I’m in the Kruger National Park on assignment for Getaway visiting all the campsites, lodges and accommodation options in the park. It’s a big job, but by the end of it I’ll have a list of all them (see them all here: Kruger accommodation reviews) and, more importantly, an idea of what you can expect to find there in terms of accommodation, food, amenities, animals, mobile reception and highlights. My second stop is Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp.
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Situated in the far south west of Kruger National Park, Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp is probably one of the easiest camps to access around the park. The surroundings are beautiful, being the only camp situated amidst rocky hills and a more mountainous environment. It’s large, modern and ideal for families thinking to spend a few days exploring the south of the park.
The accommodation at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
At Berg-en-Dal you can choose to either camp, park your caravan or rent a self-catering cottage. The 70 camping spots all have electricity and there are more than enough ablutions and communal kitchens, so you never have to walk far for those. Bring a ground sheet, as you’ll be camping on dusty ground. Most of the spots are, however, shaded by tall trees.
The face-brick self-catering cottages steer a little away from the traditional look of the Kruger camps, but these are wonderfully comfortable, each with both an open-air and covered patio where you can braai and enjoy your evenings. Choose between a three-sleeper or five-sleeper. The cottages are serviced daily.
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp cottage
Inside a three-sleeper bungalow
The kitchen in one of the bungalows at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp camping site
The best spots
Camping areas 19 – 30 are particularly shady and run along the fence of the camp for beautiful scenery and possible sightings from your camp chair. About a third of the 90 cottages run along the fence, so request one when booking.
The animals at Berg-en-Dal
Berg-en-Dal’s nickname is the rhino camp, and with good reason. If you’re adamant to see rhino then this is an excellent place to start your search. White rhino regularly roam the area around the camp and black rhino are also around, but they’re much more difficult to spot as they roam bushier areas. The region also boasts regular leopard sightings because of its hilly, rocky landscape. Crocs and hippos are known to relax in the dam in front of the restaurant, so keep an eye out for those from one of the benches.
The food
Berg-en-Dal is home to The Tree Restaurant where you can sit either inside or outside under a shady canopy overlooking the dam. The food is a little pricey, bit it’s worth coming here for at least one meal to enjoy the atmosphere. The milkshakes are also crowd pleasers. If you didn’t bring all your ingredients you’re sure to find them in The Park’s Shop. All cottages and campsites have braai areas and the cottages have two-plate stoves, kettles and fridges.
The Tree Restaurant inside Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Having a bite to eat outside at The Tree Restaurant
Highlights
The Rhino Trail is a beautiful scenic walk that runs all along the fence of the camp. Seeing as it’s a large park, it can easily keep you busy for an hour or so. See if you can spot bushbuck or identify some of the birds chirping about.
The Steilberg Loop is an 8-km drive that ascends a few steep hills and this is the only place where you’ll be able to drive this far up a hill to look out over the park. Caravans aren’t allowed on this road, meaning that it gets slippery sometimes because of the loose gravel.
Matjulu Waterhole is a beautiful spot to drive out to in the late afternoon. It’s only 3km from the camp and giraffes and lion are known to drink here.
Berg-en-Dal Dam
The swimming pool at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
The Rhino Trail runs along the fence at Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Benches alongside the dam at Berg-en-Dal
Getting to Berg-en-Dal
Berg-en-Dal is 10 km from the Malelane Gate (Kruger National Park: Day Visitors and entrance gates) on a tar road, so if you’re planning to arrive a little late in the day this is a great camp to stay. They also accept late arrivals on special request. The town of Malelane can be found just outside the gate if you need anything from the real world.
Nitty gritty
ATMs: no
Credit card facilities: yes
Mobile reception: good, great at reception and at the restaurant
Cost: from R200 a unit
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