There are 12 picnic sites spread out throughout the Kruger Park, each of them charming and lovely. Popular and familiar favourites stick out, like the Timbavati picnic site and Tshokwane, but there are some lesser-known spots that are equally delightful.
Picnic sites are some of the only spots in the park where visitors are permitted to get out of their vehicles, so they’re a good place to stop for a leg stretch and a loo break, and of course to spend some time lunching in the wild. Skottels are available at all of the picnic spots below, for a rental fee of R30, and each site has toilets (some with plumbing, others are long drops).
The southern region is the busiest section of Kruger National Park in terms of game and in terms of people. The picnic sites down south can get crowded, so it’s best to go outside of the brunch rush-hour times.
1. Nkuhlu
25 km east of Skukuza on H4-1 and 23 kms west of Lower Sabie River on H4-1. Nkuhlu is the Xitsonga name of a Natal Mahogany, the tree that dominates this picnic spot. Nkhulu overlooks the Sabie River, which usually means visitors to the picnic site can spot hippos and other animals near the water. Gas skottels are available for hire for R30, and there is also a small tuckshop for snacks and drinks. The picnic tables are laid out on different levels, and it’s best to get a spot on a lower level where you’ll have eye-level views of the river.
2. Nhlanguleni
Nhlanguleni is one of the smallest and quietest picnic sites in the park, mid-way between Skukuza and Orpen on the S36. Nhlanguleni is a basic site, impeccably kept, with long drops and a handful of tables. Apart from Mudzanzeni picnic site further north, it is the only place to stop for a comfort break on the S36. It’s about a 3km drive from the old Lugmag Dam. The veld in this region is quite dry, but the general game is good. Sightings of curious dwarf mongoose at the picnic site are guaranteed!
3. Mlondozi
Overlooking Mlondozi Dam, about 15 kM from Lower Sabie camp on the S29. Mlondozi picnic site is located on top of a koppie, with views of the Mlondozi River and dam, the wide plains below and the Lebombo Mountains in the background. From the elevated position, sightings of buffalo and elephant are usually good. Thatched umbrellas provide shade over the picnic tables, with benches on the edge of the building for good visibility and photography. There is no shop but there are skottels for hire.
4. Makhadzi
On H-15, north-east of Letaba Rest Camp. Makhadzi picnic site is in a quiet region of the park, on the way to Giryondo border post, close to Malopenya waterhole. Few tourists wander this far off the main road, so it’s a good spot for those wishing for some peace and quiet. With Giryondo border post open again, Makhadzi has reopened to the public.
Interestingly, before the Kruger National Park was officially proclaimed this was an important post in the Anglo-Boer war. British forces were stationed here to prevent ammunition from Portuguese East Africa from reaching Boer commandos.
The toilets are decent (for long drops) and there are skottels available to hire.
5. Babalala
Babalala is about halfway between Shingwedzi and Punda Maria camp in northern Kruger on the H1-7. This lesser-known picnic spot is the best spot to stop after a morning on the magnificent Mphongolo loop, one of the most scenic roads in Kruger. A huge sycamore fig stands sentry over the picnic spot, with a thatched lapa built around it. Babalala is a lovely shady spot to stop on a hot day and is often visited by elephant bulls who come to cool off at the waterhole. This region of the park delivers excellent birding, especially in the summer months.
This article originally appeared on getaway.co.za, June 2022.11.22 by author Lauren Dold.
