Skukuza Restcamp in the Kruger National Park in South Africa   by Gerald Crawford Stellenbosch South Africa +27-0720390184

The camp was known as Sabie Bridge or ther Reserve, until 1936 when it was changed.

The Restcamp named Skukuza in Kruger National Park is the Tsonga (African Name) for James Stevenson-Hamilton.

Stevenson-Hamilton was the first warden of the Reserve - National Park. Skukuza in Tsonga word that means 'the one who sweeps clean', this was a reference to his removal of all the local people to make way for the establishment of the Reserve - National Park.

At the Stevenson-Hamilton Museum in Skukuza you will find many interesting artifacts.

The most well known is the knife one of the rangers (Mr Harry Wolhuter) used to kill a Lion and save his own life.

Skukuza is the Kruger National Park's largest rest camp and admin-headquarters.

Skukuza is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River. At the Skukuza Restcamp you will find interesting birds and plant life.

The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. It is about the size as Wales in the (UK). It covers 18,989 square km (7,332 sq miles) and extends 350 km (217 miles) from north - south and 60 km (37 mi) from east - west.

The Limpopo Province forms the western border and the Mpumalanga Province the southern border of the Kruger National Park in South African.

In the north the park borders on Zimbabwe, and on the eastern border is Mozambique.

It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, this park will links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park - Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park - Mozambique.

This is the largest restcamp and also the operational and administrative headquarters of the park. The restcamp is situated in the southern part of the park on the bank of the Sabie River.

Historical sites in the camp are the dogs' cemetery, bell tower, old pontoon bridge, train bridge, Selati Rail Museum and Campbell Hut Museum. The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library is open to the public.

Game is abundant in the area around the Skukuza Restcamp and drives along any of the surrounding roads are certain to produce sightings of Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and many birds.

Facilities at the Skukuza Restcamp in the Kruger National Park:

Auditorium, Bank, Cafeteria, Car Wash, Laundry, Petrol Station, Post Office, Restaurant, Shop, swimming pools.

Accommodation at the Skukuza Restcamp in the Kruger National Park:

Moni Guesthouse, Nyathi Guesthouse, Absa Guesthouse, Guest Cottages, Bungalows, Safari Tents.

Activities at the Skukuza Restcamp:

Game Drives (Night and Morning), Golf, Guided Bush Walks, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Wilderness Trail (Metsi Metsi).

How to get to the Skukuza Restcamp:

The N12 highway from Johannesburg and the N4 highway from Pretoria take you on a 5-hour drive through Nelspruit to the Skukuza camp in the Kruger National Park.

At the Paul Kruger Gate and Phabeni Gate are the two options for travel to Skukuza - follow the bords.

Come for a visit.

About the Author

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za