South African National Parks · Reference
SANParks rest camps
The self-catering camps, in guests' own words.
Honest guides to South Africa's national park rest camps, kept as a free reference for travellers planning a self-drive visit, with 3,130 original guest reviews republished exactly as they were written.
We do not take rest camp bookings. Camps are booked directly with SANParks, where current tariffs are published.
National park
Kruger National Park.
Skukuza Rest Camp
Rated 3.7/5 · 551 guest reviews
Mopani Rest Camp
The pervasive Mopani tree found in the Pioneer Dam area of Kruger National Park lends both its aesthetic and its name to this primary rest camp. Thatched buildings with rock-faced walls blend seamlessly into the natural environment, materials used to construct these buildings include rough stone, wood, and thatching grass. Mopani is also great for families. It has a large collection of family cottages available for families of different sizes.
Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
Rated 4.1/5 · 420 guest reviews
Letaba Rest Camp
Rated 4.1/5 · 383 guest reviews
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Rated 4.2/5 · 568 guest reviews
Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Shingwedzi in the far north of the Kruger National Park has been constructed on the bend of the Shingwedzi River in an area with less dense vegetation Many of the big tuskers roamed the plains around Singwedzi, one named ‘Shingwedzi’ died close to the camp in 1981. His tusks can be viewed in the Elephant Museum at Letaba. The Red Rocks Loop (S52) route traces the Shingwedzi River into the Mopane woodlands. Red Rocks refers to a large sandstone slab exposed by the Shingwedzi River about 15 km southwest of the ca
Satara Rest Camp
Legend suggests that, Satara Restcamp owes its name to an old map drawn up by an anonymous Indian surveyor who. The surveyor marked the area that is present-day Satara with the Hindi word 'satra', which means 17. Satara camp is known as one of the best location for wildlife viewing, including the Big Five.
Punda Maria Rest Camp
Rated 4.0/5 · 94 guest reviews
Olifants Rest Camp
Rated 4.1/5 · 279 guest reviews
Sirheni Bushveld Camp
Named after the Tsonga word for ‘cemetery’ that describes a type of elephant graveyard near the camp. Sirheni lies within the Mopane veld of the northern plains next to the Mphongolo River, together with the Sirheni Dam attracting many animals, birds, and other wildlife. There are two bird hides in the camp overlooking the dam.
Tamboti Tented Camp
The Timbavati river bed, generally dry throughout the year, provides a great setting at the western boundary of the Kruger Park for Tamboti Tented Camp. One of the park's most popular camps with safari tents which are complemented by the area's tall Marula and Tamboti trees. The tranquility and harmony of the rustic surroundings here imbue the Tamboti Tented Camp with a natural bush feeling that is so special and unique, guests will want to stay on indefinitely.
Orpen Rest Camp
Rated 4.3/5 · 49 guest reviews
Pafuri Border Camp
Pafuri Border Camp is situated in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park close to the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders, and the most northern camp in the park. It is about 70km from Punda Maria Camp Gate. You will find yourself in an area that will provide you with amongst the most exciting and rewarding birding to be had anywhere in Africa
Biyamiti Bushveld Camp
Comfortably situated next to the Kruger National Park's own Mbiyamiti river, Biyamiti camp provides an insular experience. An ideal location for spotting game, reclining in the shade of one of the scenic Wild Fig trees or enjoying a braai while nestled in the Delgoa thickets which are so popular in this area. Historically, afrikaans wagon riders would steer their teams of oxen through this area, passing down several transport routes close to the present-day camp, fending off disease and the elements in their move from the interior to the coast.
Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp
Rated 4.4/5 · 114 guest reviews
Talamati Bushveld Camp
Spread evenly, in a long line along the N'waswitsontso River, are secluded family cottages. Part of Talamati is also a private facility, only allowing residents access to the camp. Talamati Bushveld Camp is within close proximity to a larger rest camp, with guests being allowed the use of the larger camp's amenities and shops. The Xitsonga word Talamati translates as 'lots of water, ironic when considering the river is actually mostly dry. The clay soil in the riverbed traps reservoirs of underground water, and tributaries flowing into the lush vegetation. The camp itself is located in an open valley, maximising game viewing opportunities for both grazers and their ever-present predators.
Balule Satellite Camp
The rustic Balule Satellite camp offers old-fashioned huts with no electricity, you are provided with lanterns, as well as campsites. The camp offers basic facilities which allow you to return to a simpler way of staying in the park. It is situated just on the other side of the Olifants river south of Olifants Rest Camp.
Bateleur Bushveld Camp
Bateleur Bush Camp, the oldest and smallest bushveld camp, is located roughly 40 km southwest of Shingwedzi on the Mashokwe Spruit and provides guests with an intimate experience of the northern Mopane/Woodland savannah, as well as outstanding game viewing. Named after the Bateleur eagle, often seen in the region. One of the most popular features is the game-viewing hide that overlooks the waterhole just outside the camp.
Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
Named after the Shangaan word for "Place of the Baobab Tree", Shimuwini camp takes its name from the massive trees which flank the nearby Letaba River, the oldest estimated to be between 2 000 and 3 000 years old. Rebuilt entirely after flooding in the Kruger National Park during 2000, the camp also has a modern finish to set it apart from the average camp experience.
Malelane Rest Camp
Rated 4.0/5 · 26 guest reviews
Maroela Satellite Camp
Finding oneself caravanning on the banks of the Timbavati River, on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, Maroela rest camp provides one of two opportunities in the entire park for exclusive catering for camping enthusiasts. You can watch a host of indigenous wildlife as they frequent the small watering hole close to the camp's fence, there is also a rustic viewing platform overlooking the Timbavati River
Boulders Bush Lodge
The imposing rocky outcrops form the backdrop to Boulders Bush Lodge, a thatched retreat built on stilts in the midst of this attractive landscape. The lodge is offset by tranquil green rises of lush Mopani veld, with wooden boardwalks connecting the closely spaced, private bedrooms to a communal area. Guests can experience unparalleled views of the landscape from viewing decks that surround a private watering hole.
Roodewal Bush Lodge
The unique quality of this camp is due to the extreme privacy of each individual sleeping unit. The units are spaced to offer privacy to each guest/family occupying each unit. Another special feature is the private viewing deck overlooking the Timbavati River. Natal Mahogany and Jackalberry trees create a stunning view that can be enjoyed from the braai area and by night the stars are so bright that the night sky provides some astonishing scenery.
Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Rated 4.2/5 · 326 guest reviews
Tsendze Rustic Camp
Tsendze Rustic Camp derives its name from the Tsonga word ‘tsendzeleka’ which means ‘to ramble around as someone lost in the bush’. For the camper who feels that an authentic camping experience relies on a no-nonsense approach. The camp only lies seven kilometers from the Mopani Rest Camp.
National park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
In a setting such as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where striking red sand dunes are offset by sparse, hardy vegetation and resilient desert wildlife, Twee Rivieren camp possesses the character and stature of a desert camp to be remembered. This camp is the administrative headquarters of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park as a whole, and the largest rest camp within its borders.
Kalahari Tented Camp
Close to the western boundary of the park, only 3km from Mata Mata you will find Kalahari Tented Camp. Perched on the red sand dunes, overlooking the dry Auob river bed. The Desert Tents are built using wood and canvas blending the colours into the Kalahari landscape. This camp is unfenced, each unit has an enclosed carport. The best is spending time on your deck overlooking the waterhole, at the swimming pool, or dry river bed.
Mata Mata Rest Camp
Nestled into the flank of the Auob river on the western border of the park you will find Mata Mata with a border gate to Namibia. You will most probably see giraffes in the surrounding area where they have adapted to the surrounding thorny dune bushveld. Mata Mata is the smallest of the traditional camps and offers a range of accommodation types to suit diverse preferences
Nossob Rest Camp
Situated in the central Kgalagadi about a 3,5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren you will find Nossob rest camp situated on the banks of the dry Nosob riverbed. Surrounded by tree savannah the area is known for its amazing predator sightings. The camp is the perfect place to stay and use as a departure point towards the Botswana side of the park or north towards Union's end or across the dunes to drive along the Auob river
Bitterpan Wilderness Camp
Bitterpan is hidden in the wide expanse of red dunes in the Kalahari, only accessible by 4x4 (no big 4x4’s such as Unimogs) from Nossob on a one-way route between Nossb and Mata Mata. It is a good idea to overnight in Nossob before traveling to Bitterpan, the route can take up to 2,5 hours (Twee Rivieren is 3.5 hours from Nossob). Check-in for Bitterpan is at Nossob.
Kieliekrankie Wilderness Camp
Perched high on a dune, Kieliekrankie has uninterrupted and panoramic views of the Kalahari park. In this unfenced camp, you can view the sunrise and the sunset from your brick and canvas cabin. Each cabin has a view over the waterhole allowing you to watch the daily wildlife activity. Only an hour-and-a-half drive from Twee Rivieren and accessible by a sedan vehicle this wilderness camp is a unique experience.
Gharagab Wilderness Camp
Travel north from Nossob in the direction of Unions End and you will find the 4x4 one-way loop that takes you to Gharagab, this one-way loop is only for guests who are staying at Gharagab. Check-in is at Nossob and the last stop for fuel and any last-minute shop purchases. Purposefully constructed to blend in naturally with this surrounding sand dune and thorn veld environment is the styled Gharagab wilderness camp, a removed destination of rustic charm and panoramic viewing, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the expansive desert atmosphere.
Urikaruus Wilderness Camp
Overlooking the Auob River, Urikaruus Wilderness Camp is hidden away in Camelthorn trees. These trees attract a vast number of birds. The stilted Cabins are split level with your kitchen/dining area below and the bedroom above via a short stairway. The cabins are connected via an elevated wooden walkway. The camp is a two-hour drive from Twee Rivieren, where you check in as well.
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
Peeking out from between the Kgalagadi's well-loved red sand dunes is Grootkolk. This innovative and comfortable accommodation offers guests the opportunity to bask in the Kalahari atmosphere overlooking a waterhole. It is only 20km from Unions End which is where South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia meet. It is a 2-hour drive from Nossob, and no 4x4 is required
National park
Ç€Ai-Ç€Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp
Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park is equal parts authentic bush getaway, and historic charm, with Sendelingsdrif Rest Camp at the meeting point between nature and man-made history. Self-catering, and constructed in a style reminiscent of the area's mining history with stunning views and easy access to a wealth of stunning sights. This camp is the meeting point of Ais-Ais Hot Springs and the Richtersveld. 4x4 or high clearance vehicles only
Kokerboomkloof Camp Site
Kokerboomkloof is Afrikaans for the succulent, Quiver tree and the gorge it is set in. The camp is rustic and is amongst some of the best rock formations in the Richtersveld, snuggled close to massive boulders. The immense vastness and tranquil surroundings make it one of the world's most majestic nature destinations.
De Hoop Camp Site
Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park's Orange River section waves a sandy hello to the charming De Hoop camping site on its way through the greater national park. With the nearby water source a great talking (and playing) point, the soft beach sand and sparse nearby vegetation complete the picture of this gorgeous riverside getaway. DeHoop camping site is effortlessly attractive. 4x4 or high clearance vehicles only
Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp is situated in a rocky valley and offers only four cabins giving the feeling of true wilderness. This camp is only accessible by 4x4 vehicle. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the camp and experience the beauty of the unpolluted night sky.
Potjiespram Camp Site
Potjiespram Mountains are one of the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park's most endearing and popular sights, and also, the source of the beautiful Potjiespram Camp Site's name. Resting gently along the sandy banks of a local river, surrounded by a thick, lush, riverine forest area, Potjiespram gives guests a true feeling of seclusion and privacy - a unique and thoroughly enjoyable camping experience, the water.
Tatasberg Wilderness Camp
Set against the backdrop of the Tatasberg Mountains overlooking the Orange river you will find a gem, called Tatasberg Wilderness Camp. The chalets blend into the rocky surrounds, constructed using natural materials. In the desolate landscape, you can escape the daily humdrum and soak up the unique wilderness.
National park
Mapungubwe National Park.
Leokwe Restcamp
Discover the wonders of Mapungubwe National Park, this park is a World Heritage site and s filled with history, wildlife, and spectacular beauty. Tucked into the sandstone-dappled valley of the Limpopo river, soared over by the Mapungubwe National Park's majestic eagle population, Leokwe Camp is modeled on the Vendan-style thatched rondavels and is the ideal, self-catering getaway.
Limpopo Forest Tented Camp
Limpopo Forest Tented Camp is situated in the Limpopo riverine forest which offers excellent birding, is located in the western section of the Park, approximately 40km from the Main Gate. The camp is close to the Maloutswa Pan hide.
Mazhou camping Area
With sandstone formations, mopane forests, baobab trees, and a large variety of animals in the area, Mazhou camp site offers you privacy surrounded by nature. Mazhou is on the west side of the park and you need to check in at the main gate, the traveling time to the camp is more or less 30 minutes
Tshugulu Lodge
Tshugulu Lodge surrounded by giant baobab and mashatu tree is one of Mapungubwe National Park's most exciting destinations, this beautiful lodge is intimate and extremely comfortable. Ideal for larger groups or families traveling together. Whether relaxing by the swimming pool or taking in the sights, guests are sure to enjoy this authentic destination
Vhembe Wilderness Camp
Vhembe Wilderness Camp is an unfenced camp only accessible by 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles. With only four units built on a ridge overlooking a beautiful valley below, it is remote and wonderfully isolated for those who wish to experience total peace in the wilderness.
National park
Addo Elephant National Park.
Addo Main Camp
Rated 4.3/5 · 244 guest reviews
Mathyholweni Rest Camp
North-east of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) lies the small town of Colchester where you will find the entrance to the southern part of the Addo Elepahnt national Park and the reclusive satellite camp - Mathyholweni, named after the isiXhosa phrase meaning "in the bush"
Nyathi Rest Camp
Set at the base of the majestic Zuurberg Mountain range and surrounded by hills and floodplain, is the exclusive Nyathi Rest Camp - a new addition to the existing accommodations in Addo. The name of the camp means buffalo, which you are sure to see during your stay at Nyathi. Sundowners are a highlight at Nyathi, with the sun setting behind the majestic mountain range and animals drinking from the waterhole just a few metres below.
Spekboom Tented Rest Camp
Spekboom Tented camp is situated right in the middle of the park's main game area, in the fenced in area of the Spekboom Hide, it provides some of the most breathtaking views of this wonderful natural area. Soak in the bushveld ambiance at night from the deck of your tent, or watch as indigenous animals congregate around the nearby watering hole.
National park
Garden Route National Park.
Storms River Mouth Restcamp
Rated 4.8/5 · 76 guest reviews
Ebb and Flow Rest Camp
Along the South Coast of South Africa lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, home to the Garden Route National Park. Tucked away in the Wilderness National Park, on the banks of the Touw River, the rest camp is made up of bright and pleasant forest cabins, cottages and campsites that sprawl on a wide lawn.
Nature's Valley Rest Camp
Established in the De Vasselot section of the Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature's Valley rest camp is understood by those who visit it to be, first and foremost, a bird watcher's dream come true. With hiking trails also popular among the camp's activities, and with many routes to choose from, the odds of spotting plumage to suit your needs in or around the camps flourishing forest, exquisite fynbos, and towering cliffs are widely known to be much better than average.
Knysna Lakes Section
The Knysna Lakes is situated along the Garden Route and nestles between the mountain forests and coastal lagoons of South Africa’s shoreline. It forms part of the three National Parks which make up the Garden Route National Park, which also encompasses the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks.
National park
Mokala National Park.
Lilydale Rest Camp
In the open plains and thorny koppies of the Northern Cape, Lilydale’s cozy, self-catering chalets overlook the Riet River. Amidst the diamond-yielding dolerite hills, the secluded chalets provide a tranquil space for relaxation surrounded by the untouched and unique natural beauty of the Nama Karoo. Situated approximately 70 kilometers from the main section of Mokala National Park, the camp offers a secluded escape to total wilderness.
Mosu Lodge
Escape beyond contentment beneath the unforgettable glimmer of the Northern Cape skies at Mokala National Park. Mosu Lodge is situated in the southern region of the park, which is approximately 70km south-southwest of Kimberley, The park has a variety of koppievlek hill and large open plains with a variety of endangered spcies like roan, sable and tsessebe antelope. The layout of the camp is such that you cannot park your vehicle at your accommodation, they provide baggage trollies to take you baggage to and from your accommodation.
Haak-en-Steek Rest Camp
The Rustic Haak-en-Steek Cottage is tucked away, private, and offers exceptional views of the waterhole in this unique park with a variety of endangered species like roan, sable, and tsessebe antelope on the open plains and hills.
Motswedi Camp Site (CK6)
Escape beyond contentment beneath the unforgettable glimmer of the Northern Cape skies at Mokala National Park. The Motswedi camping site is unique in that each site has its own ablutions and cooking area. All the sites have been placed in a semi-circle around a nearby water hole. The camp has an electrified fence on the perimeter for the safety of the guests.
National park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
The northeastern Free State's Maluti Mountain range rests gently against Golden Gate Highlands National Park. From here, the arresting Brandwag overhang radiates a glorious golden hue (leaving no question as to where the park acquired its name or why) as it stands sentry over Glen Reenen's rest camp. Hiking trails snake in and around the area, allowing the enthusiastic game or bird watcher ample viewing from the privacy of their own vehicle (or horseback, if they prefer).
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Adorning the attractive foothills of the Free State's Maluti Mountain range is the sun-kissed Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its secluded Highlands Mountain Retreat. The best place to retreat too, with its wooden cabins, tucked into the mountainside, giving astonishing views of the surrounding Maluti Mountains. Spread over 11 600 picturesque hectares of a distinctive ecosystem, this distinct highland territory plays home to a diverse range of indigenous animals, birdlife, and a majestic view of the overlapping mountains.
National park
Marakele National Park.
Tlopi Tented Camp
In the heart of the Waterberg Mountain north of the town, Thabazimbi, you find the beautiful Marakele National Park. Tlopi Tented Camp is unfenced and the units are furnished with permanent Safari tents with each unit having a view over the Apiesriverpoort Dam. Marakele is something to write home about - and a memory to keep for a lifetime
Bontle Rest Camp
Bontle Rest Camp is in the malaria-free Marakele National Park, situated close to the main gate and reception area. This camp is unfenced and is regularly visited by various animals. The park is distinguished by its majestic mountains, open plains, and deep valleys.
National park
Namaqua National Park.
Groenrivier Coastal Rest Camp
The Namaqua National Park lies within a vast landscape, 495 kilometers from Cape Town, and close to the little town of Kamieskroon, just off the N7 route to Namibia. The coastal section of the park which stretches between the Groenrivier and the Spoegrivier provides a unique 4x4 coastal drive along some of the most pristine beaches in South Africa
Skilpad Rest Camp
An area of astounding transformation and unequaled character, the star-studded night skies, blossoming plains, and granite outcrops that sculpt the landscapes of this area make the Namaqua National Park an unforgettable experience. Skilpad Rest Camp is approximately 22km northwest of Kammieskroon
National park
Table Mountain National Park.
Cape of Good Hope
The iconic Table Mountain and New 7 Wonder of Nature is one of 21 Parks in the South African National Parks (SANParks) stable. Established in 1998, the TMNP is surrounded entirely by a City and for this reason, it is fragmented by urban development and privately owned land. This combined with the fact that it is primarily an open access Park with only four managed pay points, has resulted in it being the most visited of all National Parks receiving an annual quota of 4.2 million visits annually.
Hoerikwaggo / Platteklip
The Table Mountain National Park, with its beautiful mountains and beaches, stretches from the historic Signal Hill to the rugged Cape Point. As world heritage sites are concerned, the Cape Floristic Region is one of the most immediately striking in the entire world. The park is surrounded entirely by a City and for this reason, it is fragmented by urban development and privately owned land.
National park
Tankwa Karoo National Park.
Elandsberg Rest Camp
Just a few hours drive from Cape Town brings you to the ideal destination of Tankwa Karoo National Park(close to Sutherland), for those of you seeking a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of a rare endemic bird, or perhaps nothing more than a silence that reaches deep into the soul.
Tankwa Karoo Rest Camp
This park is situated in a Karoo veld basin between the Cederberg mountain range in the west, the Roggeveld Escarpment in the east, and the Klein Roggeveld Mountains in the south. With the brightest stars and rare plant life, it offers a particular destination for lovers of nature and arid landscapes. The park is also known for its spectacular birdlife and is a well-known stop for bird enthusiasts with a birding list of 174 species of which 18 are endemics.
National park
Agulhas National Park.
National park
Augrabies Falls National Park.
National park
Bontebok National Park.
National park
Camdeboo National Park.
National park
Karoo National Park.
National park
Mountain Zebra National Park.
National park
West Coast National Park.
The luxury alternative
If you would rather not self-cater.
We do not take rest camp bookings. What our safari specialists do arrange is the private reserves alongside these parks: lodges where expert guiding, meals and game drives are included, and nothing is left to the camp kitchen. We look after international travellers and SADC residents alike, and many lodges offer reduced SADC rates.
Luxury lodges of the Greater Kruger · Kruger National Park · South Africa
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