Kruger National Park Information
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The world famous Kruger National Park in north eastern South Africa is one of Africa’s largest game reserves.
It has a high density of wild animals and includes the Big 5 and hundreds of other mammals.
It also has diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks.
Different landscapes like mountains, bush plains and tropical forests form part of the 19 485m2 area [the size Fiji, Isreal].
The park is 350 km long and 60 km wide and was proclaimed in 1898, making it the oldest park in Africa. It was named after the then President Paul Kruger who initiated a drive to create a no-hunting zone to protect wild animals.
The Kruger National Park is affectionately known as the people’s park and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. It offers camping sites, budget-friendly accommodation, private camps as well as luxury lodges, depending on your preference and budget.
The camps also have restaurants and shops and, except for camping sites, the accommodation is fully equipped for self-catering. Provision is made for the physically handicapped. Filling stations and ATM’s are available.
The northern most camp is Punda Maria, situated in the Sandveld region that is often described as the botanical garden of the Park. The Punda Maria camp exists since 1919 and has lush vegetation which attracts a large variety of rare bird species and wildlife. Game species more likely to be sighted include zebra, buffalo, elephant, impala and eland. But look out for wild dog, nyala and sable.
It has a variety of accommodation, including luxury safari tents, bungalows as well as tent of caravan sites.
Traveling south east will get you to the Shingwedzi Rest Camp which is prime elephant and buffalo country while impala, kudu, duiker, bushbuck and others roam the banks of the Shingwedzi River. Here is abundant bird-life and giant eagle owls are regular visitors.
The Shingwedzi Camp offers camping facilities, bungalows, a family cottage and guest house.
Mopani Rest Camp is the newest of all the camps, it has a spectacular view over the Pioneer Dam and takes its name from the Mopane trees. Every effort has been made to ensure that the buildings blend into the bushveld environment. The camp also boasts with a unique sleep over hide.
Accommodation available is bungalows, cottages, guest cottages and a guest house.
Hippo, Waterbuck and African fish eagle are common in this area.
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Letaba River and is midway between the southern and northern borders of the park. The sandy riverbed is an excellent location for game viewing. Elephant, bushbuck and other wildlife are frequent visitors. At night the hippos, owls, frogs and crickets will amuse you, and expect to hear the lion and hyena.
Letaba is the fifth largest camp and provides accommodation in bungalows, guest cottages, safari tents, huts, and camping.
Further south will take you to the well-known and popular Olifants Rest Camp. The camp is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Olifants River.
Sightseeing views from the lookout platforms allow guests to observe the river below. The bungalows have panoramic views over the river and surrounding bush veld where zebra, buffalo, kudu and other wildlife graze. From the platforms you are sure to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephant, baboon and if you’re lucky, the occasional Lion kill.
The Camp offers accommodation in bungalows and guesthouses.
The Satara Rest Camp lies further south and is the third biggest rest camp. It is located in the centre of the Kruger National Park and is reputed for the best spot in the world to view lion, leopard, cheetah as well as hyena, because of the fertile grazing land in the area. The camp is often referred to as the Cat Camp. Elephant and mammals are in abundance around the fence.
Here visitors can camp, or stay in bungalows, guest cottages or prime bungalows next to the fence.
Skukuza Rest Camp is the capital of the Kruger National Park. It is the biggest camp and the administrative headquarters. The camp is situated in the heart of the Big Five territory and is also accessed by air.
There is a magnificent 9-hole golf course available as well as an outdoor amphitheatre and Museum. The riverfront of the camp is a great place to look for hippos, buffalo, black rhino, giraffe and gemsbok.
Accommodation caters for camping, bungalows, safari tents, guesthouses, and one dormitory.
South east from Skukuza Rest Camp is the hidden gem of Lower Sabie Rest Camp. The camp is on the banks of the Sabie River which draws a wide variety of animals all year round.
Large numbers of game and bird species are attracted to the water and can be watched from the bungalows or the restaurant. Buffalo, giraffe, elephant and rhino frequent the river for a drink.
The Camp offers a variety of accommodation including campsites, huts, safari tents, bungalows and a guest house.
South of Lower Sabie lies the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, which is close to the Mozambican Border. This small and delightful camp is situated on the bank of the Crocodile River. The area is known for different prides of lion and is home to rhino.
Accommodation comprises of bungalows, safari tents and camping sites.
In the southwestern part of the Kruger National Park you will find the Pretoriuskop Camp. It is the oldest camp in the Park and features prominently in the history of the Kruger National Park, since it was the first camp to be opened to visitors. The Wolhuter hut dates from 1930 and is one of the original huts built in the park for tourism.
The white rhino population in this area is about 11,000 and herds of sable, eland and impala roam the area. Black rhino and elephant are frequent visitors
Campsites, huts, bungalows, family cottages and guesthouses are available.
Berg en Dal Camp is one of the new camps and is situated on the banks of the Matjulu Spruit. The Camp is only 4 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.
The area hosts white rhino, kudu, impala, giraffe, elephant, leopard and wild dog.
A wide variety of Bird species can be seen here.
The Camp offers a variety of accommodation in bungalows, family cottages, guest houses and camping sites.
Apart from the main rest camps, the Kruger National Park has 6 Bushveld Camps which are more remote and 3 exclusive, Private Bush Lodges each with a unique style and atmosphere where only residents are allowed.
Whatever your needs and preferences, the Kruger National Park will be able to fulfil your wish.
Bordering the Kruger National Park is the Marloth Park Wildlife Estate, right on the banks of the Crocodile River. Here you can enjoy nature at it’s best while staying in privately owned holiday homes. Walk along the river and enjoy elephants, lions, rhinos etc. or braai while feeding the Zebras and Koedoes.
Book or List your accommodation:
This is amazing! Please share this link on social media.