Today we look at the top 5 Campsites in the Kruger National park. The Kruger National park offers camping sites in 9 of their main camps and 4 satellite camps. Each campsite can cater for a maximum of 6 persons per site. The rates are around R330 per person per night for 2 people camping.
In our list of top 5 campsites we recommend the first 3 for first time campers or first time Kruger goers.
Skukuza
Skukuza rest camp is the perfect camp for first time Kruger goers, it is the most commercialized camp inside of Kruger offering various facilities.
It has 80 camping sites available with power points, communal ablutions and cooking facilities. (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities)
Skukuza is central in the south of the park making it easy access from any gate in the south of the park. It is a camp that we recommend for families with kids as it has two swimming pools to entertain the kids. They also have a restaurant which has a take away section as well as a sit down section.
Facilities at Skukuza include:
Public Telephone, Post Office, Bank, Car Hire,2 x Restaurants, Deli, Shop, FNB Bank facility available, Laundromat, Filling Station, Communal Kitchens, Communal Ablutions, Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception), Garage with Workshop, Basic First Aid Assistance, Auditorium and Conference Facilities, Day Visitor Picnic Area (located 4km outside the camp) they have 2 swimming pools, one for overnight residents only and the second one allows access to anyone visiting Skukuza, and Car Was services are available as well.
Satara
The second campsite we recommend for 1st time campers is Satara, this camp offers up to 100 tent or caravan sites with power point and communal ablutions and cooking facilities (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities) it allows a maximum of 6 persons per site.
Satara is located in the middle section of the park, it is still popular amongst visitors but it isn’t as busy as Skukuza because it only offers chalet and camping facilities unlike other camps which have huts and Safari tents.
Our favorite thing about camping at Satara is that all the sites are right next to fence which provides the opportunity for you to see nocturnal animals as well as some of the lion prides which move around at night.
Facilities available at Satara include
Public Telephone, Post Box, Restaurant Shop, Mini ATM facility available, Laundromat,Filling Station,Communal Kitchens, Communal Ablutions, Swimming Pool with children’s playground, Basic First Aid Assistance, Day Visitors Picnic Area with Boma on perimeter of camp, Eco Information Centre and Amphitheatre, Limited Channel DSTV in Guest Houses only, Cellphone reception.
Crocodile Bridge
Crocodile bridge is a small rest camp located in the southern section of the park, the camp only offers a few safari tents, huts and camping sites.
They have 18 tent or caravan sites available with power points and communal ablutions and cooking facilities (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities) it allows a maximum of 6 persons per site. Like Satara the campsites are also near the fence.
Facilities available at Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp:
Information at Reception, Public Telephone, Post Box, Shop, there is no restaurant available here, only coffees, No ATM facility available, Laundromat, Filling Station, Communal Kitchens, Communal Ablutions, Basic First Aid Assistance, Basic Day Visitor Picnic Area in camp, Cellphone Reception
Maroeloa
Is a satalite camp situated near Orpen it overlooks the Timbavati river and it is surrounded by thick Bushveld, the small camp offers 20 tent or caravan sites with power points and communal ablutions and cooking facilities (cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery are not provided). Similar to the campsites mentioned above it allows a maximum of 6 persons per site.
The thick bushveld and the river which you over look provides great opportunity to spot a leopard.
Facilities include: One communal kitchen, one ablution block, a communal refrigerator, a Boma – communal braai (barbeque) area available nearby Tamboti, no shop or restaurant available, no ATM facility available, no Reception office at camp, you will have to check-in at Orpen Camp.
Balule
Balule is a rustic camp which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a real Bushveld experience, the rest camp has only 15 caravan sites, it has no power points, paraffin lamps are provided by staff to make sure you have a rustic and close to nature experience.
We recommend this Camp if you enjoy the quiet camps and if you want to get as close to nature as you can get.
You will have to check in at either Olifant or Satara, you will have to fill up your car at either camps as well.
Facilities include:
There is no electricity in the camp, however, lanterns are provided, there is a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves, and a communal freezer, one ablution block is provided, there are no shop, restaurant or ATM facilities available, no reception office at camp.
Read our post about our top 5 camps to stay in the Kruger