Balule Satellite Camp offers an authentic back-to-basics bushveld stay in Kruger National Park.
Balule Satellite Camp has no electricity, creating a true old-fashioned Kruger National Park experience.
Balule Satellite Camp sits on the southern bank of the Olifants River in central Kruger National Park.
Balule Satellite Camp is ideal for nature lovers wanting solitude and wildlife sounds in Kruger National Park.
| Balule Satellite Camp Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. South of Olifants River on S90 | 9/10 | Remote, off-grid, very quiet | “It’s small and very quiet but was probably my favourite… In the night there is no other light, as the stars. You could sometimes hear a car on the S90. But it is generally very quiet.” | SANParks: No electricity, lanterns provided. 15 campsites + 6 huts. Communal kitchen/fridge, gas geyser |
Balule Satellite Camp delivers the most rustic, intimate stay in Kruger National Park. Balule Satellite Camp provides 15 hard-ground campsites and 6 three-bed huts with no electricity, no windows, and lantern lighting for an old-time Kruger National Park experience. You’ll hear hippos, lions, and hyenas at night as Balule Satellite Camp lies right on the southern bank of the Olifants River. Balule Satellite Camp uses communal ablutions, gas stoves, and a sharing freezer, with each site featuring a tap and braai stand. Check in for Balule Satellite Camp is done at Olifants or Satara Rest Camp, as Balule Satellite Camp has no reception. Access to Balule Satellite Camp is via gravel S90 and S91 roads, suitable for 2×4 vehicles. With no shops, restaurants, or day visitors, Balule Satellite Camp keeps Kruger National Park pure and peaceful. If you want to disconnect and experience Kruger National Park first-hand, Balule Satellite Camp is the place.
Balule Satellite Camp – Overview
Balule Satellite Camp-Facilities
Terrain:
Situated on the southern bank of the Olifants River, central Kruger National Park.
Bushveld, on or along a dry water course. Sites are on hard ground, not grass.
Most sites on or close to fence with about half having river view.
Power:
No electricity in the camp. No electric plugs available.
Lanterns are provided. Bring portable chargers or power banks.
Water:
Communal water taps. Water points on or near sites.
Ablutions:
One communal ablution block. Gas hot water, showers and flushing toilets.
Spotlessly clean and well maintained per recent
reviews.
Site:
15 tent or caravan sites, without power points. Max 6 people per site.
Each site has braai/barbeque stand.
Sites are level, mostly with shady trees. No grass — hard ground, netted ground sheet useful.
Also 6 rustic three-bed huts with basin, no windows — only vents. Communal ablutions and kitchen.
Road:
Access via S90 Old Main Road, then S91 Balule Road, then small gravel road ∼
500m to camp gate.
Gravel roads. Generally all roads suitable for 2×4 vehicles. No 4×4 required.
Check-in: You must check-in at either Olifants or Satara Rest Camp first. No reception at Balule
⚠Balule Satellite Camp- Need To Know
Check-in process: No reception at Balule. You must check in at Olifants or
Satara Rest Camp first before proceeding to Balule.
No electricity: Entire camp has no power. No electric plugs.
Lanterns provided. Bring power banks. Fridge = communal sharing freezer only,
limited space.
Water + braai: Each site has a working tap and braai/barbeque stand.
Water is communal taps only.
Ground conditions: Sites are hard ground, not grass.
Pack groundsheet, sturdy pegs, mallet.
Ablutions: One communal ablution block shared by huts + campers.
Hot water via gas geysers. Clean but only one block as of March 2025.
Kitchen: Communal kitchen with gas stoves and scullery.
No utensils provided. Limited dining space, only one table for 4 available in camp.
Bring own table/chairs.
Max occupancy: 6 people per campsite. Extra vehicles pay additional rate.
Huts: 3-bed rustic huts, no windows — vents only.
Basin inside, toilets/showers communal.
Road access: Gravel S90 + S91. All roads suitable for 2×4. No 4×4 needed.
Last ∼500m is small gravel road to gate.
Noise rule: No generators allowed. Camp is “very quiet” at night.
Main sounds = hippos, lions, hyenas on Olifants River.
Gate times: Follows Kruger seasonal times. Camp gate opens 04:30, closes 18:30.
You open/close the gate yourself when entering/exiting.
Location: South side of Olifants River. Mpumalanga section of Kruger.
Activities: No activities at Balule itself.
Must book game drives/walks through Olifants Camp.
Children under 6 not permitted on drives, under 12 not on walks.
Shopping/fuel: None at camp. Nearest is Olifants or Satara Rest Camp.
Bring all food/supplies.
📍Balule Satellite Camp-Location
Google Maps: Balule Satellite Camp, Kruger National Park
Region: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga.
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
Southern bank of Olifants River, central Kruger.
Distance: 11km south of Olifants Rest Camp, 87km from Phalaborwa Gate,
50km north of Satara Rest Camp
Access: Gravel S90 + S91, 2×4 suitable, no 4×4 needed. Check in at
Olifants or Satara first. No day visitors.
Book – Balule Satellite Camp
Tel: Official Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/balule/
Telephone: +27 (0)13 735 6606/7
Note: This is Olifants Camp Reception — you must check in there.
Balule has no reception.
Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6609
SANParks Reservations Email: reservations@sanparks.org
Physical Address: Balule Satellite Camp Road, Kruger National Park
Central Reservations: +27 (0)12 428 9111 / traveltrade@sanparks.org