Skukuza

Skukuza is the main camp in the Kruger National Park. The name, adapted from "Sikhukhuza" (isiZulu), was a nickname for James Stevenson-Hamilton. It could be translated as 'a new broom', as Stevenson-Hamilton swept the area clean of poachers and outlaws. [cite book|last = Raper|first = P.E.|coauthors =|title = South African Place Names|publisher = Jonathan Ball, Jhb & Cape Town|date = 2004|pages = p. 347|isbn = 1-86842-190-2]

It is also the largest camp in the Kruger Park and is situated on the southern bank of the Sabie River. It has a number of historical sites including 3 museums and a library, besides a camp centre consisting of shops and restaurants. The Selati Train restaurant is situated on an old train platform on the eastern verge of the camp.

From the main reception a visitor can organize game drives, bush braais and guided walks in Kruger. Besides the camp basics, Skukuza also has 2 swimming pools, a golf course, a police station, a post office and even a bank. These shops and facilities are surrounded by different sized huts and guest houses. All the guest houses and huts are fitted with an outdoor braai suitable for evening grills.

Nearby the camp is a nursery where plants native to the region can be viewed and purchased. These are mostly suited to a similarly hot climate.

Gameviewing

Skukuza is located in the southern part of Kruger and is the most popular and accessible camp, and one of the best for game viewing. In the vicinity of the camp all of the African Big Five can be found as well as other recognisable and exciting animals. The nearby Lake Panic hide coord|24|58|52|S|31|33|58|E| offers a vantage point of a water body from dense woodland.

The camp itself overlooks the Sabie River where elephants sometimes congregate. The stretch right opposite Skukuza is the home to a number of hippos. The trees along the river are home to very loud Chacma Baboons, while the piercing calls of Greater Galagos are heard at dawn and dusk. Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bats are easily seen under the verges of some thatched roofs. Some of these have been fitted with radio transmitters to study their feeding patterns.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Skukuza can vary from small but comfortable to large guesthouses for tour groups. Each house has an outside braai (barbecue area) and mosquito protection. Staying at Skukuza means you are allowed to use facilities such as the swimming pools and watching free movies at the outdoor cinema.

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