Seven Night Kruger National Park Camping Self Drive Safari
Explore one of Africa’s most famous national parks on a self drive camping safari in one of our Tread Lite 4×4 hire Suzuki Jimny’s. Camp in three different camps including one of the remote wilderness camps while you search for the big five on your seven night Kruger National Park safari. Our Suzuki Jimny’s are the perfect fit for your Kruger safari, offering everything you need, and nothing you don’t!
The Kruger National Park is one Africa’s largest national parks and home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. It is undoubtedly South Africa’s most renowned wildlife park, offering both local and international visitors a safari to remember.
What makes the Kruger National Park such a great choice for a self-drive camping vacation, is the varied accommodation on offer and the variety of regions to explore. From catered lodges to self-catering chalets and rustic campsites – you will find exactly what you need at the price you are looking for.
Tread Lite 4×4 hire loves the Kruger National Park and it is a popular destination for our travellers. As it is one of our most popular routes, we have put together one of our favourite self-drive itineraries using the camps we feel are perfectly suited to the adventurous traveller.
Find the Big Five on your self drive camping vacation to the Kruger National Park
Kruger Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Johannesburg to Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Depart from Johannesburg and make your way to Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the south east of the park. The drive will take you approximately six and a half hours but there is plenty of scenery to enjoy. Once you enter the park gates at Crocodile Bridge your safari adventure begins.
Spend 3 nights Camping at Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Lower Sabie is perfectly poised on the banks of the Sabie River in one of the wildlife rich regions of the Kruger National Park. With the Lebombo Mountains as the backdrop, it is the perfect start for your Kruger adventure.
Lower Sabie Rest Camp has several tent sites, with power points for a comfortable stay. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities are also available with 24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities. Chalets and Safari Tents are also an option if you not too keen to camp on your first stop.
With Lower Sabie Rest Camp as your base, spend the next two days exploring the southern region of the Kruger National Park.
More Information on Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Direct Bookings
Bushveld scenery in the Kruger National Park
Day 4 – Lower Sabie Rest Camp to Satara Rest Camp
Today you pack up camp and head further north into the park to Satara Rest Camp. It is a 97Km drive but give yourself plenty of time as there is a lot to see along the way. We recommend an early departure from camp with a picnic lunch stop along the way.
Spend 2 nights Satara Rest Camp
Satara Rest Camp has several tent sites, with power points for a comfortable stay. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities are also available with 24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities. Bungalows and Guest Cottages are also available should you wish to break up the camping.
From Satara Rest Camp, we recommend you plan a full day out, allowing you to explore the region in search of the prolific wildlife. Once at the camp, you can study the road network and speak to fellow travellers on what has been seen in the area.
Elephant between Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp
Day 6 – Satara Rest Camp to Balule Satellite Camp
Your journey continues further north as you head toward Balule Satellite Camp in the heart of the Kruger National Park. We once again recommend an early departure from Satara, giving you time to explore as you travel the 50Km’s between the camps.
Spend 2 nights Balule Satellite Camp
This is one is for the adventurous spirit! Balule is regarded as one the best places for guests to experience nature first hand. With only the most basic of facilities and no electricity, a low fence is the only barrier that separates you from the wilderness, resulting in a true back to basics experience. It is this unique wilderness feel of the camp that makes the Balule experience truly unique.
With two nights and full day to explore, take your time covering the network of roads covering the area. Both Olifants Camp Rest Camp and Letaba Rest Camp are in close proximity, so you can stock up with supplies if you need.
More information on Balule Satellite Camp and direct bookings
Giraffe sighting in the Kruger National Park
Day 8 – Depart the Kruger National Park
It is your final day in the Kruger National Park. We recommend you pack up camp early so you can enjoy as much of the park as possible as you head to Orpen Gate or Phalaborwa Gate where you will depart the park.
Extend Your Stay
Planning a Kruger Park safari as part of an extended trip? This itinerary can easily be incorporated into a longer stay or shortened to cover more regions if you need. Here are some tips for extending your stay:
- Spend a few nights on the Panorama Route outside the Kruger National Park to take in more of the regions diversity. The Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes and a whole lot more.
- If you want a longer safari and up for the adventurous camps, add another night at Balule Satellite Camp or end your stay at Maroela located near Orpen Gate.
- Once you have left the Kruger, stop off in Magoebaskloof for some amazing hiking trails, mountain scenery and a taste of local life in this part of South Africa.