Crocodile Bridge Gate

About Crocodile Bridge Gate

Crocodile Bridge Gate is the most eastern entrance to the Kruger National Park. It lies roughly 12 kilometres from Komatipoort, close to the Mozambican border.

Did you know? The highlight of Crocodile Bridge Gate is the high concentration of game in the area's grasslands, and the periodic sighting of white rhino in the mixed woodland prevalent here.

For those who enter the south-eastern parts of the park, this is the most direct way of doing so. Named after the Crocodile River, one can reach the gate along the N4 via Nelspruit and Malelane to Komatipoort.

The highlight of this gate is the high concentration of game in the area's grasslands, and the periodic sighting of white rhino in the mixed woodland prevalent here. Though less likely, there is every possibility you may also spot a black rhino in amongst the thorn thickets.

The downside is that it's hot at Crocodile Bridge. As one of the warmest places in the country, you can expect to cook during summer when daily temperatures soar above the 40°C mark. Game drives in the vicinity of Crocodile Bridge form part of the 'southern circle', said to be a good area in which to spot lion. A number of prides operate in the area.

Close to the entrance of the gate is Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, right on the banks of the Crocodile River. Considering it as a major camp and a place to spend time is probably a mistake. Because it lies right on the edge of the park, you overlook farmland, rather than wilderness. Most people only overnight if they enter the park late at night and have no alternative.

The gate also often floods during heavy rainfall, and closes as a result. However it has a rather relaxed appeal as a result of its smallness. The tarred road north from Crocodile Bridge, and its tributaries, regularly offer Big 5 viewing and it is one of the best places to spot the wild dog.