For self-catering, there are designated picnic areas in the camps, as well as some picnic areas away from the camps (with an armed attendant). The picnic areas have (braai) barbecue facilities and tables. The camp shops sell food to barbecue and drinks at quite reasonable prices, as well as firewood. They only sell take-away alcohol to those who have proof they are staying in the park.

Many of the camps have cafeterias and restaurants, but don’t plan on any variety between the camps. The menu is the same at each camp, with a range of only 10 or so dishes. Most visitors familiar with the park are self-catering in their lodges or at the picnic areas. Lodges in the private areas of the park and outside the park will cater food, often arranged in well-sheltered outdoor restaurants with open fireplace, and barbecue South African specialties such as wart hog sausage, springbok tenderloin and ostrich steak.

Alcohol cannot be brought into the park. Take away alcohol cannot be bought from the park shops, unless you are staying in the park. The camp restaurants and bars sell beer, wine and spirits.The bars in camp aren’t crowded of an evening with people recalling tales of wildlife seen during the day. Generally, people aren’t visiting Kruger for the nightlife, and are more likely to spend the evening with a braai ready for an early start the following day.