00 · Rest camps in Kruger National Park · Kruger National Park · Mpumalanga and Limpopo

Kruger rest camps

Twelve camps, one closing time.

Getting there & gate times Getting there & parking Opening times

View plan

Photo: flowcomm ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

12Main camps

rest camps with a shop, petrol station and restaurant or cafeteria

5Bushveld camps

no shop or restaurant, booking required

4:30Camp gates in summer

November to January, an hour before the entrance gates

Staying in Kruger: twelve main rest camps

Where you sleep decides where you are first in the morning.

SANParks runs twelve main rest camps in Kruger National Park, plus satellite, bushveld and luxury camps. Every main camp has a shop, petrol station, communal kitchen and a restaurant or cafeteria – only Orpen and Crocodile Bridge have no restaurant. The camps are spread over about 350 km (217 mi) from south to north, and their gates close at fixed times.

The busiest camps are in the south: Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop and Crocodile Bridge. Satara and Orpen follow in the centre, Olifants, Letaba, Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria in the north.

From November to January the camp gates open at 4:30, an hour before the entrance gates. If you sleep in the park, you are on the road before the day visitors.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

In numbers

Main camps: 12
Satellite camps: 4
Bushveld camps: 5
Bush lodges: 3
Largest camp: Skukuza
Camp gates open: 4:30 to 6:00
Gates close: 17:30 to 18:30
Check-in / check-out: from 14:00 / by 10:00
Quiet hours: 21:30 to 6:00

Kruger National Park profile

01 · Plan

Getting there & gate times

Which gate suits which camp – distances according to SANParks.

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

How to get to the camps

Which gate suits which camp – distances according to SANParks.

South: Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop

Skukuza is 12 km (7.5 mi) beyond Paul Kruger Gate, about 30 minutes, or 39 km (24 mi) beyond Phabeni Gate near Hazyview. Berg-en-Dal is 12 km (7.5 mi) beyond Malelane Gate, Pretoriuskop 9 km (5.6 mi) beyond Numbi Gate.

SANParks: Skukuza Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

South-east: Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge

Take the N4 to Komatipoort and on to Crocodile Bridge Gate; the camp of the same name is right at the gate, Lower Sabie 34 km (21 mi) further, about 2 hours. The nearest airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, about 120 km (75 mi) from the gate.

SANParks: Lower Sabie Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Centre: Satara and Orpen

Take the R531 to Orpen Gate; Orpen is at the gate, Satara 48 km (30 mi) further, about 2 hours. The nearest airport is Eastgate in Hoedspruit, about 68 km (42 mi) from Orpen Gate.

SANParks: Satara Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

North: Olifants, Letaba, Mopani

All three are reached via Phalaborwa Gate: Letaba 51 km (32 mi), Mopani 74 km (46 mi), Olifants 83 km (52 mi) beyond it. Gateway Airport in Phalaborwa is about 3 km (2 mi) from the gate.

SANParks: Olifants Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Far north: Shingwedzi and Punda Maria

Take the R524 from Makhado to Punda Maria Gate. Punda Maria is 10 km (6 mi) beyond the gate, Shingwedzi 71 km (44 mi), about 3 hours.

SANParks: Punda Maria Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Flying to Skukuza

Airlink flies to Skukuza daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town; the airport is inside the park, a few minutes from the camp.

SANParks: Skukuza Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Price list

checked 4 Oct 2026

What a night in a camp costs

SANParks quotes prices on request – plus the daily fee.

Prices by quote only

SANParks does not publish fixed prices per unit or campsite on the Kruger rates page. You get a quote through online booking or from reservations on +27 (0)12 428 9111.

SANParks: Kruger rates and entry fees (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

1% community fund

SANParks adds 1% for a community fund to all accommodation and activity bookings.

SANParks: Kruger rates and entry fees (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Daily fee on top

On top of your accommodation you pay the conservation fee per person for every day in the park. The current amounts for international visitors are on our Kruger entrance fees page.

SANParks: Kruger rates and entry fees (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 10:00

Units and campsites are ready from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure. Report to reception before moving in.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

The 12 main camps

Kruger rest camps compared

Nearest gate, distance and driving time from the gate according to SANParks, restaurant and pool from each camp’s facilities list.

Skukuza

the largest camp

Gate: Paul Kruger
From gate: 12 km · 30 min
Restaurant: yes · 2 pools

Lower Sabie

on the Sabie River

Gate: Crocodile Bridge
From gate: 34 km · 2 h
Restaurant: yes · pool

Satara

big cat country

Gate: Orpen
From gate: 48 km · 2 h
Restaurant: yes · pool

Olifants

on the hill above the river

Gate: Phalaborwa
From gate: 83 km · 3 h
Restaurant: yes · no pool

Letaba

elephants on the sand river

Gate: Phalaborwa
From gate: 51 km · 2 h
Restaurant: yes · pool

Berg-en-Dal

the mountain camp

Gate: Malelane
From gate: 12 km · 30 min
Restaurant: yes · pool

Pretoriuskop

the oldest camp

Gate: Numbi
From gate: 9 km · 20 min
Restaurant: yes · pool

Crocodile Bridge

camp at the southern gate

Gate: Crocodile Bridge
From gate: at the gate
Restaurant: no · no pool

Mopani

on Pioneer Dam

Gate: Phalaborwa
From gate: 74 km · 3 h
Restaurant: yes · pool

Shingwedzi

mopane country in the north

Gate: Punda Maria
From gate: 71 km · 3 h
Restaurant: yes · pool

Punda Maria

the northernmost camp

Gate: Punda Maria
From gate: 10 km · 20 min
Restaurant: yes · pool

Orpen

camp at the western gate

Gate: Orpen
From gate: at the gate
Restaurant: no · pool

Gate times by month

When camp gates and entrance gates open

Bar: camp gate open until closing. Line: entrance gates open. If you stay in a camp, you can set off an hour before day visitors in summer.

Januarycamp gate 4:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:30

Februarycamp gate 5:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:30

Marchcamp gate 5:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:00

Aprilcamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 18:00

Maycamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 17:30

Junecamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 17:30

Julycamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 17:30

Augustcamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 18:00

Septembercamp gate 6:00 · entrance gate 6:00 · close 18:00

Octobercamp gate 5:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:00

Novembercamp gate 4:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:30

Decembercamp gate 4:30 · entrance gate 5:30 · close 18:30

Driving before or after these times is not allowed; the times that apply are also on your green gate permit. SANParks: day visits and gate times by month (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Gate times and arrival

A day in a camp runs on gate closing time.

In camp by gate closing

If you stay overnight in the park, you must be in your booked camp before the gates close; driving after that is not allowed and can lead to a fine.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Late arrival only in emergencies

SANParks only allows late arrivals in emergencies with proof, until 21:00, and only for guests staying in a camp no more than 10 km (6 mi) from the gate. Not at all at Pafuri, Phalaborwa and Phabeni.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Quiet hours 21:30 to 6:00

Strict quiet hours apply in the camps between 21:30 and 6:00. Mobile phones may only be used in camps, at gates and in emergencies.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

02 · On site

The 12 main Kruger rest camps

From Berg-en-Dal in the south to Punda Maria in the north.

Photo: Bernard DUPONT ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

“If you sleep in a camp, you are out before everyone else in the morning.”
Morning on the Sabie River, where Skukuza and Lower Sabie lie.

The 12 main Kruger rest camps

From Berg-en-Dal in the south to Punda Maria in the north.

Skukuza: the largest camp

The park’s largest rest camp and administrative headquarters, on the southern bank of the Sabie River. Restaurant, deli, bank, post office, car hire, workshop, golf course and two swimming pools for overnight guests only; wildlife films every evening except Sundays. Skukuza Airport is next door.

SANParks: Skukuza Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Lower Sabie: on the Sabie River

On the Sabie River, one of the few rivers in the park that flow all year, with views of the Lebombo Mountains. According to SANParks, the variety of game at night is hard to equal anywhere in the park: lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo herds of up to 800. Restaurant and pool, no ATM.

SANParks: Lower Sabie Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Satara: big cat country

According to SANParks one of the best game viewing areas in the park, known for lion, leopard and cheetah in open bush. Accommodation is laid out in circles; restaurant, pool with playground, guided walks, bush braais and the Mananga 4x4 trail.

SANParks: Satara Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Olifants: on the hill above the river

Set on a hill high above the Olifants River; the lookout platforms look down on the river. Restaurant and cafeteria, astronomy game drives, wilderness and backpacking trails, mountain biking. SANParks lists no swimming pool here.

SANParks: Olifants Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Letaba: elephants on the sand river

On a bend of the Letaba River, midway between the park’s southern and northern boundaries. The sandy riverbed is a good place for elephants, and the Elephant Hall is in the camp. Restaurant, pool and a day visitor area with its own pool.

SANParks: Letaba Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Berg-en-Dal: the mountain camp

On the Matjulu Spruit in the south, the only camp in a rugged mountain setting. 12 km (7.5 mi) from Malelane Gate. Restaurant, internet café at reception, pool for overnight guests only.

SANParks: Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Pretoriuskop: the oldest camp

The park’s oldest rest camp, among granite domes in the south-west, 9 km (5.6 mi) from Numbi Gate. The only camp where exotic flowering plants were kept, out of nostalgia. Restaurant and pool.

SANParks: Pretoriuskop Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Crocodile Bridge: camp at the southern gate

Small camp right at the gate in the south-east, on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. According to SANParks an area with many lion prides and a larger share of the park’s rhinos. No restaurant; a shop with a small take-away.

SANParks: Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Mopani: on Pioneer Dam

On the shore of Pioneer Dam in mopane bush, with an old baobab in the middle of the camp. 74 km (46 mi) from Phalaborwa Gate. Restaurant, bar, pool and a mini ATM.

SANParks: Mopani Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Shingwedzi: mopane country in the north

A rustic camp in the north with accommodation in two circles. SANParks calls the drive along the Shingwedzi River to Kanniedood Dam one of the most rewarding in the park: waterbuck, nyala, kudu, elephant. Restaurant and pool.

SANParks: Shingwedzi Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Punda Maria: the northernmost camp

In the far north in the sandveld, which SANParks calls the park’s botanical garden; many plant species occur only here. Restaurant and pool, no Wi-Fi.

SANParks: Punda Maria Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Orpen: camp at the western gate

Small camp right at Orpen Gate, halfway along the western boundary; satellite camps Maroela and Tamboti. Open plains of sweet grass attract cheetah, lion and leopard. Pool, but no restaurant.

SANParks: Orpen Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Photos of the place

Thatched rondavel in Pretoriuskop rest camp in Kruger National Park on a lawn between trees. — Photo: Chris Eason from London ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Shingwedzi rest camp in Kruger National Park hidden among trees, the sandy bed of the Shingwedzi River with grass in front. — Photo: Chris Eason from London ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Guided on site

If you would rather not drive yourself: through our partners you can book a full-day game drive with stops at the rest camps and three days from Skukuza Airport with two nights in Skukuza.

Game drive · full day · offer via GetYourGuide

Full-day game drive with breakfast and lunch at the rest camps

A full day in an open vehicle with a guide, pick-up from your accommodation or a gate of your choice. Two stops at the park’s rest camps, one for breakfast, one for lunch.

4.5 out of 5 stars169 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €93.34as of 4 Oct

1 day
Open vehicle
English-speaking guide
Provider: Inn Africa Camp & Tours

Start Your accommodation or a park gate of your choice.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

Included are pick-up, the drive in an open vehicle, a guide and water; meals at the camps, the conservation fee and tips are not. You fill in an indemnity form before entering. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Three days from Skukuza Airport · offer via Viator

Three days from Skukuza Airport with two nights in Skukuza

Pick-up at Skukuza Airport inside the park, two nights with breakfast at Skukuza Safari Lodge and private game drives in an open vehicle: on the first afternoon until the gates close, morning and afternoon on the second day, and once more on the third morning before your return flight.

3 days
Private, 2 to 6 guests
English-speaking guide
Provider: Private Kruger Safaris

Start Skukuza Airport inside the park; the pick-up time depends on your flight’s arrival.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 4 Oct 2026

According to the provider, two nights with breakfast at Skukuza Safari Lodge (subject to availability), the private game drives and the airport transfer both ways are included; meals, drinks, tips and the daily conservation fees are not. From age 7, not wheelchair accessible. Non-refundable. Provider's product photo · Viator

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 4 Oct 2026. See official prices.

03 · Nearby

Onward from here

Fees, gates, game drives and rules for the whole park are in the Kruger park profile.

Photo: flowcomm ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Map

Kruger rest camps on the terrain map

Twelve points, each verified against an OpenStreetMap object; Orpen at the gate. All points are on the Kruger National Park map, with details and photos.

Show on mapKruger National Park map · 3D terrain

Nearby

Other popular destinations in the same national park.

Park guide

Kruger National Park

Fees, gates, game drives and rules for the whole park are in the Kruger park profile.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Field book 01Good to know Field book 02Frequently asked questions Field book 03Sources and last checked

Field book · Kruger rest camps

checked 4 Oct 2026

01Good to know

Camps beyond the main camps – and what they lack.

What every main camp has

Electricity, first aid, a shop, braai and communal kitchen facilities, laundry, a restaurant or cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol station. Staffed information centres are at Letaba, Skukuza and Berg-en-Dal.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Satellite camps

Balule belongs to Satara, Malelane to Berg-en-Dal, Maroela and Tamboti to Orpen; you check in at the main camp.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Bushveld camps without a shop

Bateleur, Biyamiti, Shimuwini, Sirheni and Talamati are smaller, remote camps without a shop or restaurant, for guests with a booking only. Hair-dryers and other electrical equipment only work at Talamati, Biyamiti and Bateleur.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Bush lodges en bloc only

Boulders, Pafuri Border Camp and Roodewal can only be booked as a whole; there is no reception, you check in at a gate or main camp.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Overnight stays only with a booking

You may only stay overnight at a booked, recognised facility in the park.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

02Kruger rest camps: frequently asked questions

Short answers, with sources.

Which is the largest camp in Kruger?

Skukuza: the largest rest camp and the park’s administrative headquarters, on the Sabie River, 12 km (7.5 mi) beyond Paul Kruger Gate.

SANParks: Skukuza Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Which Kruger rest camps have no restaurant?

Orpen and Crocodile Bridge. Crocodile Bridge has a shop with a small take-away; all the other main camps have a restaurant.

SANParks: Orpen Rest Camp (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

What time do the Kruger camp gates open?

From November to January at 4:30, in February, March and October at 5:30, from April to September at 6:00. They close between 17:30 and 18:30, depending on the month.

SANParks: day visits and gate times by month (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Can you stay overnight in Kruger without a booking?

No. You may only stay overnight at a booked, recognised facility in the park.

SANParks: vital information (rules, arrival, quiet hours) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

How much is a night in a Kruger rest camp?

SANParks does not publish fixed prices on its rates page; you get a quote through online booking or reservations. On top come the 1% community fund and the daily conservation fee.

SANParks: Kruger rates and entry fees (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

Which camp is closest to a gate?

Crocodile Bridge and Orpen are right at the gate, Pretoriuskop 9 km (5.6 mi) beyond Numbi Gate, Punda Maria 10 km (6 mi) beyond Punda Maria Gate.

SANParks: camps in Kruger National Park (main, satellite, bushveld and luxury camps) (accessed 4 October 2026) ↗

03Sources and last checked

Operator, municipality and park authority, each fact cited individually.

Places on the map

Skukuza Rest camp
Paul Kruger Gate, 12 km to the camp, about 30 min by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Lower Sabie Rest camp
Crocodile Bridge Gate, 34 km to the camp, about 2 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Satara Rest camp
Orpen Gate, 48 km to the camp, about 2 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Olifants Rest camp
Phalaborwa Gate, 83 km to the camp, about 3 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Letaba Rest camp
Phalaborwa Gate, 51 km to the camp, about 2 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Berg-en-Dal Rest camp
Malelane Gate, 12 km to the camp, about 30 min by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Pretoriuskop Rest camp
Numbi Gate, 9 km to the camp, about 20 min by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Crocodile Bridge Rest camp at the gate
Crocodile Bridge Gate, camp right at the gate.
Location source ↗
Mopani Rest camp
Phalaborwa Gate, 74 km to the camp, about 3 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Shingwedzi Rest camp
Punda Maria Gate, 71 km to the camp, about 3 h by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Punda Maria Rest camp
Punda Maria Gate, 10 km to the camp, about 20 min by car according to SANParks.
Location source ↗
Orpen Rest camp at the gate
Orpen Gate, camp right at the gate.
Location source ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 4 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Prices, timetables and opening hours change; please check with the operator before you travel.

Current information from the operator ↗

Image and map credits

Stage Photo: flowcomm ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 1 Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 2 Photo: Chris Eason from London ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 3 Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 4 Photo: Chris Eason from London ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Quote Photo: Bernard DUPONT ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt

Location sources: every point on the map links to the OpenStreetMap object its coordinate comes from. Markers do not imply that access is permitted.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗