Satara Rest Camp

Top choice in Kruger National Park


Satara – the second-largest option after Skukuza – may lack the riverside views of other camps, but it's optimally situated in the heart of 'big cat' territory, with open plains making viewing easier. When it's busy, it feels like the antithesis of wilderness, but it's still a good base.

Rustic Kitchen (mains R42 to R155) has taken over the restaurant here – the food's fine, and there's a well-stocked shop for those self-catering. Both baboons and honey badgers are considered problem animals in the camp – don't leave any food lying around. We also saw an African wild cat within the rest camp's fence.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kruger National Park attractions

1. Nsemani Dam

4.17 MILES

Nsemani is always worth a stop between Satara and Orpen. Hippos, birds and elephants are often present.

2. Timbavati Picnic Area

12.46 MILES

One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Northwest of Satara. Have a late lunch here as a prelude to a loop along the S127 and S39.

3. Bobbejaankrans

13.11 MILES

This overlooks a section of the Timbavati River that animals often visit to slake their thirst. It's especially good early morning or late afternoon.

4. Manyeleti Game Reserve

25.69 MILES

During the apartheid era, the 23,000-hectare Manyeleti was the only wildlife reserve that blacks were permitted to visit. Due to its unfenced boundary…

5. Orpen Dam

28.45 MILES

A thatched viewing pavilion on an elevated hillside has great views of this dam, which is popular with elephants.

6. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

29.97 MILES

Timbavati abuts Kruger National Park's western boundary and has an excellent mix of wildlife, conservation and good accommodation. Its accommodation…