[Updated June 2020]
Going on safari can be affordable. The Kruger National Park is a treasure South Africans can enjoy from under just R300 per night. There are camping options, permanent safari tents, luxury lodges, cottages, huts and guest houses. Most of the facilities come with fully-equipped kitchens and a braai area. The main camps generally have a large capacity and facilities such as a Mugg ‘n Bean restaurant, a food and curio shop and a petrol pump. Those seeking a quieter, less commercial experience can stay in the smaller, more rustic bush camps which form satellites around the main camps. We bring you useful tips on Kruger Park accommodation and what sort of game you are more likely to see in each part of the park.
For the true bushbabies
If you truly love getting away from it all and no electricity sounds like bliss and not a chore then Balule Camp is for you. Situated on the Olifants River about 6 kilometres from Olifants main rest camp, your evenings will be lit by stars and paraffin lamps and you will fall asleep to the sounds of hippos on the river. There are 15 campsites without power points and six budget huts with no electricity, no ceiling fans or windows, only serenity and stars!
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Spectacular river views at Olifants
Olifants is my personal favourite with its wrap-around views of the majestic Olifants River. Make sure to book a bungalow on the periphery of the camp for an incredible river view from your bed. Each bungalow comes with an open-air kitchen where you can watch the elephants frolicking at the river while you’re frying breakfast.
For the jet setters
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The capital of the Kruger National Park, Skukuza, makes perfect sense for those seeking a luxe weekend away in the Lowveld. Skukuza has every amenity you might want, such as a shop, ATM, internet cafe, restaurant, library, fuel station and more. Skukuza Airport also makes sense for those heading to glamorous Lion Sands or Londolozi Tree Camp.
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Serenity at Tamboti Tented Camp
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Tamboti (a satellite of Orpen in Central Kruger) is the only exclusively tented camp in the park. There are 30 safari tents scattered about, remote and beautiful set against the dry Timbavati River.
For those seeking big cat sightings
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Satara Restcamp is the best spot for those hoping to see the magnificent lion, leopard and cheetah in action.
For a rustic bush wedding or family gathering
Satara is situated just 44 kilometres north of the beautiful Roodewal Bush Lodge. There is enough space for 18 people and the camp needs to be reserved en bloc. Spot game from the camp’s unique game viewing platform.
Community-orientated Punda Maria
Courtesy of intothekruger via Instagram
Northern Punda Maria is perfect for large families or anyone who is a fan of communal braai areas and shared verandah spaces. It also has a bird hide in the camp facing the water hole, unique for a rest camp, which is a paradise for avid birders. If you favour more privacy, the tree-filled camping area will suit you well.
Courtesy of intothekruger via Instagram
Luxurious Shingwedzi Main Rest Camp
Courtesy of intothekruger via Instagram
The Shingwedzi bungalows have a lovely luxurious feel to them. Shingwedzi is also perfect for sundowners and dinner at the restaurant on the beautiful Shingwedzi river. You are in prime elephant country here.
Leafy Letaba – for the elephant lovers and river sundowners
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Letaba literally means “river of sand” however this camp is the exact opposite as it is an oasis of trees. The elephant museum at tree-filled Letaba will fascinate the youngsters.
Restful Mopani
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Take in the fantastic views of Pioneer Dam, especially at sunset, and there’s a bird hide nearby.
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Spot rhinos at Pretoriuskop
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Southern Pretoriuskop holds the title of oldest rest camp in the park. It is here you are most likely to spot an endangered rhino, so have your binoculars ready!
Getting there
Depending on which part of the park you’re visiting and from where you’re coming it might be worth driving to Kruger because the roads are in good condition and it is only half a day’s drive from Johannesburg. Once in the park, you’ll be glad you brought a vehicle as you’ll have the freedom to do your own game drives and determine your own itinerary. Once at Skukuza it is possible to go on daily game drives and night drives as often as you like.
Suggested routes:
Central Kruger, Phalaborwa Gate: 6-hour drive from Johannesburg along the N1. Use the Phalaborwa gate if you’re going to: Olifants, Letaba, Orpen Satara, Bulela, Roodewal Bush Camp, Taboti Tented Camp and Mopani.
Upper Kruger, Punda Maria Gate: 6-hour-and 20-minute drive along the N1 to the Punda Maria gate. Use the Punda Maria gate to visit Punda Maria and Shingwedzi.
Lower Kruger, Malelane Gate/ Paul Kruger Gate: Just a 4-hour drive to the Malelane gate. Use the Paul Kruger Gate if you’re going to Skukuza, Use the Malelane Gate if you’re going to Malelane or Crocodile Bridge.
Kruger Park map
That’s a wrap of some of the popular spots for Kruger Park accommodation. There are also plenty of options outside the park, but if you really want to get that cosy bush feeling, it’s so worth booking a few nights at any of these camps.
Let us know where your favourite spot to stay is in the comments below.
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