Skukuza Rest Camp
Our thoughts
Skukuza kept us well entertained even if it took us a moment to adjust to the busier feel of the campsite. We treated ourselves to delicious food and drinks at the iconic railway station and genuinely enjoyed the fun energetic side of staying at Skukuza. Its central location made it an excellent base for game drives and the convenience of having a shop, restaurant, swimming pool and even a doctor on site was a real comfort. While Skukuza might not have the intimacy of Kruger's smaller camps it delivers an unmatched mix of accessibility, comfort and incredible wildlife. For travellers who want a little bit of everything, convenience, good food, great sightings and the full Kruger buzz, Skukuza is a destination in its own right.
What's hot
Prime central location
Large well-shaded campsites
Two lovely swimming pools
Excellent dining options including train restaurant
Outstanding facilities including doctor on site
Incredible game viewing on surrounding roads
Bird hide and dam nearby
Unique golf course with wildlife
What's not
Very busy, east secluded feel in Kruger
Heavy vehicle traffic on surrounding roads
More commercial feel than smaller camps
Noise levels from other visitors
Requires early booking
Skukuza Gallery
Overview
Skukuza Rest Camp is truly the heartbeat of Kruger National Park, lively, well-equipped, and full of character. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring both the southern and central regions of Kruger, areas known for their incredible game densities. The campsites are large and well-shaded, the ablutions are spotless, and there is a lovely swimming pool. Skukuza's size means it offers everything you might need: a shop, restaurant, fuel station, ATM, post office, and even a doctor on-site. Just a short walk away is the old train station, now home to an elite lodge and a refurbished train restaurant that serves excellent food.
FAQ's
Southern bank of the Sabie River, Kruger National Park. Accessible via Paul Kruger Gate approximately 12km away. Mpumalanga province.
Yes, powered campsites available
Large shaded sites, Two swimming pools, Communal kitchens and braai areas, Spotless ablution blocks, Restaurant (Cattle Baron and Kruger Station/Selati), Shop and curio store, Fuel station, ATM, Post office, Doctor on site, Conference centre with WiFi
Check SANParks website at sanparks.org for current pricing. Skukuza is one of the most popular camps — book well in advance especially for school holidays.
Yes, excellent for families
No, pets are not permitted
Yes, Skukuza is fully fenced
- Book via SANParks online at sanparks.org or call 012 428 9111. Book as early as possible — Skukuza is the most popular camp in Kruger and fills up months in advance during peak season.
May to September for best game viewing in the dry season. Year-round destination but summer can be very hot. December and January are extremely busy — book a year in advance.
No, standard vehicle is suitable on tarred roads
- Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Sunset Dam, Paul Kruger Gate, Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Hazyview town (supplies and restaurants)
Visit the outdoor bar on the old train station platform for sundowners, it has a wonderfully relaxed social atmosphere. The deck at Lower Sabie is better for river views, but Skukuza's train restaurant pizzas are outstanding. The golf course is unique, lions and crocodiles have been spotted between holes!
