Shishangeni by BON Hotels

Shishangeni by BON Hotels is a private concession lodge situated inside Kruger National Park on the park’s southern boundary near Crocodile Bridge Gate. The lodge offers an exclusive safari experience on a private concession within the park itself — meaning game drives take place on roads not accessible to day visitors, with the freedom to go off-road in pursuit of wildlife.

The lodge features 22 luxury thatched chalets set in indigenous bush, each with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, private decks, and tea/coffee stations. A swimming pool, restaurant, boma, and lounge area provide comfortable communal spaces between game activities.

The concession area is prime Big Five territory — the southern Kruger grasslands and river systems support exceptional populations of lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard. Game drives are led by experienced rangers in open vehicles, with morning, afternoon, and night drives available. Guided bush walks offer an additional dimension to the safari experience.

Being inside Kruger on a private concession combines the best of both worlds — the vast wilderness and wildlife density of the national park with the exclusivity and off-road flexibility of a private reserve. Rates include all meals, drinks, and game activities.

Enter via Crocodile Bridge Gate (15 km). From Johannesburg, take the N4 east (4.5 hours). KMIA is 1.5 hours away. The lodge can arrange transfers from Marloth Park or KMIA.