Crocodile Bridge is a tranquil rest camp on the banks of the Crocodile River in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The small rest camp has a mere 20 traditional thatch-roofed rondavels (round-walled huts) arranged in a backward L-shape so most have a perimeter view. There also are some permanent tents (no view), and a nice camping area with trees, electricity, laundry, and ablutions.
There is no restaurant, but two curio shops and a coffee shop, as well as a small nursery that sells indigenous plants like aloes. It is possible to do a self-drive safari from the camp, or enjoy guided bush walks with a ranger, as well as game drives at sunset, in the evening, or morning with a ranger.
There are many lovely, large shady trees in the camp. The huts along the river have three beds each, a bathroom with shower en-suite, and a kitchen and dining table on the patio outside. The kitchen has a fridge/freezer, microwave, 2-plate stove, and sink. You also have a kettle, crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups, and pots and pans. The barbecue areas are very nice and made of bricks. The huts are quite rustic, but well-maintained. There also are some two-bed huts available. The rooms are spic and span.
To reach the camp from outside you have to cross a low bridge over the Crocodile River which is quite exciting as you stare right into the eyes of leguaans (Nile monitors), Nile crocodiles, and hippos. Many day visitors also enjoy coming into the park at this entrance.
The grounds of the camp are quiet and shady with green grass and abundant birdlife, plus you might spy polecats, honey badgers, banded mongoose, warthogs, Vervet monkeys, bush babies, and bushbuck in the camp. It is thus advisable to store all food indoors and not in the pantry outside!
It is so nice to sit on a chair outside your hut and watch the wildlife coming down to the river to quench their thirst, see the birds, and witness the mongooses moving together through the camp like a single unit in unison. Their movements are so fluid it is incredible to watch.
The landscape around Crocodile Bridge can be described as classic African savannah and is populated by varied game including wildebeest, impalas, elephants, giraffes, kudus, jackals, lions, and hyenas. It is a really pleasant place to take a game drive and I can see why it is so popular with day visitors. The camp is located in an area known as "The Southern Circle" which is famous for its prides of lions. You might also spot African wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs if you are very lucky. Birding is excellent and you might see birds like Burchell’s Coucals, various owls, and vultures. I would definitely recommend this camp if you enjoy peace and quiet. Be sure to have a look at Ntandanyathi Hide and be on the lookout for bee-eaters. Also, visit Sunset Dam by Lower Sabie if you are a keen birder.
If you get tired of self-catering you can head to nearby Komatipoort which has a Wimpy and take-out pizza. The restaurant and take-out options at nearby Lower Sabie are also good. Just remember to check the gate closure times.
Updated 2023.
Slideshow, Video, and Narration by Tanja Nayak
Music by Storyblocks
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I visited this camp frequently as a child which inspired me to pen two children's books which are available on Amazon.com and also online from Exclusive Books
"Spot's Busy Day in the Bushveld"
www.amazon.com/Spots-Busy-Bus...
"Stripe's Busy Night in the Bushveld"
www.amazon.com/Stripes-Night-...