7 of the cheapest campsites in Kruger National Park

You don’t need to spend thousands of rand to sleep inside the Kruger National Park.

If you’re happy to bring a tent or caravan, camping is one of the cheapest ways to experience the park, with several camps offering sites for far less than a bungalow.

Here are seven campsites worth considering if you’re trying to keep your Kruger trip affordable.

Cheapest campsite options at Kruger

Camp	Location	Starting price*	What you get
Punda Maria	Northern Kruger	From R484	Campsites, ablutions and access to the main camp’s facilities
Letaba	Central/northern Kruger	From R410	Camping, ablutions, shop and other camp facilities
Shingwedzi	Northern Kruger	From R410	Campsites and access to rest-camp facilities
Maroela	Near Orpen	From R423	Powered campsites, ablutions and communal kitchen
Malelane	Southern Kruger	From R423	Camping near the Crocodile River
Crocodile Bridge	Southeastern Kruger	From R488	Campsites and communal facilities
Pretoriuskop	Southwestern Kruger	From R508	Campsites and access to rest-camp facilities

*Prices are indicative starting rates and can vary according to season, date, site and availability. SANParks’ current website lists Punda Maria camping from R484 and Pretoriuskop from R508.

Punda Maria

Punda Maria is one of SANParks’ cheapest options, with camping from R484.

The camp is in the far north of Kruger National Park, making it a good choice for visitors who want a quieter safari experience away from the busy southern camps.

You also get access to the facilities of a main rest camp.

Letaba

Set beside the Letaba River, Letaba is a popular northern camp known particularly for elephant sightings.

Its camping is among the more affordable options, although visitors should check current availability when booking. The campsite reopened in July 2026 after restoration work following flood damage earlier in the year.

Shingwedzi

Shingwedzi offers another affordable camping option in northern Kruger. The camp sits beside the Shingwedzi River and provides access to the basic facilities visitors need for a self-drive safari.

It’s a good option if you want to explore the quieter northern section of Kruger National Park.

Maroela

Maroela Satellite Camp, near Orpen, is aimed specifically at campers and caravanners.

The smaller camp has powered sites, communal ablutions and a kitchen, while Orpen is nearby for additional facilities. Its location also makes it useful for exploring the central-western part of Kruger National Park.

Malelane

At the southern end of the park, Malelane offers camping close to the Crocodile River.

Its location is particularly convenient for visitors entering through Malelane Gate and wanting to explore the southern section of Kruger.

Crocodile Bridge

Crocodile Bridge is another budget-friendly southern option.

The camp sits close to the Crocodile River and Crocodile Bridge Gate, giving campers relatively easy access to some of the southern park’s popular game-viewing areas.

Pretoriuskop

Pretoriuskop is one of Kruger’s oldest rest camps and offers camping from R508 on SANParks’ current listings.

It’s in the southwestern part of the park and has the advantage of being a full rest camp with more facilities than some of the smaller satellite camps.

Camping is the budget-friendly choice

SANParks describes its campsites as suitable for tents and caravans, with some sites having electricity and others without. The base rate includes one motorised vehicle, while additional vehicles cost extra.

Major rest camps generally have facilities including shops, communal kitchens, braai areas and restaurants or cafeterias, although facilities differ between camps.

Just remember that accommodation is not the only expense. You’ll also need to budget for conservation fees, fuel, food and any activities you choose to book.