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Letaba Rest Camp Accommodation Kruger National Park SANParks

Letaba Rest Camp

Letaba is an idyllic camp, located on the banks of the Letaba River more or less halfway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. Tall trees provide a cool and shady oasis for relaxation and viewing of African wildlife roaming the sandy riverbed and riverine bush. Aptly, the word Letaba means “river of sand.”

Excellent bird watching opportunities are available throughout the year and elephants and huge herds of buffalo are often spotted in the riverbed and surrounding Mopane-veld


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Letaba Rest Camp Camping and Room Prices

Rates are per night and exclude 1% community fund which will be added when booking.

Letaba Rest Camp Under Canvas Prices: 13 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025 & 20 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025

Accommodation Type Base Guests Base Rate Additional Adults
Campsite (CK6P)
With powerpoint
2 R 458 R 116
Safari Tent (CTT2 / CTT2Z)
Communal Facilities
2 R 893 N/A
Safari Tent (CTT4)
Communal Facilities
2 R 949 R 221
Safari Tent (CTT4U / CTT4UZ)
Communal Facilities, Perimeter
2 R 1,027 R 221

Letaba Rest Camp Hut & Bungalow Prices: 13 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025 & 20 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025

Accommodation Type Base Guests Base Rate Additional Adults
Hut (EA3U)
Perimeter, Communal Facilities
2 R 1,083 R 221
Bungalow (BG2)
Communal Kitchen
2 R 1,652 N/A
Bungalow (BD2 / BD3 / BD3Z)
Kitchenette
2 R 1,819 R 335
Bungalow (BG2U / BG3U)
Communal Kitchen, Perimeter
2 R 1,819 R 335
Bungalow (BD2U / BD2UZ / BD3U)
Kitchenette, Perimeter
2 R 1,976 R 335
Guest Cottage (FQ6) 4 R 3,516 R 603
Guest Cottage (FF6)
3 En-suite Bedrooms
6 R 4,420 N/A
Guest House (FGL / MEL) 8 R 9,119 R 960

Letaba Rest Camp Under Canvas Prices: 16 Jan 2025 - 19 Mar 2025

Accommodation Type Base Guests Base Rate Additional Adults
Campsite (CK6P)
With powerpoint
2 R 357 R 116
Safari Tent (CTT2 / CTT2Z)
Communal Facilities
2 R 748 N/A
Safari Tent (CTT4)
Communal Facilities
2 R 815 R 221
Safari Tent (CTT4U / CTT4UZ)
Communal Facilities, Perimeter
2 R 859 R 221

Letaba Rest Camp Hut & Bungalow Prices: 16 Jan 2025 - 19 Mar 2025

Accommodation Type Base Guests Base Rate Additional Adults
Hut (EA3U)
Perimeter, Communal Facilities
2 R 1,083 R 221
Bungalow (BG2)
Communal Kitchen
2 R 1,362 N/A
Bungalow (BD2 / BD3 / BD3Z)
Kitchenette
2 R 1,473 R 335
Bungalow (BG2U / BG3U)
Communal Kitchen, Perimeter
2 R 1,473 R 335
Bungalow (BD2U / BD2UZ / BD3U)
Kitchenette, Perimeter
2 R 1,652 R 335
Guest Cottage (FQ6) 4 R 2,813 R 603
Guest Cottage (FF6)
3 En-suite Bedrooms
6 R 3,717 N/A
Guest House (FGL / MEL) 8 R 8,371 R 960


Accommodation Options

A wide variety of accommodation types are available at Letaba, all being in the shade of the tall trees and surrounded by beautiful, green lawns where small antelope roam. Ranging from campsites, through basic accommodation in huts or safari tents through to more luxurious facilities in the guest houses, there is a tranquil place to stay to each taste and budget.

Guest Houses Guest Cottages Bungalows Safari Tents Rustic Huts Camping

Guest Houses

Letaba Camp offers comfortable and air-conditioned self-catering accommodation to small groups of friends or family travelling together in the Melville Guest House and the Fish Eagle Guest House. Each of these guest houses has a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, kettle, toaster, cutlery and crockery in each. A lounge with a TV and limited DSTV channels as well as a dining area is available for the comfort of guests. There is a patio with barbecue facilities and outdoor furniture.

Melville Guest House has 3 bedrooms, each furnished with 2 or 3 single beds and 2 beds are on the veranda. A maximum of 9 persons are accommodated in Melville Guest House. Two bathrooms are available, one with a shower and toilet and the other with a bath and toilet.

Fish Eagle Guest House can accommodate up to 8 persons in 4 bedrooms. Each bedroom is furnished with 2 single beds and there is a shower, bath and toilet in the bathroom, which is shared by all guests in the house.

Melville Guest House Facilities

  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 or 3 Single beds in each room
  • Accommodates maximum 9 persons
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle and toaster
  • Cutlery, crockery and cookware provided
  • Lounge with TV and limited DSTV
  • Dining area
  • Veranda with outdoor furniture
  • Barbecue facilities

Fish Eagle Guest House Facilities

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Single beds in each room
  • Accommodates maximum 8 persons
  • 1 Bathroom
  • Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle and toaster
  • Cutlery, crockery and cookware provided
  • Lounge with TV and limited DSTV
  • Dining area
  • Veranda with outdoor furniture
  • Barbecue facilities

Guest Cottages

The air-conditioned Guest Cottages are 2-bedroom units, accommodating up to 6 persons. Each of the bedrooms are furnished with 3 single beds and have en-suite bathrooms with a bath, shower, toilet and basin.

The open plan kitchen is equipped for self-catering purposes with a stove, oven, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, cutlery and crockery. A dining area is provided with a table and seating for 6 persons. The living room area opens onto the patio where outdoor furniture is provided. Barbecue facilities area available.

Guest Cottage Facilities

  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 3 Single beds in each bedroom
  • Air-conditioned
  • 2 Bathrooms with bath, shower, toilet and basin in each
  • Open plan kitchen, living area and dining area
  • Equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster
  • Cutlery, crockery and cookware provided
  • Patio with outdoor furniture
  • Barbecue facilities

Bungalows

Most of the air-conditioned Bungalows are furnished with 2 single beds, but some have a third bed and can accommodate a third person. The en-suite bathrooms have a hot water shower and toilet and there is a fridge and basic utensils available. Guests make use of the communal kitchen facilities, but the larger 3-sleeper Bungalows have hotplates available. Some of the Bungalows have been adapted to accommodate those with mobility challenges.

Bungalow Facilities

  • 2 or 3 Single beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower and toilet
  • Air-conditioned
  • Barbecue facilities
  • Fridge
  • Utensils
  • Basic kitchen facilities at 3-sleeper Bungalows, including hotplate, kettle, toaster
  • Communal kitchen facilities with hotplate, 24-hour boiling water and wash-up facilities
  • Veranda with outdoor furniture

Safari Tents

The pre-erected canvas Safari Tents provide accommodation for 2 or 4 persons, depending on which tent is booked. The tents are furnished with either 2 or 4 single beds and bedding and towels are supplied.

A small veranda with a table and chairs as well as barbecue facilities is available. Guests make use of communal ablution and kitchen facilities. Each tent is equipped with a fan, but kitchen utensils are not provided. Some of these Safari Tents can accommodate those that are mobility challenged.

Safari Tent Facilities

  • 2 or 4 Single beds
  • Fans
  • Fridge
  • Cutlery and crockery hamper available from Reception
  • Communal ablution facilities with hot water showers, baths, basins and toilets
  • Communal kitchen facilities with hotplate, 24-hour boiling water and wash-up facilities
  • Communal laundry facilities

Rustic Huts

Situated close to the perimeter of Letaba Camp, the five rustic huts are furnished with 3 single beds each, accommodating up to 3 persons. Air-conditioner, a fridge and basin are provided. Guests share the communal ablution facilities as well as the communal kitchens. 24-Hour boiling water, hotplates and wash-up facilities are available at the communal kitchens. Cookware, cutlery and crockery are not supplied, and guests must bring their own.

Rustic Hut Facilities

  • 3 Single beds
  • Air-conditioned
  • Fridge
  • Cutlery and crockery hamper available from Reception
  • Communal ablution facilities with hot water showers, baths, basins and toilets
  • Communal kitchen facilities with hotplate, 24-hour boiling water and wash-up facilities
  • Communal laundry facilities

Campsites

60 Spacious campsites are laid out underneath tall shade trees, many of which are located along the fence surrounding Letaba Rest Camp. Power points and barbecue facilities are provided and a maximum of 6 persons are accommodated per campsite.

The communal ablution facilities have hot water showers, baths, basins and toilets. The communal kitchens have hotplates and wash-up facilities, and shared laundry facilities are also provided.

Campsite Facilities

  • Max 6 persons per site
  • Level and shady sites
  • Electrical connection points
  • Barbecue facilities
  • Communal ablutions with hot water showers and baths
  • Communal kitchen facilities with boiling water and hotplates
  • Communal laundry facilities

Letaba Rest Camp Photos



Letaba is one of the larger Rest Camps in the Kruger National Park and a variety of amenities are available at the camp. A restaurant and conference venue as well as a shop and cafeteria provide guests with everything needed.

An ATM is available and there is a filling station. Cutlery and crockery hampers are available at Reception for those staying in accommodation where these amenities are not included. The picnic area for day visitors has its own swimming pool and another pool is available for guests staying at Letaba. An information desk at Reception provides details on all activities presented at or around the camp.

Facilities

  • Information desk
  • Booking desk
  • Public telephone
  • Post box
  • Restaurant
  • Conference venue
  • ATM
  • Cafeteria
  • Shop
  • Laundromat
  • Filling station
  • Swimming pool
  • Basic first aid assistance
  • Picnic area for day visitors
  • Cell phone reception
  • Elephant museum

A variety of facilities are provided at all the Main Rest Camps while amenities at the satellite camps are more basic and limited.

List of facilities:

ATM’s:

  • Letaba

Conference venues:

  • Letaba Rest Camp
  • Mopani Rest Camp
  • Olifants Rest Camp

Fuel stations:

  • Petrol and diesel are available at all major camps
  • Fuel stations accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage cards, any VISA/MasterCard cards or cash as a form of payment

Picnic sites:

  • Most main rest camps have an area set aside for picnics and day visitors
  • Toilets and barbecue facilities (Cadac-gas skottel braai) are provided at all sites, while some have a tuck shop where snacks, soft drinks and wood may be purchased
  • Gas skottel braais (mobile frying pans on stands) can be hired at most of the picnic sites
Location of picnic sites operated by SANParks
  • Nkayeni Region (Between Sabie and Olifants Rivers)
    • Mlondozi – located off S29 overlooking Mlondozi Dam, approximately 15 km from Lower Sabie.
    • Tshokwane – on the H1-3 approximately midway between Skukuza and Satara and between Lower Sabie and Satara – has a small shop.
    • Nhlanguleni – on the S36 approximately midway between Skukuza and Orpen.
    • Muzandzeni – near the junction of the S36 and S126 about 30 km from Satara.
    • N’wanetsi – at the end of the H6 some 25 km from Satara – hosts a spectacular lookout point.
    • Timbavati – near the junction of the S40 and S127, on the banks of the Timbavati River – a large baobab tree is nearby, as is the Ratel Pan Hide.
Nxanatseni Region (Between Olifants River and Limpopo River)
  • Masorini – about 10 km east of Phalaborwa Gate on the H-9. Also hosts archaeological ruins and displays.
  • Makhadzi – this site is on the road running from Malopenyana waterhole. It continues to Giriyondo Gate on the border with Mozambique. It contains an information centre on park history and on the Transfrontier Park.
  • Mooiplaas – a few km south of Mopani on the H1-6.
  • Babalala – on the H1-7 approximately midway between Shingwedzi and Punda Maria and some 14 km from Sirheni Bush Camp.
  • Pafuri – set in birder’s paradise on the banks of the Levuvhu River on the S63 a few km from Crook’s Corner where 3 countries meet.
Picnic sites operated by concessions
  • Tshokwane

    Ideally situated between Skukuza and Satara and offers food and refreshments. Gas Skottel Braai are available for hire and you can stock up on all the items that you forgot to bring.

  • Nkuhlu

    Located on the banks of the Sabie River. In the shop on site, you can eat, drink or shop for curios and skottel braais are available in addition to a delicious full snack menu.

Restaurants Per Camp

Restaurants are available at all the Main Rest Camps. Boma Braais and Bush Braais are offered by some of the restaurants. This is a traditional South African barbecue offering three meats and a selection of salads and freshly baked breads.

  • Letaba
    • Tindlovu Restaurant
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
  • Mopani
    • Mpila Leisure Mopani
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
    • Bush Braai offered
  • Olifants
    • Tindlovu Restaurant
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
    • Bush Braai offered
  • Satara
    • Tindlovu Restaurant
    • Operating times: 07:00 to 21:00
    • Bush Braai offered
  • Skukuza
    • Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro
    • Operating Times: Breakfast: 07:00 – 11:00 || Lunch & Dinner: 12:00 – 22:00
    • Boma Braai offered
    • Bush Braai offered

The Kruger Station

The Lifestyle Centre along the historical Selati Railway line at Skukuza Camp, is centred around the station’s past and pays homage to a significant piece of history. The following facilities are offered at the Kruger Station:

  • 3638 Restaurant – family friendly eatery
  • Round in 9 Bar – fully serviced bar
  • Departing Soon Café – for ice cream and coffee
  • En Route Grab ‘n Go – deli for quick bites on the run
  • Li’l Gricers – safe and semi-shaded play area for kids
  • Curiosity Cabinet - curio shop
  • Kruger 360 Degree Cinema – awe-inspiring circular cinema with hourly shows from 9:00 to 20:00
  • Events venue – exceptional events and group get-togethers

Shopping

  • Retail facilities offering curios and basic provisions are available in all the park’s main rest camps
  • The larger camps have a better selection of stock
  • The bushveld and satellite camps have no restaurant or shop facilities

Skukuza Indigenous Plant Nursery

  • Collection of trees, shrubs and succulents that occurs within the Kruger National Park and surrounds
  • The nursery only uses locally collected seeds and plant material for both nursery stock and research purposes
  • Visitors are welcome to browse through the nursery and see the variety of indigenous and mainly endemic plants to the Kruger National Park and surrounds
  • With the exception of cycads, all seed is collected in the Park and sent to the nursery for drying and cultivation
  • Satellite nurseries in Pretoriuskop, Malelane Gate and Letaba

Various activities are offered at Letaba, including game drives and bush walks where guests are accompanied by professional guides. The restaurant offers bush braais and breakfasts, which includes a game drive to the venue.

An informative and very interesting Elephant Museum can be visited at the Letaba Elephant Hall and the Riverside Camp Walk is open to everyone. Seasonal Education Programmes are offered to children and the Masorini Ruins, located about 38 km from Letaba will widen the knowledge of all those amateur historians. Wildlife films are shown every night, except on Sundays and a TV lounge is available.

List of Activities offered at Letaba Rest Camp

  • Game viewing and bird watching at Matambeni hide on the bank of the
  • Engelhardt dam
  • Guided game drives
  • Guided bush walks
  • Elephant museum
  • Seasonal Educational Programmes
  • Riverside Camp Walk
  • Wildlife films
  • TV lounge

List Of Activities

4x4 Trails

The guided 4×4 trails allow visitors to get off the beaten track and explore territories of the park that are rarely seen. It is essential to travel with a 4×4 vehicle to minimise environmental damage and some of the trails have dongas or riverbeds that would make normal vehicles unfit for these trails, especially during the wet season. These trails serve as the gateway to a real wilderness experience in the park.

  • Knowledgeable and professional trail guide will lead the trail and provide the necessary interpretation en route
  • Please always take great care, especially when alighting from vehicles, and be aware of potential dangers
  • The trails are self-drive in own 4×4 vehicles and undertaken at one’s own risk
  • Only 4×4 vehicles with proper 4×4 trailers or caravans are allowed
  • The routes may be closed completely after heavy rains
  • Participants should note that there are no or very limited facilities along the routes
  • Participants are requested to take a GPS along
  • The Kruger National Park is a malaria area and participants must take the necessary precautions
  • Self-catering – visitors must be self-sufficient regarding food provisions, tents and camping gear, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food
  • Only 5 vehicles plus the guide vehicle are allowed on the trail at any one time
  • A maximum of 4 persons are allowed per vehicle
  • No children under 12 years unless arranged prior to departure

Mananga 4x4 Adventure Trail

  • 48 kilometres
  • One day trail
  • Maximum of six (6) vehicles per day

4x4 Eco Trails

  • Operational during the dry season from 1 March to 30 November
  • Overnight sites have a fireplace, enviro-friendly toilets and a shower for which water is heated on a fire
Malopeni 4x4 Eco Trail
  • 71 kilometres
  • One-night motorised adventure trail
  • Northeast of Phalaborwa Gate to the Letaba River

Guided Walks

Most of the rest camps in Kruger offer guests the opportunity to take part in daily early morning and afternoon guided walks. Professional, experienced and armed field guides take groups of up to eight persons out of the camp’s boundaries to explore the surrounding wilderness areas on foot.

Ensuring the safety of the guests, these guides share their knowledge of the fauna and flora and to explain natural wonders, enriching their knowledge of the African bush and wildlife.

The walks are informative and relaxed and don’t take longer than a few hours, focussing on the things not easily seen from a vehicle. Being out on foot, an area is covered more intensely and guests are able to experience nature using all their senses. Large game in the area offers the possibility of encounters and the exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.

  • Two armed, professional and knowledgeable field guides per group
  • Maximum 8 persons per group
  • No children under 12 years of age allowed
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Wear clothing in natural colours which are applicable to the prevailing weather conditions
  • Bring along cameras and binoculars

Backpacking Trails

Several guided backpacking trails are conducted in the large wilderness areas, giving guests access to experience the park without constraints of a prescribed route. Stretching over a few days and nights the trails have no facilities and guests must carry their own equipment, food and water with them.

  • The trail leader to decide when and where to camp and how far and which route to follow
  • 4 days and 3 nights
  • Depart every Wednesday and finish on Sunday
  • From 1 February to 30 November
  • Two experienced Trails Rangers lead the group
  • Minimum 4 persons, maximum of 8 persons
  • No overnight huts or facilities available
  • Provide and carry own camping equipment, food and water and/or chlorine purification tablets
  • Participants must bring tents and sleep in them every night
  • Participants responsible for setting up their own tents and for cooking their own food
  • Participants advised to bring gas stoves for cooking
  • Fires lit for social and safety reasons – not for cooking of meals
  • No rubbish bins or toilets are provided
  • Trail operates on strictly “take it in, take it out” basis
  • Strictly adheres to a “no trace camping” ethic
  • Use only biodegradable soaps and detergents
  • 10 to 15 kilometres are travelled each day, carrying a heavy backpack
  • Reasonable amount of fitness required
  • Medical certificate required to proof fitness and health
  • Bring own first aid supplies and general/prescription medicine

Thulamela Trail

  • Bookings and payments made at Punda Maria camp
  • Only accessible to those 12 years and older
  • Minimum of 2 participants, maximum of 8
  • Pick-up at Punda Maria and Pafuri picnic sites
  • Departure at 07:00
  • Transport provided in the form of a ten-seater open safari vehicle
  • Own transport is allowed
  • No refreshments, food or drinks are included and available
  • Bring own water bottle, cap and camouflaged clothing
  • Safety boots are preferable

Lonely Bull Trail

  • Mopani Rest Camp to the Letaba low water bridge and the Mingerhout dam
  • Hikers can leave their cars at Mopani Rest Camp in the designated parking area

Olifants Trail

  • 42-kilometre trail
  • Depart from Olifants Rest Camp
  • Hikers can leave their cars at Olifants Rest Camp in the designated parking area

Great Limpopo Park Transfrontier Trails

The combination of the Parque Nacional do Limpopo, Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park forms the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, covering a total of 3.7 million hectares.

This is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in the world and provides the perfect opportunity for an adventure without boundaries which can be explored on a wilderness experience.

This exciting adventure destination is accessed from South Africa through border posts in Kruger located at Giriyondo, north of Letaba, or Pafuri in the north-east at Crook’s Corner. Access from Moçambique is via the Massingir dam in the south or Mapai in the east.

Guided Wilderness Walk from Machampane Luxury Tented Camp

  • Daily guided walks done from and back to the camp
  • Morning and afternoon game walks in pristine wilderness area

Rio Elefantes Canoeing Trail

  • 70-kilometre journey
  • 3 Days
  • Camping in wild and rustic bush camps
  • Portered and catered trails
  • Led by experienced guide
  • All equipment provided
  • Paddle 20 to 25 km per day
  • Tiger fishing

Elefantes Gorge Backpacking and Fishing Trail

  • Hike between 15 to 20 km per day
  • 5 Days and 4 nights
  • Traverse plateau above the Rio Elefantes Gorge
  • Tiger fishing
  • Led by experienced guide
  • Guests to be totally self-sufficient
  • Guests to carry own equipment, food and water
  • Reasonable level of fitness required

Palarangala Wilderness Trail

  • Daily guided game walks follow the river or explore the Lebombo plateau
  • 4 Days and 3 nights
  • Remote rustic camp
  • Dome tents
  • Bush ablutions
  • Prospects of encountering a wide array of wildlife
  • Trails are led by an experienced guide
  • Trails are fully catered

Lebombo Hiking Trail

  • Unforgettable wildlife experience
  • 4 Days and 3 nights
  • Through pristine wilderness area
  • Perfect setting for game and bird viewing
  • Trails are portered
  • Trails are catered
  • Trails are led by experienced guide
  • Guests carry a daypack
  • Hike 12 to 15 kms per day
  • Overnight in unfenced, rustic bush camps

The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail

  • Explore the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park
  • 6 Days and 5 nights
  • Trails are led by experienced guide
  • Self-drive trail
  • Guests provide own camping gear and food

Birding

More than 500 different bird species have a home in Kruger National Park, some of them not to be found anywhere else in South Africa.

Numerous water points make for excellent birdwatching, while there are eleven bird/game-viewing hides in some of the camps and picnic sites in the park. Several more are earmarked for construction when sufficient funds become available.

Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetation and food, but the larger birds of prey conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed.

Out of the 507 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads.

Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are basically restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds".

Birding Hides

Bird hides are wooden shelters that overlook a natural dam or river. A fenced walkway with a door leads visitors from the parking area to the hide.

The structure is almost entirely enclosed, allowing a viewing gap with seats running along the opening from where the scene outside can be enjoyed. Identification posters and information on birds found in the area are displayed on the walls.

Some of these hides are in camps, and some are situated in an area where wildlife roams free. Keep this in mind when exiting a vehicle to enter the bird hide.

This list excludes in-camp hides that are in selected camps such as at Bateleur, Punda Maria, Sirheni, Talamati, Tamboti and private hides at Letaba for residents of Fish Eagle Guest House and at Shingwedzi for Rentmeester Guest House.

  • Sweni - Located where the S37 meets the Sweni River about 5 km from N’wanetsi Picnic Site
  • Ratel Pan - Located on the S39 about 4 km north of Timbavati Picnic Site
  • Sable Dam - Located on the S51 about 7 km from Phalaborwa Gate
  • Matambeni - Located on the S62 on the northern bank of the Letaba River, northwest of Letaba Camp
  • Shipandani - Located on the S142 about 3 km from Mopani Camp
  • Pioneer Dam - Located on the southern side of the dam of the same name, next to the dam wall, also on the S142
  • Nyawutsi - Located on the eastern side of the S50 a few km north of Grootvlei Dam
  • Kanniedood - Located on the S50 a few km southeast of Shingwedzi Camp

Sleepover Hides

Two of the birding hides are equipped with mattresses, bed linen and basic cutlery and crockery and toilet facilities are available for those sleeping over.

Reservations must be made in advance and each group may only sleep over one night at a time. Take note that there is no electricity at the hides and the facilities are rustic and very basic. Visitors must bring their own food, wood and drinking water along.

  • Sable Dam
    • Located on the S142 about 3 km from Mopani Camp
    • A group of maximum 6 persons is allowed to overnight
  • Shipandani Sleepover Hide
    • Located on the S51 about 7 km from Phalaborwa Gate
    • A group of maximum 9 persons can be accommodated for overnighting

Game Drives

Kruger’s game drives are for guests who want to get closer to the wild side of nature and experience the Park’s animals up close.

Game Drives are offered at most of the rest camps and information is available and reservations can be made at reception at the camp.

Guests are transported in open vehicles and an experienced guide interprets the natural bush and offers insight into the ways of the Kruger Park. The duration of the Game Drives are approximately 3 hours.

  • Morning Drives

    Morning drives leave half an hour before official gate opening times, which vary according to the time of year, which means you will be the only guests driving around at that time. On the morning drive you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the Kruger National Park and watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush.

  • Sunset Drives

    These drives leave the camp before dusk and return after sunset. Look out for grazers in the cool afternoon and predators starting their nightly hunts. Sunset is a time when night animals emerge and a drive during this period is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the bush as it changes from day to night. Learn about fauna and flora from our expert guides and return to camp with a spot-lit night drive.

  • Night Drives

    The only way to see nocturnal animals is by joining a night drive, which departs at either 19:30 or 20:00, depending on the time of year. These outings last for around two hours. Experienced and knowledgeable guides enlighten guests on these creatures of the night and their secretive activities. It is also a wonderful opportunity to view the star-filled Southern sky away from city lights.

  • All-Day Drives

    Depending on availability, guests may book a game drive vehicle and driver for the entire day. Trained officials take visitors to sections of the park that are usually inaccessible to tourists.

Bush Braais & Breakfasts

A Bush Braai is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. A game drive leads you to an open area where burning lanterns and fires provide guests with the opportunity to listen to the sounds of the bushveld and the distant animals calling, while the food is grilled on open fires. A variety of game meat and sausages is on offer, accompanied by delicious vegetables and a variety of salads. Freshly prepared desserts and coffee or tea complete the delightful meal. A cash bar facility is available.

Two types of bush braais (barbecues) are offered:

  • Standard Bush Braai
    • Departs in the afternoon with an hour-long game drive to the site
    • Arrive at the site where the meal is in the process of preparation, not exceeding 2 hours
    • Guests are briefed on safety, toilet routine and how to conduct themselves
    • During the whole event at the site, the guide will host and be in control of guests while leading discussions and answering questions
    • Return game drive of about 30 minutes combined with night game viewing
  • Ad-hoc Bush Braai
    • This option is provided on request
    • Additional resources need to be obtained, e.g. guides, vehicles and rifles
    • Booking is for one group who negotiate terms (price and programme)
    • The costing and pricing would need to be well planned and in consultation with the manager
    • Elements included will be transport costs and hiring of additional staff
    • The price quoted will include the drive to the venue

Golf Course at Skukuza

Skukuza, the main rest camp of the Kruger National Park, has the wildest golf course in the world!

  • 9-hole (18-tee) course
  • Par 72
  • 5950m (6450 yards) for men
  • 5059m (5480 yards) for women
  • Course is not fenced-in
  • Uninvited spectators are a common sight
  • Offers the pleasure of challenge and adventure
  • Water at #2, Par 3 on the left and to the back of the green
  • Hole #9, Par 3 of about 150m is played across Lake Panic
  • Harmonious close-to-nature golfing experience

Wilderness Trails

Staying in a rustic, primitive camp and experiencing the African bush on foot is an experience unparalleled by any other, bringing guests closer to the ultimate wilderness and wildlife destinations on the African continent.

Driving around in an open game drive vehicle and staying in a luxury lodge is not necessarily an authentic experience. Wildness, remoteness, tranquillity, peace and to top it all: no other people, is offered to the more adventurous tourist!

  • 4 huts, accommodating 2 people each
  • On site ablutions
  • Maximum of 8 hikers per group
  • Limited accommodation available
  • Guests to share accommodation if groups share the booking
  • Mathikithi
    • Nearest rest camp: Satara
    • Nearest entrance gate: Orpen
    • Mathikithi Fly Camp is a replacement of N’watinwambu Fly Camp
    • Situated 6 km Southwest of Satara
  • Nyalaland
    • Nearest rest camp: Punda Maria
    • Nearest entrance gate: Punda Maria
    • Most remote and out of the way Wilderness Trail’s Camp
    • Situated between Punda Maria camp and Pafuri
    • Spectacular Lanner and Levhuvhu gorges along the Levhuvhu River
    • Camp is hidden in a secluded spot on the Madzaringwe River
    • Important cultural sites representing Zimbabwe stone culture and San rock art, one being seven km from the camp
    • Fossilised remains of two types of dinosaurs can be viewed by guests on the Nyalaland trail
    • Cool down in Levhuvhu River
  • Olifants
    • Nearest rest camp: Letaba
    • Nearest entrance gate: Phalaborwa
    • Departure point is from Letaba Rest Camp
    • Situated on the banks of the Olifants river
    • View over confluence of Olifants and Letaba rivers before flowing into Mozambique
  • Sweni
    • Nearest rest camp: Satara
    • Nearest entrance gate: Orpen
    • Departure point is from Satara Rest Camp
    • Sweni river surrounded by open flat thorn tree savannah
    • Hearing lions roar at night occurs frequently
    • The flatness and remoteness of the area offers excellent star gazing opportunities
    • The camp is situated on the Sweni River and is surrounded by open plains
    • Covered lapa allows views on the surrounding plains and associated game throughout the day

Mountain Biking

Olifants Rest Camp is currently the only camp offering this activity which allows guests to explore Kruger’s environment on a mountain bike.

  • Participants are taken to the start of the trail in an open game viewing vehicle
  • Bike trailer carrying the bikes
  • Mountain bikes are supplied
  • Backpacks, water bottles, snacks and juice are provided
  • Bicycle helmets are compulsory and can be provided
  • Guests are welcome to use their own bicycles
  • Take their own equipment i.e. puncture repair kits, tools, spares, tubes etc.
  • There is place for a maximum of six (6) participants per trail
  • Two qualified and armed field guides lead these trails
  • Morning and afternoon mountain bike trails are available
  • Vary from 3 – 4 hours, depending on the route taken
  • Full day trails are available for groups of 6 persons
  • Full day trails will only be for very fit and experienced cyclists
  • No persons under the age of 16 years are permitted on these trails
  • A certain degree of fitness is necessary
  • Wear appropriate comfortable bush clothing in neutral colours
  • Take along, insect repellent, binoculars, camera
  • Take correct footwear, hat, sun block lotion and personal medication
  • Guides carry a first aid kit and handheld radio for communication in case of emergencies

Swimming

Because the Kruger National Park is located in the Lowveld region of South Africa, it is very hot during the summer months and even during most of the winter. To enable visitors to cool off in the heat, swimming pools are available at most of the rest camps. These pools are only available for camp residents, but additional swimming pools for day visitors are offered at the Skukuza and Letaba.

  • Letaba
  • Mopani
  • Olifants
  • Satara

Well over 255 recorded archaeological sites - ranging from early Stone Age, roughly 1 million years ago, to various Iron Age settlements and recent historical buildings - hold cultural and spiritual importance, while others reveal an exciting and romantic history of the area.

List Of Things To See

Cultural sites that are currently open to the public are:

  • Albasini Ruins

    The 19th century trading post of the famous Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini is found at the new Phabeni Gate, 10 km from Hazyview.

  • Masorini Ruins

    A late Iron Age site and trading place for the BaPhalaborwa, Venda and Portuguese - situated 12 km from the Phalaborwa gate on the road to Letaba Rest Camp.

There are 336 tree species in the park of which 17 are protected trees.

Wildlife

With an estimated 1 500 lions, 17 000 elephants, 48 000 buffalo, 1 000 leopards and just over 2 000 rhinos inhabiting the Kruger National Park, sighting the “Big Five” is very possible when doing game drives.

Even though it should not be a prerequisite on a safari and sightings of specific animals absolutely happen on the luck of the draw, these animals are a huge attraction to visitors.

Kruger is one of the premier game-watching destinations in the world. Approximately 147 mammal species occur in the park. It is possible to see all the classical African big game, including elephant, black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals which are equally enticing.

Something else that became an attraction to wildlife viewing, is a group of insects known as the “Small Five”. This group includes the Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise.

Kruger National Park also supports packs of the endangered African wild dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 left in the whole of South Africa.

Birds

More than 500 different bird species have a home in Kruger National Park, some of them not to be found anywhere else in South Africa. Numerous water points make for excellent birdwatching, while there are eleven bird/game-viewing hides in some of the camps and picnic sites in the park.

Other vertebrates

The Kruger Park is inhabited by 114 species of reptiles, including black mambas, African rock pythons, and 3,000 Nile crocodiles 34 species of amphibians are found in the park, as well as 49 fish species. A Zambezi shark, Carcharhinus leucas, also known as the bull shark, was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo.

Invertebrates

219 species of butterfly and skipper are native to the park. The fastest and most robust of these belong to the genus Charaxes, of which 12 species have been recorded. Genera Papilio and Acraea are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively. The total number of Lepidoptera species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African savanna.

This historically rich area has been inhabited since the late Stone Age and during the early 19th century the BaPhalaborwa tribe living here made a living as crop farmers and iron smiths. Iron artefacts were manufactured and traded with Arab merchants on the east coast of Africa. Remnants of this can be seen at Masorini where archaeological excavations revealed impressive signs of civilizations, which are hundreds of years old.


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