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Kruger Park Hostel

  • Jessica Brühwiler
  • Dec 6, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 12

A wildlife-filled road trip to Marloth Park and beyond

In July and August 2023, I spent four unforgettable weeks in Marloth Park, located just south of Kruger National Park. The park's unique setting, bordering Kruger and with wildlife frequently wandering freely through the area, made it the perfect place for animal lovers. I absolutely loved the experience of searching for animals, spotting them in their natural habitat, and observing their behavior up close. Marloth Park is truly a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, offering a serene atmosphere with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.


The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and various species of antelope, all of which roam the streets and surrounding bush. It’s a paradise for wildlife photographers and anyone who appreciates Africa’s natural beauty.



The journey: Johannesburg to Marloth Park

I rented a car in Johannesburg and set off on a solo drive to Marloth Park, a journey of about five hours. The drive was smooth until I accidentally drove over a metal object, damaging the car. Fortunately, there was an Avis rental office just 40 minutes away, and they promptly provided me with a replacement vehicle. Crisis averted, I continued my journey and arrived safely at my destination.


Kruger Park Hostel: A home away from home

I stayed at the Kruger Park Hostel, which is a must-visit for anyone doing a backpacking trip in the region. Rene and Mayra, who run the hostel, are incredibly kind-hearted and welcoming, making it feel like home. Their humor and warmth truly enhanced the experience, and we shared countless sunsets together — a perfect way to unwind after an exciting day of exploring. The hostel is a budget-friendly option and offers a variety of activities and trips, including safaris and excursions to nearby Mozambique. The hostel’s community feel makes it easy to meet new people, and I had the chance to connect with some amazing friends there.



Activities and adventures

The hostel offers a variety of activities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region:

  • Camping safari into Kruger National Park (3 days): A participatory camping experience that brings you face-to-face with the Big Five.

  • Mozambique beach camping excursion (4 days): A cultural and coastal adventure that combines beach relaxation with exploration.

  • Panorama route tour: A scenic journey showcasing South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls and viewpoints.

  • Game walks in Marloth Park: Explore the park on foot, observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Sundowners overlooking the crocodile river: Enjoy drinks while watching the sunset over the river, often with wildlife in view.

  • Bicycle safaris: Ride through Marloth Park, encountering animals along the way.

  • Half-day game drive into Kruger Park: Early morning departure via Crocodile Bridge Gate, great for spotting predators.

  • Night safari in Kruger Park (3 hours): Guided open vehicle safari with spotlighting and stargazing.

  • Elephant experience: An unforgettable encounter to get close to these gentle giants.



Road trips & the Letaba Elephant hall

During my time in Marloth Park, I also went on a road trip with friends I had met at the hostel. We headed north to the Phalaborwa Gate, the main entrance to Kruger National Park from the northern side, enjoying the sights and landscapes along the way. On one of our trips, we stayed outside of the park at a backpacking place where we met some amazing volunteers. They were building up the backpacking area using recycled materials, which was really cool. We had an unforgettable night, dancing around the fire — a memory I’ll always cherish.


Another road trip took us to Satara, where we hoped to spot Jasper, the famous white lion. Unfortunately, we didn’t find him, but the journey and the wildlife we encountered made it a memorable experience.


One of the highlights of the northern road trip was visiting the Letaba Elephant Hall, located inside Kruger National Park at Letaba Rest Camp. This museum is dedicated entirely to elephants, featuring exhibits on their evolution, behavior, and ecology. The tusks of Kruger’s legendary "Magnificent Seven" are on display, alongside a complete elephant skeleton and a replica of an elephant’s heart. It was a fascinating and educational experience that deepened our appreciation for these majestic giants.



Road trip adventure: Unforeseen challenges

During another road trip into Kruger, I went with a friend I had met at the hostel. We met up with someone who had stayed at the hostel a few weeks earlier and was now in Kruger training for his FGASA Field Guide level. It was great to reconnect with him, and the three of us went on a game drive together.


On the second day of our adventure, things took an unexpected turn. The car we were using suddenly lost battery power, and we had to wait for another vehicle to come to our aid. While we were waiting, we spotted buffaloes and elephants in the distance, heading toward us, which was quite a scary moment. After a tense few minutes, we managed to drive for a short distance, but unfortunately, the same issue occurred again just 10 minutes later — the car broke down once more!


Luckily, some older travelers nearby offered to help. They kindly took me with them in their car to Satara Rest Camp, while my two friends stayed behind with the broken-down vehicle. At the camp, I contacted reception and arranged assistance to retrieve my friends and sort out the car situation. Thankfully, everything was resolved the same day, and the next morning we were back on the road together, ready to continue our wildlife adventure.



Sunsets, social life & local gems

Evenings in Marloth Park with the Kruger Park Hostel crew were just as special as the days. We often gathered for sunset drinks overlooking the Crocodile River, soaking in the golden light and sharing stories from our adventures. The social atmosphere at Kruger Park Hostel made it easy to meet fellow travelers and form real connections.


One of our favorite places to spend an evening was Bos Restaurant & Bar – a lively local hangout just a short drive from the hostel. With its welcoming vibe, live music, televised rugby matches, and a pool, it offered the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. It quickly became our go-to spot for laid-back evenings and socializing with both locals and fellow backpackers. But we often just stayed at the hostel too, enjoying fun games together.


Another highlight was our visit to the Kruger View Restaurant, located along the Crocodile River. The name says it all — the view is simply spectacular. We enjoyed delicious food while spotting hippos and even elephants on the opposite riverbank. It’s one of those rare places where fine dining and safari experiences blend seamlessly.



And for something a little different, we also played a round of golf near the Crocodile Bridge Gate. The course is surrounded by bushveld, and it’s not uncommon to see warthogs or impalas grazing nearby. Golfing in such a unique, wild setting was a fun and memorable break from the usual safari activities.


Whether we were enjoying a laid-back night at Bos, taking in river views at Kruger View Restaurant, or laughing over missed golf swings, these moments added a special layer of joy to our wildlife adventure. They reminded us that Marloth Park isn’t just about the animals — it’s also about the people you meet and the memories you make together.


Final thoughts

Marloth Park and the Kruger Park Hostel offer an exceptional experience for those seeking adventure and connection with nature. Whether you're exploring the vast landscapes of Kruger National Park, learning about elephants at the Letaba Elephant Hall, or simply enjoying a sunset with new friends, this destination provides a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.


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