ACCOMMODATION IN THE KRUGER PARK

Rest Camps in Kruger Park

There are 12 main rest camps situated in different areas of Kruger Park which enables visitors freedom of movement to explore the reserve. The original term "rest camp" is misleading to most overseas tourists & implies a rather basic or temporary facility. In fact, these rest camps are permanent structures similar to small resorts providing comfortable African style chalets, licensed restaurants, shops & other features.

We choose overnight camps according to availability & our knowledge of conditions. There are different types of accommodation including standard chalets, luxury riverside chalets, family cottages, furnished safari tents or economy huts. National Parks usually refer to these African chalets as bungalows.

Family cottages have limited supply so depend on availability on the dates required. Clients should request these as early as possible & check for additional cost.

Each of the main rest camps is fenced off to prevent dangerous animals entering & guests must remain within the camp from dusk till dawn. There is a restaurant, shop & a swimming pool. Mobile phones should pick up a signal but otherwise there are no telephones in the chalets.

Chalets are serviced daily, air-conditioned, equipped with bedding, towels & have a private shower, toilet & basin. Guests are supplied with a front door key & insect screens are fitted to the windows. Most chalets have a small patio with a table & chairs plus a refrigerator. Standard SA 220v electric sockets are fitted to rooms & adaptors for charging videos or mobile phones are available from the shop.

Our safaris include DBB (dinner, bed & breakfast) on the nights we stay inside Kruger Park.

Kruger Park Camps are selected according to availability and location for each itinerary. We reserve chalets once Clients have made the first payment and they are usually situated in southern or central Kruger. WiFi is not always available, so check with your guide.

Berg en Dal - just north of the Crocodile River and near Malelane entrance gate.

Crocodile Bridge - a small camp without a restaurant near the Crocodile River.

Lower Sabie - very popular Camp overlooking the Sabie River with Mugg & Bean restaurant.

Orpen - a small camp situated at Orpen Gate in central Kruger – self catering only.

Pretoriuskop - historical Camp near Numbi entrance gate with a natural swimming pool.

Satara - in the open plains of central Kruger - no real water feature.

Skukuza - overlooking the Sabie River and upgraded for tourists with the Cattle Baron restaurant.

Sabie River Bush Lodge is a privately owned lodge bordering Kruger Park. It is our second option at times when all the above Kruger Park Camps are full. We have good reviews for this lodge and our guides find the rooms, outdoor restaurant and especially the view from the deck makes it a very popular choice. The hospitality at this private lodge is superior to most Kruger Park Camps.

Standard Chalets - usually round ( rondavel ) with a thatched roof, single room, 2 or 3 separate beds, aircon and en suite shower / toilet. Linen, towels and soap are provided but no other personal toiletries. Doors and windows are fitted with insect screens so check these are in place and we suggest you bring some insect repellent as well as room spray. Your guide will check the room and give you a key. Usually there is a kettle, cups, spoons as well as a refrigerator. Ask your guide for supplies of tea or coffee if required.

These rooms are reserved for couples ( double occupancy ), 2 friends (twin occupancy ) or families ( triple share). Mostly graded 3 stars.

Family Cottages - contain 2 bedrooms with 2 or 3 separate beds plus private shower / toilet facilities. There is a kitchenette with furniture and a refrigerator. Mostly graded 3 stars.

Double beds for couples - are not available at most Camps in Kruger so you will find 2 separate beds but they can be moved together for double occupancy.

Furnished Safari Tents - these are permanent canvas tents built on a wooden platform. They have 2 beds with linen, towels, a cupboard, table, chairs, electric fan & a refrigerator. Communal ablution facilities are available nearby. These are less expensive than standard chalets & suitable for economy safaris.

Economy Hut - one room with 2 beds, basic linen, towels, chair, simple air-con or electric fan & use of communal ablutions nearby. Suitable for students & economy safaris. Not officially graded but less than 3 stars.

Economy Safaris

Economy accommodation can only be arranged in Kruger Park Rest Camps & not for nights spent at private lodges or hotels. Instead of a standard chalet with private shower, toilet & air-conditioning, we can request a cheaper hut or furnished safari tent using public bathrooms. This is not ideal in the summer months when its hot & humid making insects more common. It is also not recommended for families with children under 12 years.

Please discuss these options with the sales staff when planning your safari. Clients choosing economy accommodation will enjoy exactly the same game drives as other passengers.

RESTAURANTS IN KRUGER PARK CAMPS
South African National Parks decided to introduce popular family restaurants at Main Camps in Kruger Park. Mugg & Bean is located at Lower Sabie, Cattle Baron at Skukuza, Tindlovu at Berg en Dal and Satara, Wimpy at Pretoriuskop. Cattle Baron is considered by guides the best steakhouse in the Park and Lower Sabie very popular for breakfast as the restaurant is overlooking the Sabie River where hippos, crocs, elephant & aquatic birds can be seen as you sip coffee. Dinners and breakfasts on safari are arranged by your guide. Lunches in Kruger are available at the Deli Café - at passenger's expense. Camp shops sell groceries, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, books, maps and curios.

It is possible for vegetarians to find suitable meals in Kruger, but please advise us when booking.
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During drives you may stop at picnic spots such as Afsaal or Tshokwane and your guide will explain what is available for refreshments and hot or cold drinks.