5 best Kruger National Park rest camps

The world-renowned Kruger National Park with its nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled wildlife fused with historical and archaeological sites, offers a safari experience that ranks with the best in Africa.

To experience a real Kruger safari, all on your own, you can choose to stay in a number of different accommodation units in a number of different camps.

These accommodation units, ablutions and kitchen facilities are serviced by cleaning staff on a daily basis and bedding is supplied in all accommodation units except camping. Cooking utensils and refrigeration are provided in most accommodation units.

Five of the best Kruger National Park rest camps are:

Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie sits on the banks of the Sabie River, one of the Kruger National Park’s few perennial rivers with beautiful views of the river and the Lebombo Mountains beyond.

The bounty of nature is very evident in this rest camp, compellingly symbolised by the most prominent of its numerous trees, the mighty sycamore fig, which provides for the livelihood of many birds and insects. Not only do these giants bear fruit at least twice a year, but different trees bear fruit at different times of the year, extending the gifts of life over many months.

Observing the never-ending parade of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River gives one a sense of a real Kruger National Park safari and creates memories for years to come.

Skukuza

Skukuza is the Kruger National Park’s administrative headquarters and largest rest camp. The rest camp is located 57 km east of Hazyview in Mpumalanga at the confluence of the N’waswitshaka and Sabie Rivers.

The camp itself is located on the southern banks of the Sabie River and is well-forested, with some tall trees along the river’s edge. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within and outside of the camp.

Apart from the general accommodation, guests can also stay in the beautiful Skukuza Safari Lodge or the Shalati Train on the Bridge.

Berg-En-Dal

Berg-en-Dal is located on the Matjulu Spruit’s bank, with a view of the gently undulating hills to the east.

The camp is surrounded on all sides by dry riverbeds and a dam. Large trees line the streams and dry riverbeds. The natural vegetation in the camp has been preserved with great care. Berg-en-Dal is also the only camp located in a rugged mountain setting.

View: Budget Kruger National Park Safaris

Satara

Satara is a busy camp for good reason. It is in a great spot for game viewing, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse.

Satara is known for lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. The clink of fruit bats at night blends with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony, which is punctuated by hyena whoops, jackal screeches, and lion roars.

The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the majority of the lodging laid out in a series of circles.

Olifants Camp

Visitors to Olifants will be treated to an unforgettable view of Africa. The camp is built on a hill that towers hundreds of feet above the Olifants River. Several lookout platforms provide views of the river below, while game drives may provide encounters with elephants, lions, hippos, the Nile crocodile and the majestic martial eagle.

The list of camps and attractions listed above are what draws thousands of tourists to the Kruger. Visit the Kruger to experience it for yourself.

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