Besides the main rest camps in the Kruger National Park, five satellite camps provide visitors with a more intimate experience of nature. These camps are small, without luxuries like shops, restaurants and pools and are situated some distance away from the main roads carrying large amounts of traffic. All the satellite camps are within easy driving distance of their main camp where tourists can buy the necessary supplies and enjoy a restaurant meal.
Malelane Satellite Camp in the Kruger National Park
Malelane satellite camp nestles on the banks of the Crocodile River and is the most southern camp in the Kruger National Park. Being on the southern border of the Kruger, visitors have the opportunity to be sandwiched between the rolling sugarcane hills of the Malelane area and the African bush surrounding the camp.
The Malelane satellite camp is popular due its close proximity to the Malelane entrance gate about 3 kilometers away and the small exclusive feel of the camp. With only fifteen campsites, all with access to electrical power, four bungalows sleeping four people and one accommodating three people, the camp never feels overcrowded and tourists can enjoy the view over both the river and the bush. The big 5 are regularly sighted in the area, which makes an ideal camp from where to explore the Kruger National Park. Guests must check in at the Malelane gate.
Maroela Satellite Camp in the Kruger National Park
Maroela satellite camp, which is approximately five kilometers from the Orpen camp, caters exclusively for tent and caravan campers. Nestling on the banks of the Timbavati River on the western border of the Kruger National Park, the prolific wild-and birdlife adds to the popularity of the camp. Tourists can shop and dine at Berg en Dal rest camp close by.
The twenty caravan and camping sites all have access to electrical points with one shared ablution facility. Although the ablution facility on the women side is ideal for showering with children, adults might find the showerheads a little low for their liking. Visitors check in at the Orpen camp and due to the popularity of the camp and the close access to an entrance gate, tourists must book well in advance to secure accommodation in the Maroela camp.
Tamboti Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park
Also situated approximately five kilometers from the Orpen camp and entrance gate, Tamboti tented camp nestles on the banks of the Timbavati River close to the Maroela satellite camp. The camp offers tourists accommodation in semi-permanent safari tents. Fifteen safari tents accommodate two people each and fifteen accommodates four people each. These thirty safari tents share communal ablutions and a communal kitchen. Ten other safari tents have en-suite shower and toilets with fridges and barbecue facilities.
The bird hide inside the Tamboti camp and the boma catering for groups, makes this camp a firm favorite with visitors and the prolific wildlife in the area adds to the attraction of the camp. Tourists must check in at Orpen camp.
Balule Satellite Camp Close to Olifants Camp in the Kruger National Park
Close to the banks of the Olifants River, Balule satellite camp is one of the most popular camps in the Kruger National Park. Being in the part of the Kruger National Park that is traditionally labeled as prime Big 5 country, this camp with its fifteen campsites and six rondawels, attracts thousands of tourists each year. With a low fence and no electricity, occupants of the campsites and rondawels enjoy a rustic African bush experience.
One of the biggest attractions to the Balule camp is the possibility of spotting the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl that resides in the trees on the banks of the Olifants River close to the camp. Tourists often find themselves woken during the night by the roaring of lions close by. Visitors check in at either Satara Camp or Olifants Camp.
Tsendze Rustic Camp in the Kruger National Park
Tsendze i s the newest camp in the Kruger National Park and is surrounded by Mopanie trees. With no power and campsites designed to disturb the natural vegetation as little as possible, this camp promises to become one of the most popular rest camps in the Kruger National Park. Most of the campsites are surrounded by natural vegetation, which adds to the feeling of being secluded in the African Bush.
Thirty campsites cater for caravan and tent campers and being approximately seven kilometers from Mopanie rest camp where guests must check in, guests are advised to check in at least an hour before gate closing as elephants are known to cause some traffic jams on the road between Mopanie and Tsendze.
Due the the popularity of the satellite camps in the Kruger National Park, tourists are advised to reserve accommodation well in advance.
Yolande Pienaar - Yolande traveled extensively through Southern Africa and frequently visits places off the beaten track where she discovers gems to share ...
