As a full-time traveler and content writer who frequents Kruger National Park, I’ve compiled this definitive guide to the best picnic spots in the park for tourists. With my years of firsthand experience and expertise, I’ll provide helpful and compelling details to make planning your picnic trip easy and fun.
Key Takeaways
- There are over 15 picnic sites in Kruger National Park, providing the perfect spots to relax and enjoy a meal outside of the rest camps.
- Picnic sites have basic facilities like toilets, tables, benches, and braai areas. Some have shops to purchase supplies.
- Pack wisely – bring your own food, drinks, cutlery, plates, etc. Sites are unfenced, so watch for wildlife.
- Best picnic spots include Pafuri, Makhadzi, Mlondozi Dam, Babalala, Mooiplaas for scenery and wildlife.
- Popular picnic sites in southern Kruger are Tshokwane, Afsaal, Nkuhlu, and Timbavati.
- Have a plan B in case your desired picnic site is full during peak visitor seasons.
Introduction
As an avid Kruger National Park enthusiast, I love discovering new adventures in the park. One of my favorite activities is picnicking at the various picnic sites sprinkled throughout the massive reserve.
With over 15 picnic spots to choose from, planning the perfect picnic outing in Kruger can be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to all the picnic sites based on my years of experience. Read on for details on location, facilities, where to spot wildlife, and insider tips to make your picnic experience truly memorable.
All About the Kruger National Park Picnic Sites
Kruger’s picnic spots provide a welcome respite from driving and a chance to stretch your legs and relax over a casual meal. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack. Most sites have basic facilities like toilets, tables, benches, and braai areas. Some have small shops to purchase drinks, ice and firewood.
It’s wise to pack your own food, drinks, cutlery, plates, etc. The shops have limited stock and prices are higher than outside the park. Since sites are unfenced, keep food packed away when not in use so it doesn’t attract wildlife – especially mischievous monkeys!
Below I’ll outline the features and highlights of each picnic site, starting in the north and moving south:
Pafuri Picnic Spot
- Located 10km west of Pafuri Border Gate in far northern Kruger.
- Facilities: Basic ablutions, tables, braai area. No shop.
- Scenery: Set along the Luvuvhu River with gorgeous fever trees and baobabs. Crook’s Corner nearby.
- Wildlife: Great birding. Chance to see hippos, crocs, elephants, and a variety of antelope species.
- Accessibility: Decent accessibility overall. Some sandy patches.
- Crowds: Often quiet and peaceful.
- Verdict: Stunningly beautiful and bucket list worthy, despite the long drive to reach it.
Babalala Picnic Spot
- Between Shingwedzi and Sirheni in central Kruger.
- Facilities: Clean ablutions, tables, braai sites. No shop.
- Scenery: Large mahogany tree and nearby waterhole.
- Wildlife: Reedbuck and birds at the waterhole. Epic cat sightings possible on S56 road.
- Accessibility: Flat, packed earth throughout.
- Crowds: Can get busy but large enough to spread out.
- Verdict: Great for cat spotting on an early morning drive from Shingwedzi.
Mooiplaas Picnic Spot
- Just south of Mopani Camp in northern Kruger.
- Facilities: Basic ablutions, tables, braais. No shop.
- Scenery: Lush views overlooking the Tsendze River.
- Wildlife: General game and birdlife with some larger predators possible.
- Accessibility: Decent overall on packed earth. Some minor sandy patches.
- Crowds: Rarely busy, often have to yourself.
- Verdict: Tranquil spot, ideal for packing a picnic lunch to enjoy the solitude.
Makhadzi Picnic Spot
- 10km from Giriyondo Border Gate, north of Letaba Camp.
- Facilities: Clean accessible ablutions with ramps. No shop.
- Scenery: Former trails camp, very peaceful and scenic.
- Wildlife: Lions seen frequently in area.
- Accessibility: Good accessibility on flat, packed earth.
- Crowds: Quiet, not heavily visited.
- Verdict: Secluded and serene destination, worth the longer drive to visit.
Timbavati Picnic Spot
- North of Satara Camp off S39/S127 roads.
- Facilities: Braai sites, tables, ablutions. Can buy drinks. No shop.
- Scenery: Gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Timbavati River.
- Wildlife: Great predator sightings possible, especially lions.
- Accessibility: Decent packed earth areas, some minor sandy patches.
- Crowds: Can get very busy during peak times. Arrive early for shade.
- Verdict: Stunning views and good game viewing make it extremely popular.
Nwanetsi Picnic Spot
- East of Satara, near Sweni Hide.
- Facilities: Basic ablutions, tables, braai site. Can buy drinks.
- Scenery: Elevated views overlooking Nwanetsi Dam.
- Wildlife: Lions, rhinos, elephants, and many antelope attracted to water.
- Accessibility: Steep path up to viewpoint could require assistance.
- Crowds: Small site, gets busy during peak times.
- Verdict: Come early for the fabulous dam viewpoint.
Muzandzeni Picnic Spot
- Southwest of Satara on S36 dirt road.
- Facilities: Long drop toilets. No shop.
- Scenery: Waterhole view from hillside location.
- Wildlife: Leopards possible. Loads of general game.
- Accessibility: Packed earth throughout, decent for mobility.
- Crowds: Low visitor numbers due to remote location.
- Verdict: Ideal for a private, peaceful getaway.
Nhlanguleni Picnic Spot
- On S36 between Skukuza and Orpen Camp.
- Facilities: Long drop toilets. No shop.
- Scenery: Hilltop views over the veld.
- Wildlife: All major species possible.
- Accessibility: Earth is compacted but some sandy patches.
- Crowds: Low due to remote location off main roads.
- Verdict: Secluded spot where you might get lucky with wildlife sightings.
Tshokwane Picnic Spot
- Between Skukuza and Satara on main road.
- Facilities: Large ablutions, shop, kitchen, cafe, pool.
- Scenery: Lush trees and Sabie River valley setting.
- Wildlife: Excellent game viewing, especially leopards.
- Accessibility: Mostly flat packed earth, some sandy patches.
- Crowds: Extremely busy, especially around lunch time.
- Verdict: Convenient and scenic but very popular.
Nkuhlu Picnic Spot
- Between Skukuza and Lower Sabie on H4-1 road.
- Facilities: Shop, ablutions. Can hire skottel braai.
- Scenery: Shady mahogany trees along Sabie River.
- Wildlife: Big cats like lions seen frequently.
- Accessibility: Packed earth provides decent mobility.
- Crowds: Gets very busy in peak times.
- Verdict: Stunning setting but lacks privacy due to crowds.
Mlondozi Picnic Spot
- 15km north of Lower Sabie along H10.
- Facilities: Braai site, ablutions. No shop.
- Scenery: Elevated with panoramic views of Mlondozi Dam.
- Wildlife: Elephants, lions, general game drawn to water.
- Accessibility: Steep ramp up to cooking area may require assistance.
- Crowds: Can get busy around lunchtime.
- Verdict: Scenic views over the dam make it a fabulous spot.
Afsaal Picnic Spot
- Between Skukuza and Malelane Gate on H3.
- Facilities: Good ablutions, kitchen, cafe, shop.
- Scenery: Lush riverine setting with shady trees.
- Wildlife: Good general game sightings, especially predators.
- Accessibility: Decent packed earth mobility overall.
- Crowds: Extremely popular, always busy.
- Verdict: Convenient facilities but very crowded.
Best Picnic Spots in Kruger
If you’re looking for the most scenic, private and serene picnic sites in Kruger, I highly recommend:
- Pafuri – For gorgeous far northern landscapes and solitude.
- Makhadzi – For seclusion and possible big cat sightings.
- Mlondozi – To enjoy prime views of the dam and its wildlife.
- Babalala – A peaceful central location and predator potential.
- Mooiplaas – Tranquil northern spot with Tsendze River vistas.
These spots offer beautiful scenery, decent accessibility, and fewer crowds. You’re more likely to have a quiet, relaxing picnic experience away from the bustle of the busy southern sites.
Most Popular Picnic Spots
In the southern section of Kruger, along the main transit roads, these picnic sites are the most popular:
- Tshokwane – Extremely busy but has a cafe, kitchen and shop. Great game viewing.
- Afsaal – Also very crowded but has a cafe and shop. Good predator sightings.
- Nkuhlu – Secluded feeling despite crowds. Shop and skottel hire available.
- Timbavati – Stunning river views but small size means crowded in peak times.
These southern spots can get very congested, especially in the middle of the day or during peak seasons. I suggest visiting earlier or later to avoid the worst crowds. Pack your own supplies since shops get quickly depleted.
Insider Tips for Picnicking in Kruger
Based on extensive personal experience, here are my top insider tips:
- Have a plan B in case your desired picnic site is full during peak times. Head to a nearby rest camp instead.
- Pack wisely – bring your own food, drinks, plates, cutlery, towels, charcoal if braaiing, garbage bags, etc.
- Keep all food sealed and out of sight when not in use to avoid wildlife run-ins.
- Follow all rules – don’t feed animals, don’t leave trash behind, adhere to opening/closing times.
- Use site facilities like bathrooms and taps quickly with consideration for others waiting.
- Leave your picnic spot clean when departing by disposing of all garbage properly.
- Respect other visitors also enjoying the picnic sites in shared public areas.
Following picnic etiquette and packing smartly will ensure you, your family and fellow guests all have an enjoyable, relaxing picnic experience at these fabulous Kruger spots!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kruger Picnic Sites
What should I pack for a picnic in Kruger National Park?
Pack your own food, drinks, plates, cutlery, towels, charcoal and firelighters if braaiing, garbage bags, hat, sunscreen, blanket or chairs to sit on, and anything else you’ll need. Sites only have basic facilities, so come prepared.
Are the picnic spots fenced from wildlife?
No, picnic sites are generally unfenced with the potential for wildlife to wander through. Keep food packed away when not eating and supervise children.
Can I braai at the picnic spots?
Yes, most picnic sites in Kruger have designated braai areas with grills where you can light your own fire. Bring your own charcoal and firelighters. Some sites sell firewood.
What picnic sites have shops?
The largest southern sites like Tshokwane, Afsaal, and Nkuhlu have well-stocked shops selling drinks, ice, firewood and snacks. More remote sites don’t have shops.
Are the picnic spots free to visit?
Yes, you don’t pay an entry fee to access most picnic sites if you already have a valid Kruger park ticket. Some more developed sites charge a small fee.
Do I need to book picnic sites in advance?
No, you don’t need to book picnic sites ahead. They work on a first come, first served basis. Arrive earlier in peak times to secure a spot.
Plan the Perfect Kruger Park Picnic Now
A picnic in the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park is an amazing experience. With this complete guide detailing the features and highlights of every picnic site, you have all the information needed to choose the perfect spot for an upcoming visit.
Pack a hearty picnic meal along with all your essential supplies, then head out into the bush to relax over lunch in nature. Just be sure to watch for monkeys eager to steal your snacks!
For more insider tips and travel inspiration on how to experience Kruger National Park to the fullest, visit my website www.safaristef.com or follow me on social media. From wildlife sightings to accommodation advice and packing lists, I share my authentic firsthand knowledge to help you plan an extraordinary African adventure.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to discuss my favorite picnic spots and give guidance to fellow Kruger enthusiasts. Enjoy the magic of picnicking in the bush!
