Taj Debuts In Kruger National Park, South Africa With Three Luxury Lodges

Taj Takeover in Kruger Park

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of three luxury wildlife lodges in the iconic Taj brand within the Balule Game Reserve, located in Kruger National Park, South Africa. This signing represents IHCL’s debut in the luxury wildlife hospitality sector in South Africa.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “As the demand for purpose-led travel continues to grow, Taj with its differentiated offerings brings exceptional safari experiences where expert-led jungle drives, community engagement, and conservation-led design come together to create unforgettable journeys. Our foray into Kruger National Park builds on this legacy, offering travellers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach. We are delighted to partner with OM USA LLC to bring this vision to life.”

The three luxury lodges—the 30-room Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, the 6-room Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, and the 6-room Taj Lion Kings River Lodge—are situated in the wild, offering enriched safari experiences. Each lodge features an all-day dining restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and recreational areas, blending comfort with the spirit of the African wilderness.

Manish Patel, OM USA LLC, said, “The tightly controlled environment of the Balule Game Reserve ensures exclusivity and privacy, making it an ideal destination for discerning global explorers. Taj has been a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for over two decades. We are happy to partner with India’s largest hospitality ecosystem to bring the legendary Taj brand to Kruger National Park.”

Covering almost 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park ranks among the globe’s most renowned wildlife reserves, hosting the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Situated in the Greater Kruger area, the Balule Game Reserve provides an equally vibrant wildlife experience, thanks to its unfenced borders that allow animals to roam freely. With opportunities for off-road game drives and night safaris, visitors can enjoy unique and close-up encounters with wildlife.