The best rest camps in the Kruger National Park are Skukuza for facilities, Satara for lions, Olifants for its views over the Olifants River and Letaba for its elephant museum, while Tamboti, Maroela and Bateleur suit travellers who want peace and quiet. Kurt Safari’s guides, based in Hazyview beside the park, recommend Skukuza, the park’s main camp, for a first visit, and Punda Maria or Shingwedzi in the north only if you have several days.
Kruger rest camps at a glance
| Camp | Region | Stay in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skukuza | South | Camping and caravan sites, rondavels, chalets, safari tents, guest lodgings | First visits; the most facilities |
| Satara | Central | Camping and caravan sites, bungalows, cottages, guest house | Lion country |
| Olifants | Central | Bungalows, perimeter chalets, guest houses | Views over the Olifants River |
| Letaba | Central | Bungalows, safari tents | The Letaba River and the elephant museum |
| Tamboti | Central, near Orpen | Safari tents | Peace and quiet; no shop or restaurant |
| Maroela | Central, near Orpen Gate | Camping | Campers who want to be close to nature |
| Bateleur | North | Guest cottages with kitchens | Seclusion |
| Punda Maria | Far north | Camping, huts, bungalows, family chalets, safari tents | Several days in the park; a laid-back stay |
| Shingwedzi | North | Camping, huts, bungalows, cottages | A relaxed, remote camp that is rarely full |
The Best Camps in Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s best holiday destinations. While you could stay outside of the camp and spend your days on a Kruger safari, if you want to really treat yourself, staying at one of these rest camps will provide you with that rich African experience.
And before you panic thinking you’ll be roughing it, not all camps are rustic. There are those which are considered a little more basic, and there are some camps which have more amenities for a more comfortable stay. Guests can also opt for real luxury which they will find in some of the safari lodges.
What makes Kruger accommodation so special is that each camp is vastly different. The terrain in which the camp is built differs from one camp to the next and some camps have plenty of things to do while others are just perfect for anyone wanting peace and quiet above all else.
Regardless of your expectations, you can be certain that once you have looked around a bit, you will find the ideal camp. And to make your selection easier, we’re featuring our favourite Kruger Park camps.
Skukuza
“Named after the legendary James Stevenson-Hamilton, a man who dedicated his life to the Kruger, all guests who come to the park will pass through here at some point.”
We’re bringing in Skukuza first because it is the main rest camp. Along with being the camp where most Kruger Park safaris stop off for a break during lunch and to do a little shopping, Skukuza is also home to some fantastic accommodation.
It is the largest rest camp in the Kruger and the park’s headquarters, with a library and a museum among its facilities.
For the day visitor, Skukuza has a range of places to eat as well as a lookout point. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs, while also being a great place to spot some wildlife before heading out on safari again.
For the overnight visitor, Skukuza has both caravan and camping facilities as well as air-conditioned rondavels and luxury guest lodgings.
Satara
“Satara has a reputation for being lion country, with numerous prides living in the area. When you stay here, you will fall asleep listening to their roars.”
Along with being smack in the middle of lion country, Satara is also a top camp if you are looking for a place to stay over. The camp has a certain rustic appeal, and it is not as busy as Skukuza often is.
For the day visitor, at Satara guests can find great places to get a snack or to sit down to a meal at the deli or the restaurant and there is a shop where guests can buy park souvenirs.
Those staying overnight have the option of camping or bringing their caravans, staying in a bungalow or opting for the extra comfort provided by the guest cottage or the guest house.
Tamboti
“A satellite camp offering guests utter peace and quiet in private surrounds, Tamboti is well-known for its intimate set up and its communal boma around which guests can share their wildlife tales by fire light.”
Tamboti is a small but popular tented camp located on the banks of the rushing Timbavati River. It is about 2 km away from Orpen Rest Camp and it has communal appeal, as guests sit around the camp boma after a day of sightseeing and share their experiences. The camp is surrounded by lush, natural bush, leaving you feeling truly isolated from the world. This is the ideal camp for a bit of peaceful relaxation.
Tamboti is not a place to stop and take a break during a Kruger Park safari. It is just a camp for those staying over. There are no restaurants or shops here. Luckily, Orpen is just 2 km away.
Overnight guests need to know that the camp is a tented camp. It has two ablution blocks and two communal kitchens but other than that the camp is the epitome of rustic living. Accommodation includes budget safari tents as well as semi-luxury safari tents.
Olifants
“Built on top of a hill, with a view that you will dream about long after your trip is over, Olifants is an oasis of peace and home to the elephants.”
Often considered to be among the very best camps in the park, Olifants rest camp is perfectly situated to do a little wildlife viewing from the high-up lookout points. The views are panoramic and simply spectacular. You could spend your whole day sightseeing here.
The camp overlooks the Olifants River, where many animals come to drink and cool off during the day.
The camp has a restaurant, cafeteria and a shop. Day guests can grab something to eat and then head to one of the lookout points, enjoying their meal while on the lookout for animals. The camp also boasts a picnic area.
For those who will be staying over, there is the option of bungalows as well as guests houses, both of which will provide plenty of comfort during your stay.
Letaba
Letaba is one of the most beautiful rest camps in the Kruger National Park. The camp is located on the banks of the Letaba River and provides spectacular sights of the winding river. Letaba is well known for the Elephant museum, which holds records of the largest tuskers that had ever lived. The group of tuskers was called the Magnificent 7 and was often found wandering the plains of the Kruger. This rest camp is a bit smaller than some of the more popular rest camps but makes up for it in true beauty and comfortable living.
Overnight guests can stay in bungalows or safari tents.
Bateleur
“A bushveld camp and one known for its seclusion and luxury lodgings, Bateleur is perfectly situated.”
This is one of the oldest bushveld camps in the Kruger and it is also one of the smallest. You are not likely to stop here during your Kruger Park day tour or safari as there are no places to eat and there are no shops. Well, there is a mini shop, but it mostly supplies provisions for overnight guests.
The kind of accommodation you will find here includes comfortable guest cottages which have en-suite bathrooms and electricity. The cottages also have their own kitchens and are serviced daily. Bateleur has a reputation for offering guests a more luxurious stay.
Maroela
Accommodation: Camping
Location: Central
Maroela camp is situated close to Orpen gate. While Orpen Rest Camp is made for those who are looking for a bungalow or hut for their stay, those who are happy to camp will find peace and solitude when they choose Maroela. At this camp, guests stay close to nature, with just a wire fence separating guests from the wildlife. It is not uncommon to see all sorts of wildlife close to the fence, especially when the smell of braai’d meat wafts from the camp.
Punda Maria
Accommodation: Camping and huts
Location: Northern
The beautiful camp of Punda Maria is a popular place to stay for those who are entering the park from the north. Those travelling from the south will find that this camp is more suitable for those who are spending a few days in the park. Punda Maria has a variety of great accommodation options and it has become well-known for its laid back vibe. Just a warning, it gets hot up here!
Shingwedzi
Accommodation: Camping, Huts, Bungalows, Cottages
Location: Northern
While the gate nearest to this camp is Punda Maria, if you have the time, there are other ways to get to the camp when you are travelling through the park. Shingwedzi is known for being a relaxed camp and it is never really all that full of guests because it is considered a bit of a remote location. If you choose Shingwedzi, you won’t be disappointed.
How to Choose a Kruger Rest Camp
When selecting a camp, you will want to take a few things into consideration. For starters, location is going to be a big deal. Staying in the far north parts of the Kruger is not ideal for those who are only travelling to the park for a day or two, as you will be spending most of your time focused on driving to the camp, which if you are travelling from the south of the Kruger, can be a full day’s drive with no stopping, considering the speed limit in the park.
The next thing to consider is the kind of vibe you are going for as well as whether you are looking for a camping trip or a stay in a hut or bungalow. Some camps, like Skukuza, are very busy and almost always full of people. For some travellers the social aspect of the trip is very important while for others, it is more important for them to have a peaceful, quiet trip.
Camping in the Kruger
Several Kruger rest camps have campsites for tents and caravans, including Skukuza, Satara, Punda Maria and Shingwedzi. Maroela, close to Orpen Gate, is a camping-only camp. Campers share ablution blocks and usually cook on a braai, so buy supplies at one of the larger camps’ shops on the way in. Book campsites through SANParks well ahead if you’re travelling during the school holidays.
Kruger Rest Camps by Region
- Southern Kruger rest camps: Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop
- Central Kruger rest camps: Satara, Olifants, Letaba and Orpen
- Northern Kruger rest camps: Shingwedzi, Punda Maria, Mopani and Sirheni
- Prefer a lodge outside the park? See where to stay in the Kruger.
Kurt Safari is a Kruger Park tour operator running safaris since 2008. While we generally design our tour packages to include accommodation outside of the park, we are more than happy to accommodate you within the Kruger, should you prefer it.
With our tour packages, we will take care of all of the arrangements for your trip (flights and documentation excluded) so that you can enjoy the best possible Kruger experience.
You can book your Kruger Park safari online. Simply select your tour package and we’ll do the rest.
Continue Planning Your Kruger Safari
- Where to Stay in the Kruger
- Best Time to Visit the Kruger National Park
- How Many Days Do You Need in the Kruger?
- Kruger Park Safari Safety Tips
- Guided Safari vs Self-Drive in the Kruger
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best rest camp in the Kruger National Park?
It depends on what you want. Skukuza has the most facilities, Satara is in lion country, and Olifants has the best views, from a hill above the Olifants River. For peace and quiet, choose a small camp such as Tamboti, Maroela or Bateleur.
Which Kruger camp is best for a first visit?
Skukuza, the park’s main rest camp in the south. It has the widest choice of accommodation, several places to eat and a lookout point, and most Kruger safaris pass through it.
Which Kruger rest camps have camping?
Skukuza, Satara, Punda Maria and Shingwedzi all have campsites for tents and caravans. Maroela, near Orpen Gate, is a camping-only camp.
Which are the quietest camps in the Kruger?
Tamboti (a small tented camp on the Timbavati River), Maroela (camping only) and Bateleur (a small bushveld camp). In the north, Shingwedzi is rarely full.
Is it worth staying in the far north of the Kruger?
Only if you have several days. Driving from the south of the park to camps such as Punda Maria can take a full day at the park’s speed limits, so the far north suits longer trips or travellers entering through the northern gates.
Can Kurt Safari arrange a stay inside the park?
Yes. Our tour packages usually include accommodation outside the park, but we can arrange a stay in a Kruger rest camp if you prefer.
What is Skukuza Rest Camp like?
Skukuza is the Kruger’s largest rest camp and the park’s headquarters, in the south. It has a library, a museum, a range of places to eat and a lookout point, and most Kruger safaris stop here for lunch or a little shopping. Overnight guests can choose camping and caravan sites, air-conditioned rondavels, chalets, safari tents or guest lodgings. It is busy and often full.
Which rest camps are in the southern Kruger?
The southern Kruger rest camps are Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop. Satara, Olifants, Letaba and Orpen are in the central region, and Shingwedzi, Punda Maria, Mopani and Sirheni are in the north. The south suits short trips, because driving from the south to the far north can take a full day at the park’s speed limits.
What is Letaba Rest Camp known for?
Letaba sits on the banks of the Letaba River in the central Kruger and is known for its elephant museum, which holds records of the largest tuskers, a group called the Magnificent 7 that once roamed the park’s plains. It is smaller than some of the more popular camps, with views of the winding river, and overnight guests stay in bungalows or safari tents.
Which Kruger rest camps have restaurants and shops?
The larger camps do. Skukuza has a range of places to eat and is where most safaris stop to shop, Satara has a deli, a restaurant and a shop, and Olifants has a restaurant, a cafeteria, a shop and a picnic area. Smaller camps are quieter: Tamboti has no restaurant or shop, though Orpen is about 2 km away, and Bateleur has only a mini shop.
Which Kruger rest camp is best for lions?
Satara, in the central Kruger, has a reputation as lion country, with numerous prides living in the area, and guests often fall asleep to the sound of their roars. It has a more rustic feel and is not as busy as Skukuza. Overnight guests can camp, bring a caravan, or stay in a bungalow, a guest cottage or the guest house.
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