{"id":211423,"date":"2019-07-11T09:38:02","date_gmt":"2019-07-11T07:38:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/travel\/what-is-a-rest-camp\/"},"modified":"2020-10-01T09:36:00","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T07:36:00","slug":"what-is-a-rest-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/lifestyle-news\/2019\/07\/11\/what-is-a-rest-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Rest Camp?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Around the world, people have always known a rest camp to be a place where soldiers would rest during their deployment but in South Africa a rest camp is something rather different. It offers a range of self-catering accommodation options to suit the budget conscious travelers.<\/p>\n

South Africa encompasses nineteen SanParks, each with a unique landscape and diverse collection of fauna and flora. There is at least one rest camp<\/a> in each park and the option to enjoy a range of guided activities.<\/p>

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Looking at the Kruger, there are a total of 21 rest camps scattered around the two million hectare park. These rest camps offer a variety of accommodation options and are categorized into main camps, satellite camps and bushveld camps:<\/p>\n

The campsites are big enough for a caravan or tent and most have electricity (except Balule and some at Punda Maria). The campsites at lower Sabie have designated boundaries and their own water supply.<\/p>

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Huts are single room units with communal kitchens and ablution facilities.<\/p>\n

Safari tents are built on permanent platforms and boast canvas tent bedrooms, some with a more luxurious amenities and others with communal kitchens and ablution facilities. All accommodation, ablution and kitchen facilities are serviced daily and the bedding is supplied, except when booking a campsite. Cooking utensils and refrigeration are provided in most accommodation units.<\/p>\n

Bungalows are single bedroom units with a bathroom and either have a kitchenette with basic equipment or make use of a communal kitchen. Some bungalows have perimeter or river views, while others overlook the bushveld.<\/p>\n

Cottages are single bedroom units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen.<\/p>\n

Family cottages are multiple bedroom units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen.<\/p>\n

Guest cottages are multiple bedroom units with at least two bathrooms\u00a0 and a fully equipped kitchen.<\/p>\n

Guest houses are multiple bedroom and bathroom units with a lounge area, a bar facility at some and each boast spectacular views.<\/p>\n

Bushveld and satellite camps are smaller and more remote, with no shops or restaurants. Some may not even have electricity but rely on lanterns and gas to heat water.<\/p>\n

The main rest camps have electricity, a first-aid centre, a shop, braai and communal kitchen facilities, a laundromat, a restaurant and\/or self-service cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol station. Holiday programmes and evening film shows of wildlife and conservation are arranged at many of the rest camps.<\/p>\n

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