seemed stale the dining area lacked tablecloths adding to a sense of cheapness i think more attention to detail and variety is needed in the buffet service i hope management will consider improvements

0 Helpful

jayden from united kingdom

Family with children

deluxe room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 17, 2025

9.5/10

kruger adventure at its best!

wildlife viewingbeautiful groundsattentive staffgolf cart

i enjoyed the convenient access to kruger national park. the deck overlooking the crocodile river was amazing for wildlife viewing (i even saw hippos!). the grounds were beautiful, especially during evening walks. the attentive staff offered a ride in a golf cart to the restaurant, it was a nice touch.

the wifi signal was sometimes spotty in certain areas of the room (it wasn't a big deal).

Dining

9/10

breakfast offered a wide variety of foods, with selections available for everyone. the restaurant's menu was great, and i thought the food was priced well. i especially liked the oxtail (it was delicious!).

Location

10/10

the location is fantastic and very close to the kruger gate (it's only a minute away!). the deck offers a gorgeous view overlooking the crocodile river.

0 Helpful

John from South Africa

Family with children

Deluxe Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 18, 2025

9/10

amazing kruger stay!

breakfast buffethelpful staffperfect location

The breakfast buffet was fantastic (i especially loved the omelets!). i appreciated the restaurant staff. They were ready to help. the location is perfect being super close to the park's entrance.

Location

10/10

the location is close to the park entrance, which makes early morning safaris very convenient. i saw elephants and hippos from the deck. the proximity to the river offers chances to see wildlife.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Pestana Kruger Lodge

Are there any rooms available with double or queen beds?

12 April 2024

All beds are in a Twin configuration. However, if preferred, arrangements can be made to join two singles to form a double.

Is there a shuttle service to and from Nelspruit Airport, and what are the charges?

20 May 2024

A shuttle can be arranged for approximately R1450 one way for two passengers.

What activities are offered daily, particularly regarding game drives?

30 July 2024

The lodge has a swimming pool for relaxation. Game drives are conducted by a third-party provider, Hylton Ross, so checking with them directly for activities and prices is advisable.

What is the distance from the lodge to attractions like Three Roundavels and God's Window?

15 June 2024

These must-see features on the Panorama Route are approximately 118 kilometers away, which is around a 2-hour drive from the lodge.

Is the lodge located within Kruger National Park, and how far is it from Malelane Gate?

5 August 2024

The lodge is not situated inside the park but lies along the Crocodile River, which is the southern border of the Kruger National Park.

Is the lodge safe for kids to play and are there any facilities for children?

22 September 2024

The lodge is fully fenced and considered safe for children. A kids' splash pool, a water slide, and a jumping castle are available for fun.

Is it possible to consume outside alcohol on the premises?

18 January 2025

Bringing food and beverages not purchased at the lodge is allowed only in the privacy of your room, while consumption in other areas of the property is strictly prohibited.

Do safari trips get organized by the lodge, and what are their costs?

10 October 2024

Safaris can be arranged, with pricing varying based on nationality and the type of safari experience desired.

Can visitors dine at the lodge, or is a reservation needed?

25 November 2024

Lunch is available every day without the need for a prior reservation, so visitors can come and enjoy a meal with family.

Which currencies are accepted for transactions at the lodge?

2 March 2025

Transactions at the lodge can typically be conducted in South African Rand (ZAR), but other currencies may also be accepted depending on the situation.