Nestling among the Khandizwe mountain bushveld at the southern end of South Africa's Kruger National Park, Berg-en-dal Rest Camp is one of the more accessible and arguably one of the most attractive public camps in the Kruger Park.

Some Background

Situated on the bank of the Matjulu River, Berg-en-dal was constructed by South Africa's National Parks Board in the 1980s under the supervision of architect Johan Jordaan, whose vision was to create a camp that blended in seamlessly with its environment. In this way, Berg-en-dal is certainly unique in the Kruger Park - instead of row upon row of the more traditional Park-favoured rondavel, the accommodation units (cottages) at Berg-en-dal are all oblong in plan, constructed in face-brick (flame-grilled terracotta might adequately convey the colour) with a thatched roof. Moreover, they have been sited and constructed with absolute care to minimise disruption to the original trees and plants, which means the camp seems shadier and more accommodating than some of its older and more established counterparts.

Accommodation

Berg-en-dal's cottages can accommodate some 340 people in total, mostly in either the 93 three-bed cottages or the 23 six-bed family cottages but also via the two Guest Houses; either the six-bed J Le Roux Guest House or the eight-bed Rhino Guest House. All such accommodation units are equipped with mini-kitchen and showering/ablution facilities, and are serviced with linen and soap daily.

In addition, to accommodate tents and caravans there is a camp-site, equipped with communal kitchen and ablution facilities.

All accommodation units, whether a camp site or a cottage, are equipped with the all-important braai (barbecue) facility.

Features of the Camp

Around the camp's perimeter, inside the electric-fence that keeps the animals out and the people in, the 2.5km. 'Rhino' nature trail doubles as a Braille Trail. En route, distinctive trees, such as knobthorn (Acacia nigrescens), and a selection of mounted animal skulls are labelled in English, Afrikaans and Braille.

At the beginning (and end) of the trail, the administration centre overlooks (to the east) the Matjulu River Dam, and a parade of seats enable one to observe game at and around the reservoir, and if one can rise early enough, the magnificent sun rise.

The camp also has:

• A cafeteria (that sells pasties, boerewors and chips, and the like)

• A restaurant (kudu, impala and ostrich may feature on the menu)

• A shop (sells everything; charcoal, milk, wine, zebra-skin wallets, etc)

• A swimming pool (good for the summer - can be a tad parky in winter)

• A Laundromat

• conference facilities (can accommodate up to 200 people)

• A petrol station

• A first-aid centre

Getting In and Out

Berg-en-dal is only 12km. from the Malelane Gate, which provides access to the Park from the Johannesburg-Maputo Corridor (the South African N4 Highway) to the south. Otherwise, Berg-en-dal is 83km. from the main Paul Kruger Gate on the western boundary of the Park. For those flying in, Berg-en-dal is 82km. from the airport near Skukuza Camp.

Getting Out and About

Berg-en-dal is so tranquil that leaving the stoep and going out looking at the flora and fauna game can seem like a chore. However, if one has made the effort to come to Kruger Park, a little bit of trundling around looking out for animals is probably going to be on the itinerary.

Suggested Day Trip

Set out at day-break. Immediately outside the Berg-en-dal gate, turn left onto the S110 Matjulu Loop. It is a dirt road for the next 17km, and crossing the few dongas may be impossible in the wet. This is Mountain Bushveld, so look out for Impala, Kudu, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Wild Dog, Hyena and White Rhino.

At the tarmac road (H3), turn left and after two km. cross the Mlambane River, maybe stopping on the bridge to look out for White Rhino down below in the riverbed. 10km. further along the road, stop at Afsaal, a picnic spot, for some leisurely breakfast.

Continue north for 26km to the main T-junction with the Pretoriuskop-Skukuza Road. It is not improbable that you will see Lion and Elephant, and possibly the occasional shy Leopard along here. Turn right and after 13km you will be at the Skukuza Camp crossroads.

Skukuza, Kruger's capital city, is a thriving metropolis after the peace and quiet of Berg-en-dal, and as such is not to everyone's taste, likened by some to a rustic Butlins. Nevertheless, there is a welcome cafeteria here with plenty of open-air shaded seating. Even though you've only travelled 69km. it is probably close to midday already. Take an early lunch at Skukuza Camp before tootling gently back to Berg-en-dal, perhaps as an alternative via the S114 gravel road, arriving back at camp in time to light the braai and blow the froth off a few sun-downers.

Otherwise

If you don't fancy driving, the camp offers (for a nominal fee) driven day-trips and more exhilarating night-drives. But these are often well-subscribed so book early to avoid disappointment.

Related BBC Link

• Profile of South Africa Country from BBC News