Kruger National Park Where to Stay Campsites

The 6 Best Campsites in Kruger National Park (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 6 picks

The best campsites in Kruger National Park in 2026 are Tsendze, a rustic campsite under big trees south of Mopani, Maroela on the Timbavati River near Orpen, Balule's unfenced-feeling satellite camp near the Olifants, Malelane on the Crocodile River, and the camping areas at Lower Sabie and Punda Maria.

Camping is the cheapest way to stay in Kruger and the closest you can get to the bush. Most main rest camps have campsites with power points and ablution blocks; the small satellite camps and Tsendze feel much wilder. Book through SANParks, especially for school holidays.

1. Tsendze Rustic Camp Site — About 7 km south of Mopani

Kruger's newest campsite, laid out under ancient leadwood and mopane trees.

$ BudgetBest for Campers · Birders

Tsendze is a rustic campsite about 7 km south of Mopani, with stands laid out in a rough figure of eight under leadwood, mopane and apple-leaf trees. Two seasonal watercourses run through the area, which is known for big buffalo herds and elephant bulls.

The big trees make it excellent for birding from your campsite.

Good to know: Shop and refuel at Mopani; Tsendze is basic by design.

Tsendze Rustic Camp Site, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

2. Maroela Satellite Camp — Timbavati River, near Orpen

A camping-only camp with a waterhole by the fence.

$ BudgetBest for Campers

Maroela is one of only two Kruger camps exclusively for caravans and tents, on the Timbavati River about 2 km east of Orpen. There is a small waterhole near the fence and a rustic platform over the river.

Orpen Rest Camp nearby has the shop.

Good to know: Ask for a stand on the fence line.

Maroela Satellite Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

3. Balule Satellite Camp — Near the Olifants River, south of Olifants camp

No electricity and only a low fence between you and the bush.

$ BudgetBest for Campers · Adventurers

Balule is a small, very basic satellite camp near the Olifants River, just south of Olifants Rest Camp. It has no electricity and only a low fence, which gives it a true back-to-basics wilderness feel.

SANParks says it is a favorite with backpackers and caravanners who want to get away from it all.

Good to know: Bring lanterns and a power bank; there is no electricity.

Balule Satellite Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

4. Malelane Satellite Camp — Crocodile River, at Malelane Gate

A tiny camp on the park boundary, close to the N4.

$ BudgetBest for Campers

Malelane is the only Kruger camp built on a boundary, on the Crocodile River near Malelane Gate. It is small, with camping and a few self-catering units.

It is convenient for a first night after the drive from Johannesburg.

Good to know: Buy supplies in Malelane town before entering.

Malelane Satellite Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

5. Lower Sabie Rest Camp campsite — Sabie River, southern Kruger

Camp at the park's most popular riverfront camp.

$ BudgetBest for Campers · Families

Lower Sabie's campsite gives you the camp's restaurant, shop and riverfront deck at the lowest price, in one of Kruger's richest game areas on the Sabie River.

It books out quickly in school holidays.

Good to know: Book as soon as SANParks opens bookings.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

6. Punda Maria Rest Camp campsite — Far northern Kruger

A quiet northern camp, ideal for birders on the way to Pafuri.

$ BudgetBest for Campers · Birders

Punda Maria lies in Kruger's far north, 8 km from Punda Maria Gate, in sandveld that SANParks calls a bird paradise. Its campsite is far quieter than those in the south.

It is the base for exploring Pafuri and the Luvuvhu River.

Good to know: Allow a full day for the Pafuri loop from camp.

Punda Maria Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Can you camp in Kruger National Park?

Yes. Most main rest camps have caravan and camping sites, and several small camps — Tsendze, Maroela and Balule — are dedicated to campers or very basic.

Which Kruger campsite is the most rustic?

Tsendze Rustic Camp Site south of Mopani and Balule Satellite Camp, which has no electricity and only a low fence.

Do Kruger campsites have electricity?

Main rest camp campsites generally have power points; Balule has no electricity, and Tsendze is deliberately rustic. Check each camp's facilities on sanparks.org.

1. Tsendze Rustic Camp Site — About 7 km south of Mopani

2. Maroela Satellite Camp — Timbavati River, near Orpen

3. Balule Satellite Camp — Near the Olifants River, south of Olifants camp

4. Malelane Satellite Camp — Crocodile River, at Malelane Gate

5. Lower Sabie Rest Camp campsite — Sabie River, southern Kruger

6. Punda Maria Rest Camp campsite — Far northern Kruger

Frequently asked questions

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