Crocodile Bridge Camp
Crocodile Bridge is a beautiful little camp found in the far South Eastern Corner of the Park at the Crocodile Bridge Gate. The camp is situated on the northern bank of the crocodile river which also forms the southern boundary of the Park. What it lacks in size it makes up for in diversity of fauna and flora. The game density around the camp is some of the highest in the Park as a result of flat clay rich soils that make up this corner of the park. Rich red "hutton soil" gives rise to a variety of sweet grasses and vachellia (acacia) woodland trees attracting browsers and grazers from all over.
Beside its rich diversity in flora, the area also has a lot of history with remnants still visible today of the first pioneers into the area. As you cross the crocodile river you can immediately see the old remains of the Selati Railway line that was constructed back in 1894.
History of the Camp :
Crocodile Bridge Camp is a popular rest camp located in the southern part of Kruger National Park in South Africa. The camp is named after the Crocodile River, which flows nearby.
The history of the camp dates back to the early 1930s when the park authorities recognized the need for a rest camp in the southern part of the park to cater to tourists visiting from Johannesburg and other nearby cities. At that time, most of the rest camps were located in the central and northern parts of the park, and there was a growing demand for accommodation in the south.
Construction of the camp began in 1933, and the first buildings were completed the following year. The camp was initially designed to cater to motorists, with a petrol station and repair workshop included in the facilities. The camp also had a shop and a restaurant.
In the 1950s, the camp underwent a major renovation, with new accommodation units, a swimming pool, and other facilities added to enhance the visitor experience. The camp was upgraded again in the 1990s, with more modern and comfortable accommodation options added.
Today, Crocodile Bridge Camp is a popular destination for tourists to Kruger National Park, offering a range of accommodation options, including chalets, bungalows, and camping sites. The camp is known for its beautiful views of the Crocodile River and its prime location for wildlife sightings, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
Key Mammal species in this area include :
- Lion
- Giraffe
- Elephant
- Buffalo
Key Bird species in this area include :
- Pink-throated Twinspot
- Retz's Helmet Shrike
- Barred Owlet
- Secretary Bird
- White backed Vulture
The Camp Accommodation :
Campsites
- 18 x tent or caravan sites, with power point and rotating braai grids. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities). Maximum of 6 persons per site.
Safari Tents
- 8 x 2-bed permanent furnished canvas tents (one accessible to wheelchairs) with shower, a fridge, standing fan inside tent and small veranda. Communal ablutions and communal kitchens available.
Bungalows
- 20 x 2 or 3-bed units, equipped with en-suite bathrooms (showers, no baths) and air-conditioning. Kitchenettes have hotplates and sinks. Two units are fully accessible for people using wheelchairs.