Guest reviews for Skukuza Restcamp

Skukuza Restcamp

"Skukuza has a real problem as far as baboons and monkeys raiding visitors groceries, opening and raiding fridges as well. These areas need to be closed in as has been done at Pretorius Kop"


- Robert Wilmot (South Africa)

Amazing

"I took my 2 grand children 2 Skukuza camp site and had a wonderfull week in the park. Love to do it more"


- Carol Humphries (South Africa)

Skukuza is big!

"The bungalow was comfortable. We moved the beds around to make it more convenient. We were glad to have heat. Plenty of blankets, and the screened veranda was nice- we actually DID sit out there for a bit- with blankets. For such a big rest camp, i was surprised the store closed so early. We did dine at one of the restaurants, the food was well prepared and reasonably priced. It was a great experience to try local fare. We had difficulty reaching Skukuza by phone to verify the start of our sunset game drive and by the time we arrived, it was leaving in 2 minutes. We made it just in time. Blankets for the sunset game drive would have been good- it was VERY cold. It was difficult navigating through the rest camp with the map given. Would have liked to have spent more time exploring at the camp and all that was offered, but couldn't wait to get out and look for animals. Cape Buffalo was the only one of the Big 5 that we missed- we had some great sightings!
We had stayed the night before in Satara- comparatively, Skukuza Rest Camp is much bigger and unless you'll be there for a few days, any of the smaller camps would probably be better. It seems Skukuza would be great for a few days or a week- with all it has to offer. With just one day there, it was not enough time to make use of all the amenities."


- Corinne Rebecca (USA- Florida)

Our best stay at Kruger Skukuza

"Skukuza was our best stay for the week. We were treated ver nice at reception the staff are very friendly and helpfull"


- Pamela Fortune (South Africa)

Skukuza Restcamp

"Amazing guest cottage. Would love to have stayed longer than one night. Carriage restaurant food fine but service very slow. Didn't book but they told us they could fit us in in 10 minutes-we had to wait an hour."


- Martyn Wharrie (British)

Kruger - April 2013

"Really enjoyable - Will be back soon !"


- David McIntosh (South Africa)

Skukuza Restcamp

"Lovely camp, Train restaurant has excellent food.
Would love to see the rondaval upgraded with the bars over the cupboards, fridges and the nice braai area as in Lower Sabie."


- Kirsty Botha (SA)

Skukuza Restcamp

"It would be great to have a kettle in the kitchens as it is a mission to have to go to the communal kitchens for hot water. They should also provide another plug/double adapter in the rooms, as you cannot have an appliance in if you want the aircon to work."


- Jade Jordaan (South Africa)

Skukuza Restcamp

"We had a wonderful, mosquito free stay in Kruger.
Although we missed the Leopard we DID see a Leopard Tortoise so we did see our own personal big 5."


- Jan Kelley (USA)

DISSAPOINTED

"We have been to the Krugerpark twice before, the last time during 2005 but this time around we battled for 4 years to get accommodation during Easter Weekend! You can therefore imagine our anticipation to visit again, but our excitement(which had built up over the last 4 years)was to no avail because first of all our greeting at Skukuza was a stern and abrupt "you can only book in at 2" - no "hello, welcome" or anything to that effect. The upkeep of the chalets seems to be a problem as our chalet's shower was blocked, the braai outside was falling over (only kept upright by a bunch of stones stacked at the foot of the pole)and we couldn't make tea or coffe as the kettle tripped the entire chalet's electricity once it was switched on. The night drive left us just as dissapointed as the guide only stopped and gave a little information when one of the tourist's saw an animal. There was no interesting information on anything other than the animal/s the tourists spotted - nothing on the stars or anything else (which was a highlight during our previous night drives). It was also somewhat scary that there was not another guide with a weapon in case something should happen. All this is nothing compared to the complete exploitation of SA citizens. Having paid an arm and a leg for accommodation which was not up to standard, one is also charged a "conservation fee" of R125 at each and every camp and to top it off one has to pay R16,50 for a 500ml colddrink! Bearing in mind what one's petrol costs just to get to the Park, this is totally absurd! Maybe the overseas tourists can afford this, but SA citizens simply cannot and because of this exploitation, I fear the Park will soon be lost to it's heirs (us, the SA citizens). We certainly won't be able to afford another visit."


- URSULA MEYERS (South Africa)

Willem Vogel

"We had a nice time in the camp. The Selati restaurant is excellent in terms of service and food. We enjoyed oue visit to the nursey very much. However, the ablutions were clean, but stinking especially the urinals in the gents. I reporded it to the cleaner but nothing happened. On the other hand, the ablutions at the entrance gates were excellent as usual."


- Willem Vogel (South Africa)

Exceptional

"Exceptional, thank you so much we had a good time."


- Bianka Rust (South Africa)

a magic park

"My party were excited every day for each experience with natures beauty. It was the camps themself that damped their experience. Food experience was not prepared well, service was for the most part little. Questions ask were not explain or just ignored by staff and management. They were not knowledgeable about park or animals. Over the last twenty five years i have personally been to the parks four times and each keeps getting worse. More money and services. Staff could care less what their clients needs are. You will always find those indivuals who raise to the service standard of being the "host" for their country. their effort makes everything worth experienceing atoliphants, buffet breadfast, ran out of items, the cook step in and try to get just bread brought out but the manager just walk away. His gifts on the grill were personal for each guest, all the guest could take the insult for this man's gorumey delights. The stores were expensive, most of the help and manage did their jobs as if we were a burden. Our first day i spoke to the manager and she seems not to like Americans. I excused myself and left, i then went to the park rangers who were taking guest about the park and was informed that if we paid for the experience he could present he would answer all our questions. and it was mention that we should "tip" at least 100 usd for their services. Now in the park their are certain areas or roads not allow by clients using their own vehicles. But this dosen't stop the rangers from using these roads. Money value is worth it, most of the people working or performing in the park service have little knowledge of animals or any thing else that might be helpful, i.e. directions? The main question, was procedures for viewing the animals, none. Safty WHERE, night rides, no safty. I will hire out side staff, again, my second and third trip to park. Advertise services not availible. All in all, don't blame the animals or the persons who book the adventures, Jan, work very hard on getting this trip together for us, a personal thank you, i will book again, people of this calibre make the journey to SA personal. the animals were magic. Michael Blake"


- Michael Blake (American)

Nice Experience

"The camp is very nice, though my only comment is that the management is in serious need of an investment of new linens in the rooms. The sheets and towels are worn out and do give a feeling of uncleanness which does not go with the general camp conditions, which is clean."


- samer abdelhaleem (Egypt)

Wildtuin 2013

"What a wonderful experience is was to be in the Kruger National Park in autumn! Although the vegetation is still green and thick, we saw so many animals and it was beautiful to see them so fat and content.
It was our second camping experience in Skukuza. The first time we were near the fence and it felt like being in the bush, with all the animal sounds by night. This time, however, we came too late to get a nice site. We did not know where we could set up our tents, as no one showed us available sites. Eventually, we found a spot (which we later discovered was part of our neighbours' site!!) were in the middle of the camping area and due to campers' noise and inconsiderations, it felt like being somewhere other than in the park. It was really disappointing. However, the availabililty of warm water, clean ablution, swimming pool, wonderful shop,etc almost made up for it.
Our first experience of the night drive, was also very disappointing. There were not enough vans, we came back earlier than the others, and only saw a cammelion! The second time round, with the same tour guide... we complained and he promised us another route. That night we actually saw more animals. Next time I will definately try the morning walk.
Altogether we had an awesome time. It was heartwarming to see the awareness and the look out for poachers. The park is clean and still one of our favorite holiday destinations. We will definately be back!
Thanks SanParks!
Regards
Magdel Smit and the rest of the family (we were 6 adults)"


- Magdel Smit (RSA)

Mixed bag

"good day,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment!

Of course the game viewing was great, kids loved it.

We were very impressed with the ablution blocks for the camp site - the site was good as well - a bit chaotic in finding a spot though.

We decided to lunch at Lower Sabie one day, big mistake. It is completely overpriced - which would have still been manageable if the food was not so bad. I, for example, ordered a 'roast vegetable tramezzini' and was presented with an OLD pita with BOILED frozen veggies in it (carrots, cauliflower and broccoli" with a wilted TOASTED lettuce leaf. It was absolutely disgusting and we have decided never to visit the camp again, or bother trying any of the other restaurants in the camp. The Germans at the table next to us were very amused.

All he staff we had contact with, from the cleaners to the lady who booked us in to the guy who let us out when leaving were all very friendly and professional, which is great.

A few years ago we went on a night drive and repeated it again this time. I have to say, however, that it was a great disappointment. the guide drove at such a speed that we saw very little, they did not seem to be in contact with each other (except for shouting from one truck to the next) and did not give us much information on the fauna and flora. Also something not to be repeated in future.

we do, however, hope to visit the Park again soon, and due to the horrendous prices charged for the chalets, it will only be if we can camp again.

regards, Adel"


- Adel McQuarrie (south african)

Great viewing in the Kruger.

"It was again a great experience. Also the camp and all the staff were very helpful. I will go back anytime ! Thanks."


- Willie Marais (SA)

Average, just average

"Bungalows fared better than Satara, larger and cleaner.
The A/C was very noisy, it rattled like a locomotive all night.
Food and service were good. Unfortunately did not see too many animals.
Staff a bit more helpful than Satara but not by much! Still could not get any information on how to proceed.
Visited Kruger 20 years ago; rangers were more than happy to assist and free maps of the water holes and most likely areas to find animals were given. It has become too commercial and unfortunately lost its appeal."


- ALBERTO HASSAN (Venezuela)

Good game view

"It was a very nice place to see animals, specially the big five. We saw all of them... In one sunset game drive we saw two leopards and in the next morning we saw a big lion family! I only have one complaint: when we arrived on the rest camp there was no light and we almost couldn't do the sunset game drive because we couldn't do the reservation... But everything was fine in the end!"


- Tatiana (Brazil)

had an awsome time

"It was really an awesome experience, we really enjoyed the trip and the stay over. I just have 2 concerns, one was I reported that we had only one chair at our tent, and nothing was done about it, so we had to sit on the floor. Two when I wanted to put fuel in Satara their card facilities was down and there was no atm. That is a big concern."


- Belinda Maia (south africa)

The reception administrators are way below average

"I think there should be a way of not over charging visitors especially those who come from far. i mean i was charged R200.00 for escort together with other eight vehicles. Why charging all vehicles with one vehicle escorting the whole lot. I did not even got my proof of payment even after demanding it. I will probably have to think twice if i were to come visit your park again. I'm afraid to recommended to someone because of the bad hospitality."


- Talifhani Walter Mashau (South African)

Excellent Experience

"Our Rest camp in Skukuza exceeded our expectation as everything was up to standard. Looking forward to many more visits to the park with many more friends. South African National Parks, keep up the good work."


- Pastor Nala (R.S.A.)

Skukuza Restcamp

"Please do something about the monkeys and baboons. It wouldn't be too difficult to just put screens around all the kitchens. We really loved seeing the history of the place and Stevenson Hamilton's first hut.
We also saw tortoise, turtles, water monitor and 6 snakes, python, skaapsteaker, boomslang, and an other. Also, ground hornbill and Kori bustard."


- Anthea Sparrow (SA)

Show case that is totally run down.

"The first night a mouse fell onto my face when I was asleep. A further mouse was then found in the wardrobe. The "grassed " area in font of the cottage wad uneven and overgrown with thorny weeds. We were moved to another cottage which was far better maintained but Sukuza is in a terrible state and is a very poor reflection of our National park. Peter the manager promised us a free nights stay due to the problems we experienced but this has has not happened."


- Dawn Clark (South African)

Skukuza Restcamp

"Upon check-in the receptionist could not locate my booking and was very unhelpful and unfriendly. Was finally located on the computer system and was correct that I had booked and already paid. No apologies by staff. Found staff at Skukuza very rude. For the price I paid for the accommodation i was very disappointed that the bungalow had no power points to charge electronics and no electric kettle. Will not stay here again."


- Catherine Muianga (Australian)