Crocodile River Lodge Opposite Malelane Gate

Pestana Kruger Lodge stands on the banks of the Crocodile River, directly opposite Malelane Gate, and makes a comfortable four-star base for southern Kruger. There are river views, game drives into the park with SANParks and trusted partners, two pools, a massage room and a casual restaurant and bar. Families and first-time visitors to the Lowveld are well looked after.

Price Per Person Sharing From:

USD 91 - 129

Guest bedroom with a king bed, dark wood furniture, and garden view.

Highlights & What to Expect

Crocodile River outlook with frequent wildlife sightings.
Quick access to southern Kruger via Malelane Gate.
Guided game drives into Kruger in open safari vehicles.
Horseback riding and birdwatching arranged through the tour desk.
Two outdoor pools, one with a water slide, and a massage room.
Buffet dining at Buhlebethu Restaurant and drinks at the Eshonalanga Bar.
Leopard Creek Country Club close by.

More South Africa Hotels

Overview of Pestana Kruger Lodge

The lodge looks over the Crocodile River, where hippo and antelope are often seen, to Kruger National Park’s Malelane Gate.

Location & Setting

The lodge is closed for renovation from January 12 to April 30, 2027.

Southern Kruger is rich in game and easy to reach for morning and afternoon drives. Malelane town and the Leopard Creek estate are close by. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is roughly an hour’s drive, and Johannesburg about four to five hours by road, traffic permitting.

Rooms

The lodge has Standard, Family and Premium rooms, and the Rhino Family Cottage has its own private pool. Standard rooms are air-conditioned, every room has tea and coffee, and Family and Premium rooms take up to four guests. Many look over the river or the garden, some have balconies for watching wildlife, and the décor is simple and African in style.

Facilities

There are two outdoor pools, one with a water slide, a riverside deck and a massage room where most treatments begin with a Turkish bath. Game drives into Kruger, horseback riding, birdwatching and day trips to Pilgrim’s Rest and the Three Rondavels go through the tour desk. Buhlebethu Restaurant serves buffet meals, nocturnal animals sometimes appear below the terrace of the Eshonalanga Bar, and groups can book a boma dinner around a campfire.

Help Me Plan My Trip

Amenities

Accommodations
74
Airport Transfers
Bar & Lounge
Restaurant
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Wi-Fi
Laundry Service
In-room Safe
Gift Shop / Curio Shop
Wheelchair Accessible
In-room TV
Viewing Deck
Minibar
Tea & Coffee
Hair Dryer
Private Deck
Massages

Area Activities

Game Drives
Scenic Touring
Birdwatching
Cultural Tours
Horseback Riding

Other Area Properties

Malelane sits at the park’s southern edge, and the nearest comparable stays are upriver at Paul Kruger Gate on the Sabie and in the hills around White River and Hazyview.