Maroela is the only camp in Kruger that's exclusively for caravans and campers — no chalets, no bungalows, just camping. That makes it something special. It's a small, quiet satellite camp near Orpen Gate, set on the banks of the Timbavati River under massive jackalberry and sausage trees. The kind of camp where you hear hyena at night and check for elephant tracks in the morning. It only has about 15 sites, so it fills up fast — book through SANParks well in advance. Rent a camper on Kampi, hitch up, and experience Kruger the way it was meant to be: under canvas, on the ground.
Maroela is a satellite of Orpen Rest Camp, about 3km inside Orpen Gate on Kruger's western boundary. The Timbavati River frontage means good game viewing right from camp — elephant, buffalo, and nyala come down to drink. From here, you've got access to the central Kruger road network. The S106 and S39 toward Satara are productive roads for big cats — lion and cheetah country. Satara itself is about 45km east for fuel and a restaurant lunch. Orpen Dam is nearby for hippo and waterbird viewing. This part of Kruger is drier savanna, so animals concentrate around water sources — the Timbavati and its tributaries are your best bet.

Centurion
R410/day

Olifantsfontein
R400/day

Pretoria
R960/day

Pretoria
R600/day

Pretoria
R520/day

Pretoria
R750/day

Rietvalleirand
R650/day

Pretoria
R690/day

Pretoria
R900/day

Pretoria
R1000/day

Pretoria
R1450/day

City Of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
R980/day
It's the only camp in Kruger exclusively for caravans and campers — no other accommodation type. That keeps it small, quiet, and properly bush. You share the camp with maybe 15 other camping setups, not hundreds of chalet guests.
Through SANParks directly — they manage all Kruger bookings. Maroela is small and popular, so book as early as possible, especially for school holidays and long weekends. Kampi handles the camper rental.
Basic but clean — ablution blocks with hot water, communal braai areas, and power points at each stand. There's no shop or restaurant at Maroela itself, but Orpen Camp is 3km away with a small shop. Satara is 45km for a proper camp shop and fuel.
The Timbavati River area is excellent for elephant, buffalo, and nyala. The roads between Orpen and Satara are known for lion and cheetah — it's classic central Kruger savanna. Leopard are around but secretive, as always.