Skukuza Main Camp
Skukuza is the park’s largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. It is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River. The camp is well foliaged and there are some lofty riverine trees along the river’s edge. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas.
All of the Big 5 can readily be seen in the vicinity of Skukuza. Wild Dog are often seen in the area. In the camp itself there is a population of warthog. Vervet Monkey also inhabit the camp and can wreck havoc if visitors leave unguarded possessions. At night genet, thick-tailed bush baby and fruit bat are resident in camp. The latter hang under the eaves of the shop. The riverfront of the camp is a great place to look for hippopotamus and buffalo, especially in early morning.
Although Skukuza is a large and busy camp, the camp hosts an excellent avi-fauna. Scanning the Sabie River from in front of the restaurant can produce Finfoot and Halfcollared Kingfisher. In summer this venue is a hub of activity with a massive nesting colony of Lesser Masked and Spottedbacked Weavers. Green Pigeons are abundant in the Riverine fig trees. In taking a walk along the river’s bank there is a strong chance of encountering Redfaced Cisticola and Spectacled Weaver and, in early the morning, Little Sparrowhawk. The river walk and a stroll around the rest of the camp could yield Collared Sunbird, Redbacked and Bronze Mannikin, Purplecrested Lourie and three bush shrikes (Orangebreasted, Greyheaded and Gorgeous) may well be heard or even seen. Heuglin’s Robin is another species constantly heard but more difficult to see. Up to seven species of flycatcher may also be found (Paradise, Black, Dusky, Spotted, Fantailed, Bluegrey and Pallid). Watching the sky above the river at dusk may reveal Bat-hawk or European Hobby. When night falls a spot-light lights up a fig tree outside the restaurant. Woodland Kingfishers use this ‘extended daylight’ to hunt insects attracted to the glow. The nearby bird hide at Lake Panic is a good spot to go to observe kingfishers, herons and Wiretailed Swallows at close quarters. Blackwinged Stilts are often in attendance.
While the camp itself is riverine, with wonderful large trees such as sycamore fig, jackalberry and Natal mahogany, the surrounding ecozone comprises of thorn thicket on granite/gneiss soils. Knob thorn and sickle bush are prominent.
Accommodation at Skukuza
Luxury Guest Houses
- Moni: Sleeps 8
- Nyathi: Sleeps 8
- Waterkant 1: Sleeps 8
- ABSA: Sleeps 12
Large units with river views. They have well equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Airconditioning and limited channel satellite television is provided.
Guest Cottages
4 or 6-bed units with well equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms and usually more than one bathroom. Some have double beds and sleeper couches, so visitors should confirm bed numbers and interior contents when booking.
Family Cottage
- Waterkant 2: Sleeps 4
This cottage has a well equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and river view. Waterkant 2 forms part of the guest house complex.
Luxury Bungalows
One bedroomed units with a double bed and en-suite bathroom. Airconditioning and limited channel satellite television is provided. You have a choice of units with a kitchen and riverside view, or semi-lux units without a river view and communal kitchen.
Bungalows
Thatched African style rondawels with single room , 2 or 3 beds per unit, equipped with en–suite bathroom (most with showers, but some with baths). Kitchenettes vary as some have hotplates and sinks while others have only sinks. Some have neither. Some units have air–conditioning, some have fans. Cutlery and crockery can be hired from reception. Some have been adapted for handicapped people, please request when booking.
Safari Tents
2 or 4 bed permanent canvas tents. Each with communal ablutions and cooking facilities with fridge.
Campsites
Tent or caravan sites, with power point, communal ablutions and cooking facilities. A maximum of 6 persons per site
Day Visitors
Skukuza has a designated day visitor area where day visitors and visitors from other camps can barbeque (barbeque) and picnic. This area also has its own swimming pool.
Facilities
- Information office
- Public Telephone
- Post Office
- Bank
- Basic First Aid
- Ngala (Lion) Restaurant
- The restaurant also caters for conferences, and weddings at the guesthouses within Skukuza Rest camp
- Quick Service Cafeteria
- Shop
- Emergency Road Services
- Garage with Workshop
- Petrol Station
- Laundromat
- 9 Hole Golf Course
- Auditorium and Conference Facilities
- Car Wash
- 3 swimming pools. Two for overnight residents only. The third is in a separate new day visitors area
Activities
- Morning, Sunset and Night Drives
- Morning and Day Walks
- Game Drives (Night and Morning)
- Golf
- Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library
- Wilderness Trail (Metsi Metsi)
- Kids Educational Programme (Seasonal)
- Picnic Sites in Kruger National Park
These activities will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings as well as further details for these activities are available from reception.
Extra Information
- Plan your trip – do not try and cover too great a distance. Kruger is a massive tract of land and frequently visitors try to cover too much ground. Slow travel and regular stopping produces much more action than covering a lot of ground.
- Early mornings and evening time are usually the most productive game viewing periods.
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Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites. - Do not leave any food unattended, as thieving monkeys and baboons are a constant threat.
- The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar and 40 km/h on gravel.
- Visitors are not permitted to leave their vehicle other than at designated get out points and rest camps.
- Pets are not permitted in a national park.
- Firearms must be declared at the entrance gate and sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
- Open vehicles must obtain the necessary permit.
- Feeding of the animals is strictly prohibited for yours and the animal’s safety and well-being.
- Kruger is a malaria zone. See Malaria Map / Info for further details.
Climate
Kruger Park lies in a summer rainfall area with possible downpours occuring later in the day. The summer months (October to April) are hot. Winter’s are warm and mild, with very cool evenings.
Gate Hours
| Gate Times | Nov-Jan | Feb | Mar & Oct | Apr | May-July | Aug-Sept |
| Park Gates Open | 05:30 | 05:30 | 05:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 |
| Camp Gates Open | 04:30 | 05:30 | 05:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 |
| Park& Camp Gates Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:00 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 18:00 |
