Along the western Kruger boundary are several private game reserves, most of which are unfenced with game roaming freely between the Park and reserves. Game Reserves are usually made of up of a collection of privately owned estates, or concessions leased or managed by the local community, with each often covering several thousand hectares or more.

Accommodation varies on private game reserves, from ultra luxurious lodges to traditional style tented camps, but even the most rustic offers a more exclusive experience than in the National Park. Professional guides with experienced trackers conduct day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, bush walks and even horse and elephant back safaris available in some reserves. As the land is private, there are not the same restrictions and vehicles can go off road and guests can leave the vehicle accompanied by their guide.

Lodges and camps will include all meals and game activities, with the more luxurious often being fully inclusive. There size varies, but rarely would a private lodge sleep more than 30 people with some of the smaller bush camps having just 5 rooms.