Bernie Van Der Linde
What accommodation is available in the Kruger National Park?
Accommodation in the Kruger National Park is not luxurious, even though many different types of units are available in the various camps. But they have a lovely safari bush veld vibe.
The rest camps range from main to smaller bush camps (refer to our article “Is it worth visiting Kruger National Park?”). These camps offer rustic campsites, canvas tents, basic huts, cottages and fully equipped bungalows (the most luxurious).
In this travel blog we tell you everything you need to know when selecting accommodation in the Kruger National Park
How many rest camps are there in the Kruger National Park?
There are twelve main camps, four satellite camps, five bush camps, two overnight hides, three exclusive and private bush lodges and one secluded non-electrified camping site.
What are the benefits of staying at a rest camp in the Kruger National Park?
- You can be the first person out of the gates in the morning (if you wake up early). Many animals are still on the road early morning.
- You get to experience various camps with different vegetation (therefore also a variety of animals). For example, larger herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest, and many predators in the north, while the south often has many more elephants near the rivers.
- Great documentaries are showing at the open-air-theatres in camp
- Nothing beats a campfire in front of your bungalow at night
- Listening to the sounds of the animals calling at night is an unforgettable experience
- One of the biggest joys of Kruger is star gazing without the interference of city lights
- You can enjoy the most spectacular sunsets or sunrises from your unit.
- You can experience the most spectacular sunset from a viewpoint like Mathekenyane near Skukuza camp or Sunset dam near Lower Sabie, which is only a few minutes away from the camps’ gates.
- You can buy alcohol from the convenience store in the camp and enjoy sundowners at a lovely spot. Day visitors at not allowed to bring in or purchase alcohol in Kruger.
What is the difference between a hut, cottage, and bungalow in the Kruger National Park?
The basic accommodation types include camping (at dedicated campsites in camp), huts, safari tents, bungalows, cottages, family cottages, guest cottages, and guest houses.
The main differences between the various types of units are primarily due to the following:
(i) kitchen facilities (communal kitchen outside the unit, kitchenette, or fully equipped kitchen),
(ii) living room spaces, and
(iii) views (perimeter or river views – PRIME option),
(iv) multiple bedrooms, and
(v) the type of patio (enclosed or open).
The Sanparks booking website provides photos of each unit and describes the included amenities.
PRO TIP: If you can, always try to book a unit with a view. This costs a bit more, but is worth it. Many animals come to the fence (particularly nocturnal animals).
Campsites in the Kruger National Park
Campsites cost R410 (25€) per night (for 2 to 6 people) with power points and are mostly small, without any grass. This means you camp on the sand in nature. The communal ablutions are (mostly) clean, basic and easy to access.
The sites are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis which doesn’t allow you to book a particular site (the sites are not allocated or marketed).
Most of the camps have great sites directly next to the camp’s fence (making for incredible evening game viewing from your tent’s patio as nocturnal animals visit).
This is the prime position for spotting Hyenas after dark as they parade the fence in search of meat morsels. Although check-in time is noon, some camps often allow campers to start putting up the tent a bit earlier. Vacation time is 9:00, but these rules are not strictly enforced during the off-season.
Is there electricity at the campsites in the Kruger National Park?
All camps sites have electricity with the exception of Tsendze camp.
Tsendze camp is a small satellite camp near Mopani rest camp. It has a few awesome demarcated camping sites. Tsendze is SUPER if you’re a TRUE nature lover and enjoy being isolated in the bush. This camp has no facilities or electricity. The ablutions also have no electricity. You have to come prepared! We enjoyed this experience, but its not for everyone.
Safari tents in the Kruger National Park
Safari tents are an exciting and fun way to experience nature in Africa. The tents are basic, have no air-conditioners and thus get extremely hot during summer. Nevertheless, some tents have great river or fence views that compensate for the discomfort of the heat.
Kruger tents have communal ablution and kitchen facilities. A safari tent with four single beds, communal ablutions and kitchen, fan and fridge cost around R820 per night for 2 to 4 people (this one was priced at Letaba rest camp).
Types of bungalows in the Kruger National Park
Rest camp bungalows in Kruger
These units mostly come with an en-suite bathroom (only showers), single beds, an air conditioner, fridge, essential kitchen equipment and utensils such as a hotplate, sink, cutlery and plates. Some units are enclosed with mosquito wire patios (excellent for keeping monkeys and baboons out), while others are open.
How much does it cost to sleep in a bungalow in the Kruger National Park?
A Bungalow 2 single bed (BD2) starts from R1685 (102€) per night at Skukuza.
Semi-luxury bungalow in Kruger
The only difference to the standard bungalow is the addition of a satellite TV, maybe a bit fancier bedding, and a small seating area inside the bungalow. Some semi-luxury bungalows have a microwave and a larger enclosed patio.
The riverside bungalows at Skukuza camp
These bungalows are considered the most luxurious units in the camp. The reason for this is the satellite TV, a bit fancier bedding (a proper double bed, not two, just single beds pushed together), a lovely veranda with river views, a well-appointed (for the bush) outside kitchen with fair size fridge and built-in braai. The views make it worth paying a bit more for this unit.
Guest cottages in the Kruger National Park
Guest Cottages are our favourite type of accommodation in the Kruger park. Even though these units have more than one room, we prefer them because they have the best kitchen facilities (for those who enjoy self-catering) and a great inside lounge area.
How much does it cost to sleep in a guest cottage in the Kruger National Park?
Most units have fantastic large verandas ideal for game viewing if they’re on the fence. The cost for a guest cottage at Skukuza (GC4V) with a river view is R3149 (190€) per night. There are only a few in the park, but we can assure you it’s worth postponing your trip until you can get a booking at one of these units.
BEST accommodation in the Kruger National Park
PRO TIP: When you look at a unit description the (GC4V) indicates that it has either a river or fence view.
Private Luxury Lodges in the Kruger National Park
The private luxury lodges are, as the name suggests, extremely luxurious and come with a hefty price tag. The benefit of staying at a private game lodge is that everything is fully inclusive. It includes your accommodation, two game drives per day (on an open 4X4 safari vehicle with qualified rangers and trackers), bush walks and meals.
The game rangers have trained knowledge and experience of the bush to ensure you get to the best sightings on time. The rangers in an area are regularly in contact with each other to share information on sightings and give guests an unforgettable experience.
Private lodges in Kruger National Park
The following luxury private lodges are located within the parameters of the Kruger National Park.
- Hamiltons Tented Camp
- Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
- Jock Safari Lodge
- Lukimbi Safari Lodge
- Rhino Walking Safaris
- Shishangeni Private Lodge with Camp Shawu and Camp Shonga
- Singita Sweni Lodge
- Lion Sands Kruger with Tinga and Narina Lodges
- Kruger Shalati Lodge
- Nkuhlu Tented Camp
This article will only focus on the main and bush lodges within the Kruger National Park.
You may wish to read our related article Top 10 private lodges in the Kruger National Park.the
Best camps, routes and picnic spots in the Kruger National Park
First, we need to explain that even though the camps are inside the park, they are fenced in and have a central access gate. This means that wildlife cannot enter the Kruger camps’ gates, although small antelope sometimes roam free inside the camps.
Skukuza (the main camp)
Skukuza is the largest and busiest camp. However, it remains our favourite because it is located near the Sabie River.
It makes for spectacular (sunset and sunrise) views when wildlife comes to the river to drink, or elephants play in the water at dusk. You are almost guaranteed to spot large breeding herds of elephants on the Skukuza – Lower Sabie scenic route (the H4-1, a top-rated tar road), including wild dog and hyena sightings.
There are large trees along the riverbanks attracting many elephants and other wildlife. Baboons and monkeys also enjoy playing on this road in the early morning and late afternoon to much of the delight of passing tourists. The area is filled with abundant grazers like impala, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and several resident predators such as lion and leopard. We regularly encounter leopard sightings in this area.
Best lookout point in the Kruger National Park
Mathekenyane’s lookout point on the H1-1 road provides panoramic views of the park as far as the eye can see. It is about 10km from Skukuza camp. Here you may alight from your vehicle and enjoy sundowners on the rock. It is also the best place to take that once-in-a-lifetime photo with your loved one. Our signature Instagram and profile photos were taken on this unique rock. Enjoy the sunset and stay here until almost 15 minutes before camp closes in Skukuza.
BEST routes in Kruger
The best early morning game drive is on the H1-2 from Skukuza to Tshokwane. This is about a 45km route to the Tshokwane picnic spot. Tshokwane is famous for its large sausage tree, surrounded by a thatched roof with a seating area.
Depending on how much you see and how often you stop, this is the perfect route to take if you want to be in time to prepare your bush breakfast on a gas braai while admiring the wildlife up close. Beneath the large, thatched roof, you can enjoy many traditional dishes (braai ‘wors’, ‘pap en sous’, steak, chops) or more classical ones prepared by the local chefs.
As you leave the picnic spot, turn onto the H10 and then take another turn onto the S32 to the Orpen dam.
This dam often has incredible elephant sightings.
Distance and travelling time from Kruger gate to the main camps
Is Lower Sabie Camp, Kruger National Park a great choice to stay at?
Lower Sabie is the park’s most popular camp, which means you must book months in advance to get good accommodation.
We love their riverfront units and newly renovated safari tents (by far the best in the park). If you are lucky enough to get accommodation here, you will be in African heaven! They have a lovely restaurant overlooking the Sabie River (we have posted many photos of this lovely spot on our Instagram page). You can enjoy excellent game-viewing opportunities while enjoying a delicious African meal.
Sunset Dam is 500 meters from the camp’s gate on the H4-1. It is the biggest attraction of this camp. The dam attracts an abundance of crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife, particularly during sunrise and sunset. At this spot, we have witnessed the biggest herd of buffalo crossing the road during sunset. The best part about staying at Lower Sabie is enjoying sundowners at this spot until literally five minutes before camp closing time.
However, if you have more time and want to enjoy your sundowner in a quiet and secluded spot, it is worth the effort to drive to Nthandanyathi hide, which is about 16km from the camp. Take the H4-2 from the base, then turn onto the S28 road towards the hide.
Another favourite picnic spot of ours is Nkuhlu, located on the H4-1 road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. This picnic spot has recently been revamped and now includes a takeaway section, a convenience store, and an intimate restaurant. This lovely spot offers a magnificent view over the Sabie River (head over to our Instagram @travelbuddies_lifestyle page to view some photos of this incredible spot). It is our favourite spot to prepare a delicious breakfast (using a rented gas braai) while overlooking the vast landscape.
Is Olifants rest camp in the Kruger National Park nice to stay at?
Moving up to the park’s central region, we recommend staying at Olifants camp on the Olifants River. This camp is set high on a hill. The camp is known for its large elephant herds and unique bird life.
This area has many great game-viewing roads, but our favourite is the H1-4 from Satara to Olifants. It might feel like the game is becoming less dense as you move towards the north, and the landscape is becoming more “open and flat”. This area is often referred to as ‘the plains’.
Satara is well known for its predators, and this landscape makes them easier to spot. You are likely to see many lions in this area.
Another popular route when leaving the camp is the H8, which reroutes onto the S44 to Olifant’s lookout point, which has spectacular river views. This route then joins the S93 and S46 until you reach the Matambeni bird hide (absolutely worth leaving your car for).
Timbavati picnic spot is a small and remote picnic spot on the S40 parallel to Satara/Olifants roads (H1-4). Here, you will truly feel like you’re alone in the African bushveld. There are no major facilities like the main picnic spots beside toilets, a few tables and chairs, and some gas braai equipment for rent. The route leading to the picnic spot is a scenic gravel road. In season, you must arrive early to ensure you get a good spot over the landscape.
How many days is the ideal trip to Kruger National Park?
We recommend a trip between 4 and 5 days, if you intend only to visit the south and some central parts,
This timeline allows you to explore at least two camps in the south and at least one in the central part, while enjoying a few early morning game drives and some sleep-ins.
The bush can get boring if you stay too long, particularly if you experience days without seeing plenty of animals.
How to get to the best bird and game hides in the Kruger National Park?
Here is a list of our favourite hides in Kruger and how to get there:
- Nthandanyathi – located on the S28 south east of Lower Sabie just north of the junction with the S137.
- Lake Panic – located on the S42 near Skukuza on the road to the Nursery
- Sweni – located where the S37 meets the Sweni River
- N’wanetsi viewpoint and Picnic Site (5km from Sweni listed above)
- Sable Dam– located on the S51 about 7km from Phalaborwa Gate
- Nyawutsi – located on the eastern side of the S50 a few km north of Grootvlei Dam
- Kanniedood – located on the S50 a few km south east of Shingwedzi Camp
Where are the best picnic sites in Kruger National Park?
Here is a list of our favourite picnic spots and how to get there:
- Afsaal is located on H3 between Skukuza and Malelane. It has a beautiful shop and an outside restaurant offering great meals.
- Nkuhlu– located on H4-1 between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on the banks of the Sabie River – has a lovely shop and restaurant.
- Mlondozi – located off S29 overlooking Mlondozi Dam, approximately 15 km from Lower Sabie. This picnic spot is very small and can get very crowded. It is not ideal for having a picnic, but the views from the top make it somehow worth it.
- Tshokwane– on the H1-3 approximately midway between Skukuza and Satara and between Lower Sabie and Satara. This is by far our favourite one. It has a small shop and a lovely outside restaurant.
- N’wanetsi – at the end of the H6, some 25km from Satara. It is a small picnic spot with the most spectacular lookout point.
- Timbavati – near the junction of the S40 and S127, on the banks of the Timbavati River. There is a large baobab tree nearby. The Ratel Pan Hide is close by. We like this picnic spot because it is very secluded in the bush.
- Makhadzi – this site is on the road from the Malopenyana waterhole. It continues to Giriyondo Gate on the border with Mozambique. We call this the timber picnic spot because the ablutions are on stilts.
- Mooiplaas is a few km south of Mopani on the H1-6. This small picnic spot is also quiet and nestled in the bush, away from everything.
- Pafuri is set in birders’ paradise on the banks of the Levuvhu River on the S63, a few km from Crook’s Corner, where three countries meet. This is one of the most beautiful spots to go to the north. We were lucky to have witnessed huge elephant herds playing in the river during our visit.
Is it safe to stay in the Kruger National Park?
Regarding crime, it is very safe to stay in the Kruger National Park, but because there is a lot of wildlife, visitors may be concerned. Baboons and monkeys sometimes cause havoc around camping sites and bungalows if guests are not careful. However, they will mostly not attack someone unless being provoked.
Don’t leave your belongings unattended at camp or a picnic spot. These animals are also curious and will approach you if you have some food or something interesting in your hand. Also, never leave small children unattended.
Because some visitors don’t follow the park rules and feed the animals, they sometimes get aggressive and may even harm you if you’re not careful.
Visitors must be extra vigilant at the picnic spots! The monkeys are cheeky and watch guests’ every move to try and grab food from them.
If you have any questions about the various rest camps, types of accommodation, or anything related, please comment in the section below.
We will gladly answer your questions.
Until next time
Your Travel buddies Bernie and Petra
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Until Next time, Bernie and Petra
