Camps of the Kruger National Park

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Best Place to Stay in the Kruger National Park … definitely one of the Kruger Camps.

No doubt the best place to stay if you intend to visit the Kruger Park is inside the Park itself. Not only is it going to cost you a lot less although, not cheap any more it’s the only way to truly experience the Kruger … you can self-drive, you can take night drives and early morning drives or walks but only from inside the Park itself. Listen to the Call of the Wild. Marvel at the the clear starlit skies … you will see more stars then you ever imagined existed.

Bushveld Camps

Bateleur

Silwervis Dam offers sighting of hippo, crocodile, bushbuck, nyala and you will perhaps be rewarded by a glimpse of the spotted prince of cats - a leopard. The nearby Nshawu pans are an excellent area to see game as there are some open plains that host species such as blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo and the rarer tsessebe. Black-backed jackal and caracal are some of the smaller more unusual species to look out for.
Vegetation around Bateleur includes … Natal mahogany, brack thorn mustard tree, sausage tree, apple leaf, mixed bushwillow, silver cluster leaf, round leafed teak, buffalothorn, sycamore fig, magic guarri, marula, jackalberry, leadwood, mopane, wilddate palm, weeping boer bean, reeds and mixed acacias can all be found in and around the Bateleur region.

Biyamiti

On the banks of the Mbiyamiti river, hidden by Delagoa thickets, nestles one of the most beautiful bushveld camps in the Kruger National Park. The camp is ideally situated between huge Wild Fig and Jackalberry trees with vast numbers of other fauna and flora species in abundance. The area is a game spotter’s dream come true. 5 Things to Seek: Black Rhino, White Tailed Mongoose, Orange Breasted Bush Shrike, White Rhino, Leopard

Shimuwini

Shimuwini is a Shangaan word for “Place of the Baobab Tree”. The camp is so named because the nearby Letaba River which fronts the cottages, is lined with these huge trees, one of them estimated to be between 2 000 and 3 000 years old. Shimuwini Bushveld Camp is the most modern of the bushveld camps, being completely rebuilt after the floods in 2000.

5 Things to seek: Caracal, Eland, Baobab Trees, Baboon, Waterbuck
Tel and Fax: +27 (0)13 735-6683

Sirheni Camp
Best kept secret in the Kruger National Park … ‘Sirheni’ is a Tsonga word that means ‘cemetery’, after a type of elephant graveyard at a site near to the camp. Sirheni Bushveld Camp nestles on the edge of the Kruger National Park’s northern plains within the Mopane veld of the region. The Sirheni Dam, on the Mphongolo River, lies next to the camp. The accommodation facilities and the camp’s two bird hides overlook the dam and a wide variety of game and birds are attracted to it. Visitors have been awakened to the sounds of lion and hyena, as there are often kills at the dam. Sirheni has a resident leopard that is seen on a regular basis, often coming down to drink at the dam.

5 Things to seek: Reedbuck , Elephant , Resident Leopard, Sable Antelope , Roan Antelope

Sirheni Contact Information Tel: +27 (013) 735 6860, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6095

Talamati Camp …
Talamati is a Xitsonga word that means “Lots of Water”. Yet, despite the meaning of the name, the river is actually dry. The clay soil however, acts as a giant sponge holding a vast reservoir of underground water and keeping the vegetation lush all year round. Talamati Bushveld Camp is situated in a large open valley, affording superb game viewing opportunities. The luxuriant grassveld in the area attracts large herds of grazers, and the predators never lurk too far behind.

5 Things to seek: Leopard , Zebra , Hyena , Mongoose , Sable

Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6343, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 5544

Main Rest Camps

Berg-en-Dal is situated on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit with a view of softly undulating hills to the east. On the northern and southern sides dry riverbeds and a dam border the camp. There are large trees along the streams and dry riverbeds. Special care has been taken to preserve the natural vegetation in the camp. Berg-en-Dal is also the only camp set in a rugged mountain environment and is built on the site of a prehistoric settlements.

5 Things to look out for: White Rhino , Klipspringer , Leopard , Scarlet-chested Sunbird , Heuglin’s Robin
Berg-en-Dal Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6106/7, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6104
www.sanparks.org

Crocodile Bridge
This small and delightful camp is situated in the south-eastern corner of the Kruger National Park, on the northern bank of the Crocodile River, from which it derives its name. After an early morning game drive, one can retire from the Lowveld heat to a lunch of prawns before coming back for late afternoon game viewing. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its concentration of different prides of lion with different hunting techniques and behaviour. It has an abundance of prides, herds, troops, packs and swarms. It is home to a larger percentage of the Kruger National Park‘s total rhino population. Come and experience humans living in harmony with nature. Here one has the ability to experience the sharp contrast between the wilderness and the world out there.

5 Things to look out for … White Rhino , Giraffe , Spotted Hyena , Kudu , Cheetah
Crocodile Bridge Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6012, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6000
www.sanparks.org

Letaba … One of my favourite camps. The Great Tuskers museum is also here.
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. The name means “river of sand”, and the sandy riverbed is an excellent location for game viewing, particularly elephant, which thrive in the area. Letaba is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld, and remains a firm favourite with visitors. At night the stars overlook a symphony of sounds. Owls, nightjars, frogs, fruit bats, crickets and cicadas all vie to be heard, until the lion roars, then all are silent.

5 Things to look out for: Bushbuck , , Elephant , Lala Palm , Red Headed Weaver , Fish Eagle
Letaba Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6636 / 7 , Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6662

www.sanparks.org

Lower Sabie is probably the most popular of all the main camps. It is easily accessible and is at the junction of some fo the best game viewing roads in the whole of Kruger. The camp graces the banks of the Sabie River, one of the few perennial rivers to flow through the Kruger National Park. Visitors cannot but feel soothed by the view towards the river and the Lebombo Mountains beyond. In this rest camp, the bounty and plenitude of nature are very evident, eloquently symbolised by the most conspicuous of its numerous trees, the mighty sycamore fig, which provides generously for the livelihood of many birds and insects. Not only do these giants produce fruit at least twice a year, but different trees produce fruit at different times, extending the gifts of life over many months. Watching the endless procession of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River establishes a sense of one’s own place in the eternal cycle.

5 Things to watch out for … White Rhino ,Hippopotamus ,Lion ,Goliath Heron ,Giant Kingfisher ,
Contact Lower Sabie ,Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6056/7,Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6062
www.sanparks.org

Malelane camp can be found where the rolling fields of sugar cane of the neighbouring farms and the majestic savannah of the Kruger National Park are separated by the powerful Crocodile River. The camp is unique because it is the only camp to be placed on a boundary, the southern border of the Kruger National Park. Malelane camp has the added benefit of being a very small camp, with fewer guests than found in the main camps, adding to a more intimate bush experience. Conveniently placed close to the Malelane Entrance Gate, the small town of Malelane and the N4 / Maputo Corridor, it offers classic “Kruger” self catering accommodation and camping facilities.

5 Things to look out for: Rhinoceros , Leopard , Fish Eagle , Wild Dog ,Giant Sycamore Fig,
Contact Malelane Gate Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6152, Fax: +27 (0)13 790 1075
www.sanparks.org

Mopani
The newst main camp in the Kruger National Park. On the banks of the Pioneer Dam in the Kruger National Park, lies it’s best kept secret. Named after the mopane veld that surrounds the camp, Mopani Rest Camp nestles amongst the Mopani tree covered koppies. A signature feature is the huge gnarled old baobab tree in the heart of the camp. The vegetation inside the camp is left as found in the wild, adding to the unique atmosphere of the camp.

5 Things to Seek: Hippopotamus, Waterbuck , Tsessebe ,African Fish Eagle ,Mopani Trees
Contact Mopani Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6535/6, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6547
www.sanparks.org

Olifants

Guests that visit Olifants will be exposed to an unforgettable window of Africa. The camp is situated a top a hill which towers several hundred feet over the Olifants river. Views from the lookout platforms allow one to see the river below, just as a soaring eagle would survey it, as it hunts from the skies.

5 Things to loo out for: Elephant , Lion , Hippopotamus ,Nile Crocodile ,Martial Eagle
Olifants Contact Information , Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6606/7, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6609
www.sanparks.org

Orpen Rest Camp is situated centrally on the western border of the Kruger National Park. It is a small camp that derived its name from the surname of the donor of the land, Eileen Orpen. The scattered trees and wide-open plains covered by sweet grass attract many browsers. This in turn, attracts the eye-catching cheetah, lion and leopard. Well known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, Orpen offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience close encounters with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a natural environment. Wild dog, cheetah, zebra and giraffe are also indigenous to this area, a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast.

5 Things to look out for: Lion ,Black-backed Jackal , Blue Wildebeest , White-backed Vulture , Lesser Black-winged Plover,
Contact Orpen Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6355 Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6359
www.sanparks.org

Pretoriuskop
Best restaurant in the Kruger National Park
When the world was still young, some 3 500 million years ago, molten rock forced its way through the earth’s crust and solidified to form the spectacular granite outcrops where Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is now nestled. The impressive granite dome known as “Shabeni Hill” is not far from the camp, which is found in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. It is immediately apparent to any visitor that Pretoriuskop is unique as brilliant red trees adorn the camp, pre-dating the decision to make exclusive use of indigenous plants in laying out rest camp gardens. Nostalgia prompted an exception to the rule for Pretoriuskop, the Kruger National Park’s oldest rest camp, and exotic flowering plants were allowed to stay, enhancing the strong sense of the past that is so pervasive.

5 Things to look out for: Sable Antelope , Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest , Black Rhino , Kudu, Brown-headed Parrot
Pretoriuskop Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 5128/32, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 5339
www.sanparks.org

Punda Maria
Get away from it all .. Punda Maria lies in the northern most part of the Kruger National Park, 8 km from Punda Maria Gate. The camp is situated in the Sandveld region that is often described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park. There are numerous plant species which occur that are unique to the area. Game species most likely to be sighted include impala, zebra, buffalo, elephant, eland and sable and the area is a bird paradise.

5 Things to look out for: Nyala , Sharpe’s Grysbok ,Wild Dog , Zebra , Crested Guineafowl
Punda Maria Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6873, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6894
www.sanparks.org

Satara
Satara is a busy camp, and not without reason. It is situated in an excellent game viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles. Satara is well wooded and the bird-life is prolific. At night the clink of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyena, the screech of jackal and the roars of lion.

5 Things to look out for: Red-billed Buffalo Weaver , Lion ,Giraffe ,Blue Wildebeest ,Honey Badger
Satara Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6306/7,Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6304
www.sanparks.org

Shingwedzi lies in the northern part of the Kruger National Park in the heart of mopane country. A scenic game drive along the Shingwedzi River in a south-easterly direction towards the Kanniedood Dam is one of the most rewarding drives in the Park. Waterbuck, nyala, kudu and elephant are often seen here and the bird life is prolific. Staying overnight at Shingwedzi is an experience that will last a lifetime. It is a rustic camp that still carries the essence of the bush and is untouched by modern technology. Experience magical evenings where the accommodation is arranged in two separate circles and the glow emanating from braai (barbecue) stands cast a tranquil spell.

5 Things to look out for: Giant Eagle Owl , Elephant , African Rock Python , Spotted Hyena , Green Pigeon
Shingwedzi Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6806/7, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6832
www.sanparks.org

Skukuza
Skukuza is the Kruger National Park’s largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River. The camp is well foliaged and there are some lofty trees along the river’s edge. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas.

5 Things to look out for: Fruit Bat , , Thick–tailed Bush Baby , Warthog , Spotted Hyena , Purple–crested Lourie
Contact Skukuza Tel: +27 (0)13 735 4152, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 4054

Tented Camp

Tamboti
Tamboti tented camp is a small camp situated on the banks of the Timbavati River, on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, approximately 2 km east of Orpen Rest Camp. Due to the size and location of this camp, Tamboti is one of the most popular camps in the Park. A great feature is a boma, which makes it ideal for small groups of people to gather around the campfire and relive the animal sightings of the day. For the birding enthusiasts, Tamboti offers a bird hide in which to spend hours looking for that exclusive raptor that has up to now eluded you. The natural bush feeling is kept inside the camp, which has the result of emphasizing guest privacy.

5 Things to look out for: Tamboti Trees , Baboon , Natal Mahogany , Black Backed Jackal , Blue Wildebeest
Tamboti Contact Information Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6355, Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6359
The information is from SANparks website witht their permission.

• Kruger Park Camps Interactive Map
• Kruger National Park Weather … Rainfall and Temperatures
• Rivers of the Kruger National Park | Perennial and Seasonal
• Public Roads of the Kruger National Park | Sand and Tar
• Rest Camps Inside the Kruger National Park | Includes Private Camps