Orpen Main Rest Camp is situated in the central region on the western border of the Kruger National Park. It is a small main camp and serves as an entrance gate to the central region.
The scattered trees and wide-open plains covered by sweet grass attract many browsers; this in turn attracts the eye-catching cheetah, lion and leopard Well known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, Orpen offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience encounters with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a natural environment Wild dog, cheetah, zebra and giraffe are indigenous to this area, a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast.
General Information
Climate: Kruger is in a summer rainfall area. Such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often balmy. Winters are warm and mild, although visitors going on night-drives will require warm clothing.
Day Visitors: Orpen has a designated day visitor area where day visitors and visitors from other camps can braai (barbecue) and picnic. There are also picnic sites at Muzandzeni and Nhlanguleni southwest of the camp, and at Timbavati northeast of the camp, along the river of the same name. There is a shop, which caters for Tamboti and Marula visitors.
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Out of camp:
- Rabelais Hut
- Rabelais Pan
- Bobbejaan Krans
- Muzandzeni Picnic site
- Nhlanguleni Picnic Site
- Timbavati Picnic Site
- Ratel Pan Bird Hide
Game:The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for game viewing. On the drive from Orpen to Satara herds of zebra and wildebeest graze next to the road, while giraffe, impala, warthog and elephant are common. Turning off from this road to the Timbavati river northwards through pleasant scenery to Olifants camp lion, cheetah and leopard are likely to be seen.
Vegetation: Standing in the dry open plains of the central area, it is permeated with the unhurried restfulness so characteristic of the bushveld. In camp, tall acacias and marula trees share the grounds with red bush willows, while small rock gardens overgrown with aloes and Barberton daisies separate the huts.
Accommodation
Huts: There are twelve budget huts with 1 communal kitchen and ablution block. Guest Cottages: There are three 6-bed units.
Activities
- Morning and Night Game Drives
- Morning and Afternoon Bush Walks
- Bundu Trail Site
- Ratel Pan Bird Hide
Facilities
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephones
- Post Box
- Shop
- Basic First Aid Assistance
- Cutlery and Plates Hamper
- Petrol Station
- Laundromat
- Communal Kitchens
- Picnic Facilities
5 Things to Seek:
- Lion
- Black-backed Jackal
- Blue Wildebeest
- White-backed Vulture
- Lesser Black-winged Plover
Travel Routes and Times from JHB/PTA
Orpen Gate: Head towards Nelspruit on the N4, take the R540 Belfast turn off. At Lydenburg turn left on to the R36 heading north. 30kms before Hoedspruit turn right onto the R351 and head to the gate. Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip to the gate. Orpen Main Rest Camp is right at the gate.
