Even though early November is less popular than winter (it will be hot and may have started raining), the more popular locations (south and central) can still sell out quickly in the National Park rest camps. As I understand it, accommodation opens for booking 10-11 months out, on the first day of the month, so for November 2018 bookings will open 1 January 2018.
Originally Posted by
invisible
Considering that budget is no more $100/night for two with all taxes and fees, I'd assume that public rest camps are the only options.
Yes unfortunately that budget will be incredibly tight, even for NP rest camps. With conservation fees (assuming non-southern African) of $20-25 per person per day, you may only be able to afford the shared kitchen, shared bathroom 'huts'. Note that, when staying within Kruger NP you pay conservation fees per night (your last night's conservation fee covers the day you leave the park), which helps! You also mention a group travelling. The number of family cottages and guest houses are small, so book early, but you might get much better accommodation standards if you share the cost. And by self-catering you can save some money. Roodewal is probably more than you want to pay, but it is a camp you book in its entirety. The cottages have some great advantages like the ones with amazing views at Oliphants or Fish Eagle at Letaba which has its own private bird hide. If you are willing to 'rough it' and be self sufficient, two bird hides are available to hire overnight (Sable Dam and Shipandani) at a very good cost because of the limited facilities, but you need to get up very early to vacate for day visitors. The sanparks forum has loads of information on the rest camps and accommodation types.