Orpen Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, SANParks

Orpen Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, SANParks

Description

“Home of the graceful flyer”

Orpen Rest Camp is situated centrally on the western border of the Kruger National Park. It is a small camp that derived its name from the surname of the donor of the land, Eileen Orpen. 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 close encounters with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a natural environment. Wild dog, cheetah, zebra and giraffe are also indigenous to this area, a paradise for the wildlife enthusiast.

Accommodation

Bungalows

• 6 x 2-bed units, (single beds) fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms (showers, no baths) and air-conditioner. Bungalows each have an open air kitchen with cooker top, combined fridge/freezer and fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and utensils.

Guest Cottages

• 3 x 6-bed units with two bedrooms (3 single beds in each) and air-conditioning. One bedroom has an en-suite bathroom (bath, WC and wash basin), and there is a separate WC, shower and wash basin for communal use. All units have fully equipped kitchenettes (fridge/freezer combination, sink, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery) and has an outside veranda that serves as lounge.

Vital Information

Warnings

Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures but without knowledge some of them could be dangerous:

• Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions, Malaria Zone

If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH.

Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive!

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.

Filling Stations

There is a filling station at Orpen which only accepts petro cards (garage cards) and cash for filling fuel.

* Please note there is no restaurant.

Attractions

Bundu Trail (pre-booked overnight activity)
• Timbavati Picnic Site (located about 55 km outside the camp)
• Ratel Pan Bird Hide (located about 58 km outside the camp)

Kruger: Guided Walks

Daily early morning and afternoon guided walks are available from most camps. Up to eight guests are taken to interesting places in the surrounding wilderness areas adjacent to most of the camps. The walk itself is relaxed and experienced and armed guides use their knowledge of the bush to explain natural wonders.

Trained field guides with backup rifles take groups of up to 8 people out into the bush for a few hours. Track rhino, elephant and lion on foot and learn and observe fascinating facts about the African bush. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, clothing applicable to the prevailing weather conditions and bring their own cameras and/or binoculars. No children under 13 allowed. Accommodation must be booked for the previous night at the camp. Form more information, contact the camp reception.

Kruger Game Drives

Sunset drives

This activity leaves before the sun sets and gets back once the sky is dark. Experienced guides drive the groups. Inquire at the reservations offices or at the camp you are staying in, about going on this drive.

Night Drives

Take part in the nocturnal activities of Kruger's secretive creatures. Experienced guides drive the groups. Inquire at the reservations offices or at the camp you are staying in, about going on this drive. The sunset drive departs at 17:00 and lasts at least 3 hours.

Morning drives

Leave at around 04.30 in summer and 05.30 in winter. Clients are to confirm with Reception the previous night when they book in to their accommodation. As per day walks, accommodation must be booked for the previous night at the camp, as walks/drives leave before the gates open officially. The drive’s duration is 3-4 hours.

Facilities

Facilities

• Information at Reception
• Public Telephone
• Post Box
• Shop
• Laundromat
• Filling Station
• Communal Kitchens
• Communal Ablutions
• Swimming Pool
• Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception)
• Basic First Aid Assistance
• Day Visitors Picnic Area in camp
• Cell phone reception

Directions