Orpen Rest Camp

National Park Camps | Kruger National Park | South Africa Orpen Rest Camp, on the western border of the Kruger National Park, lies at the Orpen Gate, the gateway to the central regions of the park. The natural sweet grass of the area attracts grazing animals, which in turn attracts predators, such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards.

Need Advice?

Overview

Orpen Camp can be easily accessed from Hoedspruit and the airport next to town. The camp lies in an area where many of South Africa's top private game reserves are located.

Price Per Person Sharing From:

From: POA
Rating | Comfortable

Highlights & What to Expect

  • Honey badgers, which are not often seen elsewhere, are abundant and often visit Orpen at night.
  • The small camp offers some of the best national park accommodations in Kruger.
  • The drive from Orpen to Satara is usually one of Kruger's most productive game-viewing experiences for sighting frequency and species diversity.
  • A feature you will find compelling is the floodlit waterhole that borders camp - a great spot to enjoy wildlife sightings while in camp.
  • The Orpen webcam, accessed via the official South African National Parks website, has a substantial following because of the incredible sightings in the area.

Location & Setting

Orpen is located in the dry open pans of the central Kruger National Park. The region is known for its large animal concentrations. The camp is shaded by tall maroela and acacia trees and features rock gardens dotted with Aloe. Rabelais Dam near camp is an exceptional spot for bird watching and sundowner drinks.

Rooms

The camp is one of the smallest in Kruger and offers two or three beds. When booking a safari with Arican Sky, you will always stay in rooms with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. In the author's opinion, it is one of the best, if not the best, of Kruger's rest camps for the quality of accommodation and wildlife sightings.

Facilities

Facilities include a restaurant, well-stocked store, swimming pool, and cafeteria. Activities include game drives, both during the day and at night, and game walks, all guided by experienced field guides. The watering hole, just outside the fence of Orpen Rest Camp, allows guests to observe animals quench their thirst.

Amenities

Rooms

15

Bar

Restaurant

Swimming Pool

Wifi

Activities

Game Drives

Bush Dining

Bird Watching

Bush Walks

Stargazing

Bush Picnics

Night Drives