Established in 1926, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s oldest, largest, and most renowned conservation areas. Spanning nearly 20,000 km² across north-eastern South Africa, it stretches north to south for 350km and about 60km west to east – it is larger than Israel. The park protects a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from open savanna and riverine forests to rocky koppies and wooded grasslands.
Kruger is internationally recognised for its role in biodiversity conservation and scientific research. It is home to the Big Five, more than 500 bird species, and an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, making it a globally significant natural laboratory for studies in ecology, environmental monitoring, and large-scale scientific collaboration.
Beyond its ecological importance, Kruger offers a rare setting where scientific exchange takes place within a protected natural environment. Hosting the conference within the park allows delegates to engage in academic discussion while experiencing one of the world’s most iconic wildlife regions – an environment that naturally encourages reflection, interdisciplinary thinking, and collaboration.
The conference will be held in the southern region of the park, near Skukuza, which serves as Kruger’s administrative and logistical hub. This area combines well-developed infrastructure with immediate access to wilderness, ensuring both professional facilities and an authentic national-park experience.
The conference will take place at Skukuza Rest Camp, the largest and most developed rest camp in the Kruger National Park. All major facilities at Skukuza Rest Camp, including the conference centre, lodge, restaurants and camp shop, are within easy walking distance (approximately 5 – 10 minutes). The main areas of Skukuza Rest Camp are largely flat and accessible, with paved walkways between accommodation, conference facilities and amenities.
This state-of-the-art facility which consists of the main hall and four breakaway rooms offers facilities for up to 500 people. It is set in the heart of Skukuza Rest Camp, within walking distance of the Skukuza Safari Lodge. It presents a unique opportunity for a relaxed conferencing atmosphere.
Skukuza Rest Camp offers several dining options within easy walking distance of the conference venue, catering to a range of preferences.
Breakfast is available at the lodge and selected restaurants, while grab-and-go options are available throughout the day for delegates with limited time between sessions.
Restaurants and cafés include:
Amakulekani Restaurant located within Skukuza Safari Lodge serves carefully crafted à la carte dishes and a variety of options at their buffet, offering a delightful selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is typically served à la carte. During peak periods or for large groups, buffet-style breakfast service may be offered, subject to availability. See the menu here. Open daily from around 07:00 to 21:00.
Cattle Baron Skukuza – A well-known South African steakhouse offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is primarily a steakhouse. However, the menu is diverse and includes South African specialties like springbok shank and venison carpaccio, as well as burgers, seafood and a full breakfast buffet. Menu and Prices can be seen here. Operating Hours: Breakfast: 07:00 to 11:00 and Lunch & Dinner: 12:00 to 22:00.
The Cattle Baron also has a Take-Away restaurant for the “not so hungry” customers. The menu has a big variety ranging from burgers, salads, homemade venison pies, soft serve ice cream, sodas and coffee.
Kruger Station: Kruger Station is a lifestyle precinct in Skukuza Rest Camp, perfectly positioned along the historical Selati railway line. The Kruger Station features the 3638 Family Restaurant, the Round in 9 Bar (for ice-cold craft beer and casual dining), Departing Soon Café (for ice cream and coffee) and Grab ‘N Go (for a quick bite to eat while on the move). Open daily from 7:00 to 21:00. Full Menus can be seen here and a sneak peak here.
Please note: Restaurants can be busy during peak hours, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.
The Skukuza Rest Camp shop is well stocked to meet most day-to-day needs of visitors and delegates. It offers a wide range of groceries, including fresh produce, bread, milk, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and basic frozen items, as well as ready-to-eat meals and grab-and-go food options.
In addition, the shop stocks toiletries, basic medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, batteries, and other travel essentials. Guests can also find a selection of souvenirs, books, clothing, and Kruger National Park memorabilia, making it a convenient stop for both practical supplies and gifts.
Prices are generally in line with other national-park and airport retail outlets, with a range of affordable everyday items as well as souvenirs.
Bank: A full-service branch of FNB Bank is equipped to handle more than just standard cash withdrawals, offering a convenient stop for international travelers and local guests alike. It is located in the main reception building at the park entrance.
Fuel station
Medical clinic: Skukuza Rest Camp has an on-site medical clinic providing basic healthcare and emergency support, with additional services available in nearby towns if required.
Visitor information centre
3 Swimming pools
Spa and wellness facilities
We have made a block booking for 65 single and 5 double luxury rooms at the Skukuza Safari Lodge. For a more affordable option, we have also booked 15 bungalows with double occupancy for people who are willing to share.
Accommodation bookings will be handled by our Official Conference Organiser, Tourvest.
Their portal will allow booking of rooms at a specially-negotiated reduced rate. Please book through this portal, and not privately. Email any accommodation questions to info@nsn-knp2026.org.za.
Skukuza Safari Lodge offers on-site accommodation within Skukuza Rest Camp, comprising 91 standard rooms with either a king-size bed or two single beds, each with an en-suite bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. All rooms include a private patio.
The lodge also provides adjoining Family Rooms and a limited number of Universal Rooms designed for wheelchair accessibility.
Amenities include:
SANParks bungalows at Skukuza Rest Camp provide standard self-catering accommodation within the camp. Each bungalow consists of one bedroom with either two or three beds and an en-suite bathroom fitted with either a shower or a bath.
Facilities vary between units. Some bungalows are equipped with air conditioning, while others have ceiling fans. Kitchenettes differ by unit type: selected bungalows include a kitchenette with hotplates and a sink, while others have a sink only or no kitchenette facilities. A communal kitchen is available for guests staying in bungalows without private kitchen facilities.
Facilities include:
Recognising the unique setting of the conference venue, the programme intentionally includes time for game drives, enabling delegates to engage with the surrounding wildlife alongside the scientific programme.
For safety, all guided game drives are led by experienced SANParks rangers in open safari vehicles, operating under established park safety procedures.
Morning Game Drive (~3 hours)
Cost: ~R500 – R600 per adult,
Departure: ~05:30 -06:00
Duration: ~3 hours
Returns: ~08:30 – 09:00
Sunset Game Drive (~3 hours)
Departure: ~ 16:30
Duration: ~3 hours
Returns: after dark
Note: Sunset drives end shortly after dark, while night drives focus specifically on nocturnal wildlife.
Night Game Drive (~3 hours)
Cost: ~R600 – R700 per adult
Departure: ~ 19:00 – 20:00
Returns: late evening
Focus on nocturnal wildlife using spotlights
*Wildlife sightings vary naturally, but sightings of large mammals and the Big Five are possible.
Skukuza offers guided nature (bush) walks led by armed SANParks rangers.
Morning Guided Bush Walk (~3 hours)
A more immersive, on-foot experience of the bush
Group sizes are small, and minimum age restrictions usually apply.
Delegates with their own vehicles may explore the park independently.
Access to well-maintained public roads around Skukuza
Ideal for flexible schedules and photography
Excellent opportunities for birdwatching and riverine wildlife viewing
This is one of the most popular leisure activities for visitors to Kruger National Park.
Skukuza Rest Camp offers several on-site amenities for relaxation between conference sessions:
Swimming pool
Restaurant and café
Shop and curio store
Riverside viewpoints overlooking the Sabie River
These facilities are easily accessible from accommodation and conference venues.
Depending on availability, delegates may also enjoy:
Informal ranger talks
Interpretive displays and historical exhibits
SANParks museums and memorials near Skukuza
These activities provide additional context on conservation, history, and biodiversity.
All activities are optional, subject to availability, and should be booked in advance. Prices and departure times may vary seasonally.
