The Kruger National Park
Satara Rest Camp
Satara Rest Camp is situated on the eastern side of the Kruger, approximately a third of the way up the Park. The surrounding bush is relatively sparse and therefore allows for good game viewing throughout the year, and the species of animals and birds found around the camp are both numerous and diverse. The conveniences available at Satara include: basic first aid assistance, cafeteria, eco information centre, emergency road service, film auditorium, jungle gym for children, Laundromat, petrol station, picnic facilities, post box, public telephone, shop and restaurant.
The accommodation at Satara consists of spacious bungalows that can comfortably sleep 2 or 3 people. Please note that the maximum number of guests per bungalow is three. Each bungalow has its own en suite bathroom fitted with a shower and is fully air conditioned. The bungalows share a communal kitchen should you wish to cook (for the trips visiting the Kruger Park both breakfast and dinner are included in the price), and you can hire a fully equipped utensil box complete with crockery, cutlery, a frying pan and glasses if you wish.
Animals and activities
Satara is popular with bird enthusiasts due to the high population of bird species attracted by the wooded areas surrounding the camp. Owls and nightjars are heard nightly, whilst hyena calls, lion roars and jackal screams are also common. The vegetation surrounding the camp is largely knob thorn and marula grown on basalt soil.
Satara is highly regarded in terms of local wildlife, and is one of the best camps in the Park to see big cats – lion, leopard and cheetah are spotted here on a regular basis. Other mammals populous in the local area include blue wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, rhino, buffalo and elephant.
The five species of animal/bird that are particularly noted to be in the Satara area that are well worth seeing are:
Birds that are found in particular abundance in and around Satara include the red billed buffalo weaver, Burchell’s starling and the mourning dove. During the night you may be lucky enough to see Verreaux’s eagle owl (also known as the giant eagle owl), Scops owl, barn owl or the pearl spotted owlet. Whilst exploring the savannah plains to the north of the camp you may come across Montagu’s harrier and the pallid harrier, as this is the best area in the Park to spot these birds.
