The African Voyager

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park rest camps: find the best one for your safari

Southern Africa • Insider guides • Kruger National Park rest camps: find the best one for your safari

The best rest camps in Kruger National Park

Choosing the right rest camp in Kruger National Park can make a huge difference to your safari experience. These rest camps provide convenient access to the park’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and exciting activities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best rest camps in Kruger, so you can plan the perfect stay, spot incredible wildlife and make the most of your trip. We’ve picked a selection of rest camps that’s sure to impress every type of traveller, offering the best accommodation, environment and activities.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp

Lower Sabie Rest Camp is located on the banks of the Sabie River, offering breathtaking views of the river and the Lebombo Mountains. The camp is surrounded by lush vegetation, including the iconic sycamore fig trees, which provide a habitat for various birds and insects. This camp gives you front-row seats to some of the best game viewing in Kruger, especially early in the morning when the bush comes alive. We loved how the Sabie River seemed to pull animals in – elephants, hippos, even crocodiles make regular appearances while you sit back and soak in the view. Lower Sabie Rest Camp also has everything you need – comfortable bungalows, safari tents and even a restaurant to refuel after a day out.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Skukuza
Lower Sabie Rd
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Shingwedzi Rest Camp

For those of us who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, Shingwedzi Rest Camp in northern Kruger is a hidden gem. This camp is known for its scenic game drives along the Shingwedzi River, where you can spot waterbuck, nyala, kudu and elephants. Here you will experience a rustic atmosphere, we enjoyed the sense of seclusion. Shingwedzi Rest Camp offers accommodation arranged in two separate circles, featuring thatched bungalows and campsites. One thing about this rest camp that stood out for us was the local night drives, offering a chance to spot nocturnal animals.

Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Shingwedzi
Limpopo
South Africa

Olifants Rest Camp

Perched high on a cliff, Olifants Rest Camp offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in Kruger. Here you can spend hours gazing over the Olifants River, watching elephants and hippos while eagles soar overhead. Olifants Rest Camp is also well-positioned for birdwatching, with a variety of raptors frequently seen gliding along the riverbanks. Accommodation ranges from thatched rondavels to guesthouses, giving you plenty of options. But the stand out at this rest camp for us is the additional activities available here – you can enjoy bush braais and breakfasts, as well as the Olifants Wilderness Trail and backpacking trail.

Olifants Rest Camp
Olifants Camp Rd
Limpopo
South Africa

Skukuza Rest Camp

Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest and busiest camp in Kruger National Park, often considered the park’s headquarters. This is an excellent base for first-time visitors, offering all the amenities you could need – restaurants, shops and even a golf course! Located on the banks of the Sabie River, it’s one of the best areas for spotting the Big Five. The camp is also home to the park’s research centre. We loved how easy it was to set out on early morning game drives, spotting lions, elephants and rhinos nearby. It’s perfect if you’re after convenience, variety and the buzz of being in Kruger’s main action spot.

Skukuza Rest Camp
Skukuza
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp

Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp is located in the southern part of the park, close to the Malelane gate. The camp is set on the banks of the Matjulu Spruit and surrounded by rocky hillsides. The surrounding area is home to rhinos, making it one of the best spots to see these endangered creatures. We also enjoyed the scenic walking trail that runs right through the camp, perfect for stretching your legs and spotting smaller wildlife. The accommodations are modern and comfortable, making it great for families or groups. If you’re looking for a camp that feels a bit off the beaten path but still offers good game viewing and modern facilities, Berg-en-Dal is an excellent choice.