Kruger Restcamps
Over 20 South African National Park's (SANParks) Restcamps provide accommodation within the Kruger ranging from mid-range sponsored Guest Cottages with outside showers, bar areas and DStv, to basic bush huts for 2 to 5 people with only a shared cold water basin for washing.
Rondavels (round African-style thatched huts) are the basic unit of accommodation (see below for the full range) and predominate at almost all Main Camps. They sleep 2-3 comfortably, normally in single beds; most have en-suite showers or baths and basic cooking facilities. A braai is provided outside.
© South African Tourism
MAIN CAMPS
All of the major Restcamps have electricity, a first-aid centre, braai and communal kitchen facilities, a laundromat/laundry tubs, a restaurant and/or self-service cafeteria, and a petrol station.
The restaurants can get busy, so expect to cook for yourselves from time-to-time using either the braai provided outside your rondavel, or the shared cooking facilities. There is a reasonably appetising selection of food on offer for this purpose in the shops, also provided at the major Restcamps. These also stock soft drinks, alcohol, film for cameras, books, magazines and of course, curios.
Also make sure you book your activities as far in advance as possible as they are extremely popular and it is highly disappointing not to be able to do things that you have set your heart on (missing out on night drives may mean an early night is the only other option, for example). Only a small percentage of a full camp can be provided with activities at the Main Restcamps, so get in to book as early as possible.
From the south of the Kruger to the north, the Main Restcamps are:
- Berg en Dal
- Crocodile Bridge
- Pretoriuskop
- Lower Sabie
- Skukuza
- Orpen
- Satara
- Olifants
- Letaba
- Mopani
- Shingwedzi, and
- Punda Maria.
BUSH CAMPS
Bush Camps offer accommodation in smaller, more remote locations. You must reserve rooms in advance, and access is restricted to those that have pre-booked accommodation so they are well off the beaten track and all far from the madding crowds.
The Bush Camps do not offer much in the way of shops (wood and ice and pre-paid Telkom phones are about the limit); certainly there are no restaurants or food for sale. Whilst these do not represent the luxury of the private reserves in and around the Kruger, they are all unique and special places in themselves. Expect to have to go to the nearest Main Restcamp to stock up if you run out of food, booze or other supplies.
Electrical equipment cannot be used in the rooms except for at Bateleur, Biyamiti and Talamati. A basic solar powered system provides the opportunity to charge cellphones etc, but do not assume that you will have coverage in the middle of the bush.
Open verandahs serve as kitchens and dining rooms; all units have a refrigerator, a stove, cooking utensils and crockery, although it is worth checking whether an oven is available. All have private ablution facilities.
From the south of the Kruger to the north, the Bush Camps are:
- Biyamiti, close to Crocodile Bridge
- Talamati, near Satara
- Shimuwini, closest to the Phalaborwa Gate
- Bateleur, near Shingwedzi, and
- Sirheni, closest to Punda Maria.
ACCOMMODATION TYPES
The rondavel is the basic unit of accommodation in most restcamps. They are round-walled, single-room African style constructions with thatched roofs. They can take either two or three single beds, and an en-suite ablutions room contains a shower or a bath (enquire by location). Most have air conditioning; all have ceiling fans. Kitchenettes vary- some have only hotplates and sinks, some just sinks, and some neither. Cutlery and crockery may be provided or can be hired from Reception. Visitors should confirm all of the above when booking.
Some camps offer Luxury Bungalows. These are often buildings that have been funded by corporate sponsors, whose names they make take. They offer a higher level of creature comfort, including DStv in some, but command a higher price accordingly. We have noted the camps where these are available in the individual camp listings.
Family Cottages and Guest Cottages are multiple-room units with well-equipped kitchens and usually more than one bathroom. Visitors should confirm bed numbers and facilities when booking.
Safari Tents are a more recent innovation at some camps, and consist of semi-permanent two- or four-bed structures, usually sharing facilities such as washing areas, kitchen and fridges.Camping comprises sites for either tents or caravans. There is a power point per site; guests are limited in nunber to six per site. The kitchen and ablutions facilities are typically shared.
