There’s something refreshing about encountering a safari lodge early in its life – before its story has been fully told, before expectations are fixed, and while its sense of place is still taking shape. 18 On The Hill, which opened in August 2025, is one such arrival: a new, elevated lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger landscape that is already beginning to find its footing.

18 On The Hill forms part of the unfenced Greater Kruger ecosystem, where wildlife moves freely across reserve boundaries and the landscape remains the defining force. The lodge’s position – raised above the bush – offers wide views across a mosaic of habitats, from open savannah to riverine corridors along the Olifants River, and a sense of space that feels integral rather than imposed.

In the months since opening, 18 On The Hill has moved quickly. Recently awarded a 5-star grading, the lodge has achieved this milestone within a notably short time frame – a reflection of both its ambition and the standard of experience it aims to deliver as it establishes itself. Rather than feeling hurried, however, the lodge carries the atmosphere of something carefully considered: modern, calm and quietly confident in its surroundings.

Accommodation is intentionally limited. The lodge comprises nine luxury tented suites, each set on raised platforms and designed to blend contemporary comfort with a strong connection to the outdoors. At 100 square metres, the suites are generous in scale, with private plunge pools, outdoor showers and interiors that reference the surrounding landscape without overstatement.

Beyond the suites, the focus remains on the wider environment. Game drives explore more than 11,000 hectares of Greater Kruger traverse, including a stretch of Olifants River frontage that brings a change of pace and scenery to each safari. Big Five sightings are a natural part of the experience here, but the rhythm of the bush also reveals itself in quieter ways: early-morning light across the plains, the presence of water shaping wildlife movement, and the rich birdlife that thrives in this part of the Lowveld.

Birding is a particular highlight, with the diversity of habitats supporting an impressive range of species. Sightings of rarities such as Pel’s Fishing Owl underscore the ecological depth of the area, offering moments of surprise beyond the classic safari checklist.

Back at the lodge, the atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive. Stays are fully inclusive, with all meals – from breakfast through to dinner – prepared on site, alongside snacks and high tea. Food plays a central role in the guest experience, supported by a fully separate kosher kitchen, supervised by a qualified Mashgiach. This makes 18 On The Hill a notable addition to the Greater Kruger safari scene, offering kosher-friendly safari stays without compromising on quality or creativity.

Evenings may unfold in different ways: a night drive revealing the bush after dark, time spent around the fire, or quiet moments on a private deck as nocturnal sounds take over. Night drives offer a different lens on the landscape, while guided bush walks, stargazing, and sound-focused experiences provide alternative ways of engaging with the wild – on foot, by ear, and at a slower pace.

What underpins the lodge’s presence is its location within a community-owned reserve. Maseke’s structure means that conservation, land stewardship and local benefit are part of the broader framework in which the lodge operates. Each guest’s stay contributes to Balule’s conservation efforts, including wildlife monitoring, rhino protection and habitat management – initiatives that form the backbone of long-term sustainability in this part of Greater Kruger.

Looking ahead, 18 On The Hill is already planning its next chapter. A five-bedroom private villa, complete with its own guide and chef, is scheduled to open in 2026, adding a more private safari option for families and groups. For now, though, the lodge remains in a formative phase – shaping its identity, refining its offering and settling into the rhythms of the land it overlooks.

As a new entrant to the Greater Kruger safari landscape, 18 On The Hill offers a compelling mix of elevation, openness and intention. It’s a lodge at the beginning of its journey, and that sense of possibility – combined with the depth of the landscape it inhabits – makes it one to watch as the seasons unfold.

W: 18 On the Hill

Photos credit: Shira Jacobs