Accommodation Types in Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park has something to suit every traveller!

There is a broad spectrum of accommodation to choose from and much will depend on the level of comfort and experience you require. Those who are quite happy to rough it can certainly do so, and likewise visitors looking for something more exclusive will also find just what they want. Families have a huge range of options available to them at all levels.

The National Park is divided into Standard Self-Catering Rest Camps, Private Self-Catering Bush Camps, Rustic Self-Catering Camps and leased areas where Private Game Lodges are built within the boundaries of the National Park – these are called Concession areas.

The Private Games Lodges within the Kruger National Park offer you a fully inclusive safari experience including luxury accommodation with en-suite facilities, daily morning and evening game drives in open-safari vehicle as well as all your meals.

The Standard Self-Catering Rest Camps, Private Self-Catering Bush Camps and Rustic Self-Catering Camps (also known as satellite camps) offer a variety of self-catering accommodation types. Accommodation ranges from rustic campsites, tented camps, budget huts, cottages, to fully equipped bungalows. Accommodations exclude all your game viewing activities; which can be booked separately and all extras like meals and conservation fees.

This accommodation type is defined by high comfort, personalised attention and private facilities. Some lodges offer permanent luxury tented safari suites while others feature thatched en-suite rooms in various settings.

You pay one daily rate or package rate which includes specified meals, drinks, game viewing activities and recreational facilities. The lodges are all individually hosted and situated on private land concessions within the Kruger Park which offer excellent game viewing.

These luxurious and exclusive private game lodges offer 5-star accommodation, services and game activities. Each lodge is unique, where personalised luxury is the order of the day. A number of lodges can cater for visitors that are wheel-chair bound.

You can look forward to beautifully decorated en-suite accommodation in a thatched suite, or tented safari suite which is built on a fixed platform. Each suite has its own deck and in some cases a private plunge pool.

Guests enjoy high quality linen, towels and toiletries and there is a laundry and turn-down service provided. The Suites are serviced daily and equipped with a variety of comforts such as bottled water, a hairdryer and international adaptors, a safe and insect repellent.

This accommodation category offers a range of self-catering options across Kruger Park, from very basic through to well-equipped small lodges and houses with features like air-conditioning and TV. Guests can combine different settings and units to create a holiday that includes a variety of game rich areas.

Visitors staying at Standard Self-Catering Rest Camps have the freedom to follow their own schedule for meals, game viewing and relaxing. Consistent standards can be enjoyed as all camps are managed by a single authority.

All self-catering options are suited to visitors who can provide their own equipment and supplies. Self-catering guests can mix and match different options and camps to make a well rounded holiday according to their budget and family or group needs. In this category, the guest houses are especially suitable for group bookings because they have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Most camps have communal facilities like ablutions and kitchens which are provided for guests staying in the more rustic options. All Kruger Park self-catering units have their own braai (barbecue) facility. Basic bedding, crockery and cutlery are generally available, although many visitors prefer to bring their own.

Read self-catering accommodation related questions and answers in our Help on Self-Catering guide

Guest Houses:

This category contains multiple bedroom and bathroom units with lounge area and often with bar facility and exclusive view. The large luxury units are set in prime positions in the camp. There are well-equipped kitchens and some units have microwaves, air-conditioners and barbecue facilities. Limited channel DSTV satellite television is provided.

Guest Cottages:

These cottages are multiple bedroom units with a fully equipped kitchen and at least 2 bathrooms of which one is en-suite. Some have air-conditioning and barbecue areas or other additional features.

Family Cottages:

Family cottages are multiple bedroom units with air conditioning, a living room, bathroom and kitchen. Additional features in some units include en-suite facilities and barbecue areas.

Cottages:

Most of these are single bedroom units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen. Some have an extra bedroom and en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, veranda and outside barbecue areas.

Bungalow (including Family Bungalows in some camps):

These are single bedroom units with a bathroom. Most units have air-conditioning. Some have communal kitchens, while others have their own kitchenettes with basic kitchen equipment and barbecue areas. Certain bungalows have perimeter or river views, while others have been upgraded to luxury status.

Safari Tents:

The permanent furnished canvas tents are set on fixed platforms (stilts) and a number of these include a fridge, fan and small veranda. Some have communal kitchen and ablution facilities, while others are fully equipped with more luxurious trimmings.

Huts:

These consist of single room units with communal kitchen and communal ablution facilities. Some units are equipped with a fridge, fan and air conditioner. There are no cooking utensils or crockery and cutlery, but the communal kitchens have sinks and electric stoves.

Camping Sites:

In this category there are sites for caravans or tents – most have power (except Balule, Tsendze and some at Punda Maria). Sites at Lower Sabie have designated boundaries and their own water taps. There are communal ablutions and cooking facilities with 24 hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities.

The camp sites are located all over the Park, and those who enjoy being close to nature can pick and mix a wide variety of camps for a complete Kruger Park holiday. You can take a look at the Kruger Park Map and also read up on the facilities at each camp to make your selection. There is also a comprehensive guide to the different regions of the park and wildlife that can be seen there.

Overnight hides:

Hides are used for game viewing by the public during the day and can be reserved for sleepovers at night. They contain sleeping units and a living area but no electricity or water. Fold out beds with mattresses are included and there is an environmental toilet on the perimeter.

There are barbecue facilities but no cutlery or crockery or cooking equipment. Bedding sets with mosquito nets can be arranged through the managing camp and a cutlery box may also be available. Only the perimeter of the facility is fenced and caution must be exercised at all times, especially at night.

The section features a variety of Private Self-Catering Bush Camps that are located in secluded bushveld areas of the Kruger Park. The camps are small and intimate and the accommodation is more exclusive with fully equipped facilities. Out of all the Private Self-Catering Bush Camps, Bataleur Camp is the best equipped with added luxuries such as linen, towels and TV’s.

Roodewal and Boulders Bush Lodges are especially suitable for group bookings because they have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. These two lodges have their own atmosphere and style. Guests enjoy complete privacy, as only residents are allowed entrance to the lodge area. A Bush Lodge can only be reserved in its entirety.

Guest Cottages:

These cottages are multiple bedroom units with a fully equipped kitchen and at least 2 bathrooms of which one is en-suite. Some have air-conditioning and barbecue areas or other additional features.

Cottages:

Most of these are single bedroom units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen. Some have an extra bedroom and en-suite, air-conditioning, veranda and outside barbecue areas.