I am going back to South Africa for the second time in August and I have decided to do a self-drive instead of staying at a private lodge. I have 4 nights and I have trouble deciding where to stay.

Right now, there is availability at Skukuza, Berg-en-dal, Crocodile Bridge, Letaba and Mopani. Should we spend all 4 nights at the same camp or split our stay? Should we book now or wait until later to see if other camps open up?

We are flying in and out of the Nelspruit airport so we would prefer to stay not too far. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

August is a busy time and I would book now. Flying from Nelspruit, you are probably going to be going in and out of Paul Kruger gate. For 4 days I would stick to the southern part of the park, Szukuza and south of it. Letaba and Mopani are going to be too far. I have stayed (3 nights) at Berg en Dal and it is a great camp. I would stay at least 2 or 3 nights there. Skukuza is the closest to the gate. It is a big, busy camp (I have also stayed here). It is fine but a different feel than Berg (and Bergs bungalows are much nicer) for sure. Crocodile Bridge is more rustic, I don't think they have a restaurant (we did have a light lunch there but it was just sandwiches and fries and I dont think it is open in the evenings), so if you are staying there you would probably need some supplies.

If it was me (and I wish it was!), I would probably do 3 nights Berg, and 1 night Skukuza at the beginning or end of your stay, however it works outs best for your flights.

Have a great trip.

I just had a look at the map and I see you could also enter at Malelane or Numbi, not only Paul Kruger, sorry about that.

Your first night in which Kruger camp will depend on time you get into Nelspruit/Kruger. The camps lock up at 6pm, you have to be in camp. And speed limit is around 30 mph so getting up to Mopani will take 5 hours? The Kruger web sit has good info on camp distances and driving times.

We have stayed at Mopani, Letaba, Satara and Olifants and like them. But from what I hear/read the game viewing is better south, Skukuza and south.

regards - tom

Of those camps, I would pick Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza. Berg-en-Dal has lovely bungalows, and the pool is very nice. Skukuza is big, but great for game viewing. (Although I agree with Kellylee that the bungalows aren't as nice as at Berg-en-Dal.)

Depending on the timing of your flights, you might want to spend the first and last night at Skukuza and the middle two at Berg-en-Dal. Whatever works the best for you, I know you'll have a wonderful time! We'll be in Kruger during the last part of August, first part of September, and we're expecting it to be one of our best trips ever to South Africa.

Happy travels!