Getting There

Skukuza is in the south of the Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Kruger National Park is well connected, situated near several airports, with a variety of accommodation available both within the camp to cater to a range of budgets.

The conference centre is situated in Skukuza Rest Camp. Delegates should book accommodation at Skukuza Camp for the duration of the conference. IBAC has pre-reserved (not paid for) a selection of accommodation options for the duration of the conference; please book early to avoid disappointment.

Arriving in South africa

For international visitors, the easiest way to reach Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is to fly into O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and then take a short domestic flight to either Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) or directly to Skukuza Airport, which is located inside the park just minutes from the camp.

Option 1)

Arrive at Johannesburg OR Tambo and drive to Skukuza

Those who prefer not to fly domestically can drive from Johannesburg in about 5–6 hours on well-maintained highways, though this option requires confidence with long-distance driving on the left-hand side of the road

Option 2)

Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) and drive to Skukuza

From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, visitors can rent a car for a scenic 1.5–2 hour drive to the park gates or arrange a private shuttle transfer. .

Option 3)

Fly directly to Skukuza Airport, located inside the park, just minutes from the camp.
Avis runs a Point2Point shuttle between Skukuza Airport and Skukuza camp, and Avis car hire is available at the airport. There is no overnight parking at the airport.

Please note: Park Gates close at 6pm in the summer months, and no car entry is allowed after this time.

Arriving to Kruger national park

The drive from Johannesburg is about 460 km (5–6 hours to the gate) on good tarred roads, mostly via the N4 toll road to Mbombela (Nelspruit), then the R40 to Hazyview and the R536 to Paul Kruger Gate. There are several entrance gates to Kruger National Park; we recommend arriving via Paul Kruger Gate as it is the closest.

Once you are inside the park, please remember that the speed limits are 50 km/h on tar, 40 km/h on gravel, and 20 km/h in camps. However, your journey will likely be much slower due to wildlife sightings, so allow more time than the distances suggest. If this is your first time in Kruger, take it slow, give yourself enough time and get those binos out!

In September, the park gate and Skukuza rest camp opening times are 06:00-18:00.

Staying at Skukuza

IBAC 2027 takes place at the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, inside Skukuza Rest Camp in the heart of the Kruger National Park. All delegates should book accommodation inside Skukuza. Kruger's gates close at 18:00 in September, and driving in the park after dark is not permitted. Staying in camp means you can join every evening session and social event and simply walk back to your accommodation.

Skukuza is Kruger's largest rest camp, on the southern bank of the Sabie River, and offers everything from campsites to guest houses. Accommodation is very limited in the rest camp and the camp is popular in September, so we recommend booking as early as possible. To anticipate this, we have reserved a selection of accommodation options within Skukuza Rest Camp for delegates. IBAC accommodation options have been reserved from Saturday 25th September to Friday 1st October.

To book and pay for one of the IBAC reserved options below, please contact our Kruger Conference Agent, Jackey Deacon, via email (dot@mpu.co.za). These reservations last until 1st February, by which time payment must be made to secure your booking.

IBAC Reserved Accomodation options at skukuza

Riverside bungalows

These classic Kruger units are ideal for groups or small families. Known locally as traditional Rondevaals, these are classic safari-style round homes common across game reserve rest camps. Bungalows come with 2–3 single beds, an en-suite bathroom, and either a private kitchenette or access to a communal kitchen. Some units are air-conditioned, recently renovated, and some versions offer river views.

Raised on wooden platforms, these furnished tents include beds (2 to 4 per tent), basic furniture, and electricity, but rely on communal kitchens and ablution blocks. The authentic choice for a true bush feel!

Safari Tents

IBAC reservations have been made for a selection of 2-4 single-bed options from

Saturday 25th September to Friday 1st October
We recommend sharing and connecting with fellow delegates to keep your costs down and ensure there are enough reserved bookings for everyone.

other Accomodation options at skukuza

Skukuza Safari Lodge

A 4* hotel in the heart of Skukuza Rest Camp, a short walk from the conference centre. Standard, family, and wheelchair-accessible rooms available.
We have not reserved bookings at the lodge.

If you wish to stay here, we recommend booking early and directly with the safari lodge.

Camping & caravan sites

Sites with power points, communal ablutions and kitchens. Bring your own tent and equipment. The local African ambience is provided free of charge!

SANParks charges a daily per-person conservation fee (for every night you stay in the park).

This must be paid by all guests upon arrival at the gate. Guests with a WildCard access the park free of charge.

The daily conservation fee (paid per night you stay)
South African Residents: Adults R140.00 Child R70.00
SADC Nationals: Adults R296.00 Child R147.00
International Residents: Adults R692.00 Child R345.00

Facilities at Skukuza

Skukuza is Kruger's administrative headquarters and works like a small village, so you will have almost everything you need on site.

Food & drink: restaurant and deli overlooking the Sabie River, the Safari Lodge's restaurant and bar, and communal braai areas. Sufficient enough to feed a small army if you are self catered!
Shopping: well-stocked shop for groceries, curios, books and basics
Money & post: FNB bank facility and post office
Transport: filling station, car wash, car hire, and Skukuza Airport a few minutes away
Everyday services: laundromat, cellphone reception, basic first aid, and a doctor's practice in Skukuza (+27 13 735 5638)
Relaxing: two swimming pools for overnight guests, AM Spa Kruger and the Skukuza golf course
Learning & wildlife: Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library, indigenous plant nursery, nightly wildlife films (except Sundays), Lake Panic Bird Hide 7 km from camp, and SANParks game drives and guided bush walks can all be booked from SANparks.

Booking Accomodation

Due to the high demand for accommodation at Skukuza Rest Camp (it's a popular place and for good reason), we have pre-booked (but not paid for) accommodation within the rest camp (Dates reserved: Saturday 25th September - Friday 1st October). To book and pay for these, please contact our amazing Kruger Conference Agent, Jackey Deacon, via email (dot@mpu.co.za). Please indicate that you will be participating in the IBAC 2027 conference when booking.

Reserved bookings need to be paid for by 1st February 2027

September is a busy time at Skukuza, and we have only reserved a limited number of accommodation options. Please book as early as possible to secure your desired accommodation and dates, especially if you will be travelling with family and non-conference attendees.

We strongly encourage sharing accommodation bookings. If you are travelling alone and happy to share accommodation with another, please contact dot@mpu.co.za, and we will find a good fit!