There are many accommodation options in the Park, ranging from camping sites to private game lodges.  If you are entertaining the romantic notion of putting up a tent alone in the middle of the bush, then dismiss this immediately - you simply are not allowed to run that sort of risk with lions roaming around!

A stay in the Park itself is highly recommended, as the atmosphere of the bush after dark is magical.  Many camps have a floodlit waterhole which attracts nocturnal animals to drink, and the call of hyenas and lions can echo for miles in the still of the night.

There are 4 main types of accommodation options - Main Camps, Bushveld Camps, Private Camps and a couple of private lodges.

Bookings are essential as the camps get extremely busy, especially over the key holiday periods such as Easter, the summer holidays and Christmas. 

Main Camps

Most visitors to the Park stay in one of the many Main Camps, situated throughout the Park. Any visitor to the Park can use the camp facilities, which include petrol stations, restaurants, shops, cafeterias, and swimming pool areas.

Accommodation ranges from simple self-contained chalets or rondavels, through to guest houses sleeping up to 12.  Bedding and towels are all provided.  

The beds are extremely comfortable, which is a blessing as the majority of visitors will just want to sink into the mattress and fall asleep after a long day's driving. 

Most of the accommodation options have their own refrigerator and braai facilities, which is a perfect way to round off your day.  

You can buy your food to cook from the camp shop, although the choice of fresh produce at most camps is very limited, and it would be better to do your food shopping outside the Park or at the larger shop at Skukuza Main Camp.

In addition, most of the Main Camps also have some camping spaces.

Private Camps and Lodges

Private Camps usually sleep 10 - 16 people, and the whole camp is booked to only one group for any given night. 

This can work out expensive for couples and smaller  groups, but offers a wonderful option for groups of friends or family travelling together. 

There are also a couple of private lodges in the Park, who offer luxurious accommodation and fully guided safaris in open Land Rovers with professional trackers and guides. 

However, the guides still have to adhere to the road restrictions within the Park, and are only allowed to drive off-road in a limited area near the lodge itself.

Bushveld Camps

Bushveld Camps are smaller camps situated  in the more remote areas of the Park.

These camps are ideal for people wanting more of a 'bush' experience.

There are no restaurant or cafeteria facilities at these camps, and they are only open to people who have booked to stay there the night, so they are much quieter than the Main Camps.

Because there are no facilities, you have to be organised enough to visit a Main Camp to fill up with petrol, and buy your own food for your evening meal. 

Staying Overnight in the Park

It is an offence to drive in the Park at night, and the gates of all the camps and Lodges close when it gets dark. 

It is important that you therefore ensure that you arrive at your destination before the gates shut, as arriving late can result in a heavy fine being imposed. 

In terms of a recommended length of stay,  2 or 3 nights is ideal, which allows you to familiarise yourself with the road systems, and travel through the National Park staying at different rest camps as you go to maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities.