We pulled into Kruger Park with no reservation, hoping to find lodge accommodations inside the park. Unsurprisingly, there was no room. On the way in (via the Numbi gate) we had noticed a lodge just outside the park grounds called Nkambeni Safari Camp. We returned there, hoping for a vacancy.
No doubt used to guests like us, we were welcomed and offered a price of $150/night full-board. We negotiated that rate down to $100/night because we had brought food with us and did not need dinner, only breakfast. Considering we paid only $40 for our own house the previous night, this was steep, but acceptable considering the location.
The camp is, as the name implies, comprised of a series of tents, though not the kind you went camping in as a kid. Our tent had electricity, running water, wooden floors, and comfortable beds.
Although we did not encounter any mosquitoes or other flying annoyances, netting is provided around the beds and we used it.
The shower is outdoors on the patio…but a bamboo fence gives you privacy.
A porch with two chairs provided a nice spot to enjoy the sunset and look out into the brush:
We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise the next morning:
Breakfast
Breakfast was perfectly acceptable. Very pedestrian, yet not disappointing: I love an English breakfast minus the beans. In addition to my plate below, fruit, yogurt, cereals, coffee, tea, and juices were available.
Most guests at the hotel were part of a package deal that included a safari. We could have paid $75 each to take part (two rides: one in the morning, one in the evening) but enjoyed doing it ourselves.
> Read More: Safari in Kruger National Park
One thing I liked about this hotel was that it was essentially within Kruger Park (though not technically). What I mean by that is that Kruger National has gates but is not a walled fortress. Animals wander where they wish and Heidi and I took a walk around the property (which is walled to keep animals OUT) and ran into both rhinos and elephants feeding in the cool of the night.
Not this one–
One last (important) note. There is no wi-fi in the rooms, but wi-fi is available in the main lodge where the lobby and dining room is. Speeds were tepid, but I got my work done.
CONCLUSION
I know we could have planned the trip better and stayed inside Kruger National Park, but Nkambeni Safari Camp turned out to be a very comfortable alternative and is recommended if you arrive too late to make it inside or find the camps are sold out (or if you need wi-fi…there is none inside Kruger National Park).
Read More of My Month in Africa Trip Report
Introduction: A Month in Africa
Review: Houston to Lagos in United Airlines 787 Business
Transit in Lagos: Bribing My Way Out
Review: Oasis Lounge Lagos (LOS)
Review: Gabfol Lounge Lagos (LOS)
Lagos to Johannesburg in South African Airways Economy Class
Setting Up Shop in Pretoria
How to Obtain a South African Police Report
A Safari in Kruger National Park
Nkambeni Safari Camp can be considered as a ‘hidden gem” kruger accommodation within the heart of the Big Five Country, the Kruger National Park.Thanks for your fascinating site. I have learned here new thinks.The Nkambeni Tented Lodge lies inside the game rich Kruger National Park, just 10 kilometres to the west of the Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in South Africa.