There are several picnic spots for visitors to enjoy in the Kruger National Park. Instead of eating at a restaurant, do as the locals do and pack a picnic!
Many of the picnic spots are on the route to the next rest camp and all have toilet facilities. Making it a convenient break during your game drive.
What to expect
The picnic sites have braai (barbeque) facilities, tables, and benches. You can also rent a “skottel” (mobile gas frying pan on a stand) and the assistants will wash it for you too.
Some of the picnic spots located outside of the rest camps are unfenced, so there is the chance to spot animals while you are having a meal. Vervet monkeys are usually lurking around, so make sure you guard your food as feeding the animals is prohibited.
Where to find the best picnic spots in the Southern Kruger
Skukuza – located downriver from the main camp. A popular spot for day visitors with a public swimming pool and small shop.
Afsaal – located between Skukuza and Malelane. Afsaal means “a place to break the journey” and this picnic spot is the perfect stop for breakfast after a morning game drive.
Nkuhlu – this is only stopover on the busy road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. A popular spot under the canopy of the trees with a view over the Sabie River.
Albasini Ruins – located next to the Phabeni Gate. This picnic spot has a historic display and a few picnic tables under the trees, perfect for a coffee and rusks! Visitors use the toilets at Phabeni Gate.
Mlondozi – 15km from Lower Sabie and overlooks the Mlondozi Dam. Located at the top of a hill which serves as a vantage point over the dam and animals that visit it for a drink.
Tshokwane – located between Skukuza and Satara. This is a very popular spot with a shop that also offers take-aways.
What to pack in your picnic basket?
Kruger Park’s picnic sites offer the basics with braai facilities, tables and benches, as well as the use of the ablution facilities on site. If you’re planning to stop at one of these picnic spots, you will need to bring your own food and drinks. Most sites do have a small shop or kiosk where you can buy cool drinks and firewood or hire a “skottel”.
Here’s a guideline of what to pack:
- Paper plates & cups
- Serviettes
- Cutlery
- Braai tongs or spatula if you plan to rent a skottel and make fried eggs
- Condiments
- Ice for your coolerbox
Our favourite picnic meals are a breakfast bun with a fried egg, and then for lunch a traditional boerewors roll with ‘sheba’ (a tomato and onion relish).
Book a full-day game drive with us and we will include a stop at one of the picnic sites instead of a restaurant. All our vehicles have a coolerbox that you can use to pack your provisions into.
So pack yourself a picnic and visit the Kruger National Park today!
