A Personal Review of Mopani Rest Camp in Kruger National Park
Hey there! I’m currently on a special mission to explore and evaluate all the awesome campsites, lodges, and accommodations available in Kruger National Park for Getaway. By the time I’m done, I’ll have a comprehensive list of all these fantastic places (check them out here: Kruger accommodation reviews). But more importantly, I’ll be able to give you a firsthand account of what to expect in terms of accommodation, food, amenities, wildlife, mobile reception, and highlights.
If you’re planning to visit the northern region of the park, where there aren’t many large campsites but plenty of smaller, picturesque bushveld camps, then Mopani Rest Camp is the perfect choice for you. Situated in this beautiful region, it offers a unique experience.
The Wonderful Mopani Rest Camp
Mopani Rest Camp is one of the biggest camps in the north, but you wouldn’t know it. The bungalows are strategically placed among the foliage, so the natural landscape remains undisturbed. This means you’re always surrounded by nature. What makes the camp even more special is that Mopani has two additional satellite camps, which means guests are spread out and can enjoy their own little piece of the wilderness.
You’ll love the bungalows at Mopani Rest Camp. They’re perfect for groups of four to six people.
The accommodation at Mopani Rest Camp
When you stay at Mopani, you’ll have the option of self-catering bungalows. These bungalows are more like houses, with their elongated shape and spaciousness. They’re larger than the round chalets you’ll find at other Kruger camps. Built with stone and thatch, the bungalows can accommodate either four or six people, and they all come with fully equipped kitchens.
If you’re looking for a camp that can accommodate larger groups, consider Boulders Bushveld Camp. Located about 17km south of Mopani, this camp is perfect for big gatherings. You’ll need to book the whole camp, as it sleeps 12 people. Boulders Bushveld Camp offers a spacious lapa, a well-equipped kitchen, and a braai area where your group can cook and enjoy meals together.
Imagine a campsite that takes you back to the basics, where nature is the star and simplicity is key. That’s what you’ll find at Tsendze Rustic Campsite, one of Mopani’s hidden gems.
Tucked away in the heart of nature, Tsendze offers 34 campsites that let you disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with the pure beauty of the wild. These sites are intentionally free from the distractions of electricity, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the untamed splendor that surrounds you.
As you settle into your campsite, you’ll notice that some spots are shaded, offering a cool reprieve from the African sun. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a book or share stories with fellow adventurers. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife passing by.
Tsendze is situated just 7km from Mopani, making it easily accessible while still feeling a world away. When you’re ready to venture out, you’ll find a variety of activities and attractions nearby to explore.
So if you’re looking for an authentic camping experience, where nature takes center stage and modern distractions fade away, Tsendze Rustic Campsite is the place for you. Come and discover the true beauty of the African wilderness.
When you stay in the bungalows at Mopani Rest Camp, you’ll always be surrounded by nature. The camp is nestled in the middle of a beautiful bush, so no matter where you are, you’ll have a stunning view.
Discovering the Best Spots
One of the great things about Mopani Rest Camp is that all the bungalows are surrounded by natural vegetation. Unlike other rest camps, where the bungalows on the perimeter might have a different view than those in the center, Mopani is different. The camp has a large, untouched patch of bush right in the middle. This means that most of the bungalows have dense, lush views of the bush. If you want to be close to the swimming pool, bungalows 86-102 are your best bet.
If you’re going camping, make sure you specify your preferences when you book your campsite. Otherwise, you might end up with a spot that doesn’t suit your needs. You can choose between campsites with shade or campsites on the edge. However, keep in mind that there isn’t a river or dam nearby to enjoy the view. So, if you opt for a spot on the edge, you’ll have the wilderness as your front yard instead of your neighbor’s laundry.
I want to tell you about the main bedroom of a bungalow at Mopani Rest Camp.
Let’s talk about the animals.
There are some amazing animals around the Mopani area. You might not find as many of the Big 5 here compared to the southern regions, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any to see. In fact, you can still catch a glimpse of lions and leopards on the roads nearby if you keep your eyes open. And don’t worry, you can also see buffalo and elephants quite often. If you’re lucky, you might even see large groups of wildebeest and zebra near the waterholes.
Inside the rest camp, you’ll find the baobab tree. It’s happily surrounded by a large patch of natural bush.
The delicious food
When you dine at Mopani, it’s a real treat because the menu here is different from the other camps in the Kruger. The restaurant is called Tindlovo and they have a separate menu for breakfast (from 7:00 to 11:00) and another one for lunch and dinner. You’ll be amazed by the beautifully presented dishes that range from pizzas, burgers (and double burgers), and sandwiches to waffles, wraps, and a wide variety of salads. You have the option to enjoy your meal on the deck with a view of the dam or on the more sheltered deck across from the shop. If you prefer, you can also dine in the dining room, which has large windows offering stunning views. And don’t worry, the shop has everything you need to have a great braai, so you can still enjoy your chops and steak.
In the restaurant, we have a special place called the safari room. It’s a separate part of the restaurant, and if you sit outside on the deck, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the dam below. I must say, the food at our restaurant is presented in such a beautiful way.
Here’s what you’ll love
If you’re a bird lover, you can have a great time bird hide hopping. Along the S142 road, there are two bird hides that you shouldn’t miss. The first one is called the Pioneer Bird Hide, and it’s truly amazing. And just 2 kilometers down the road, you’ll find the Shipandane Bird Hide. Both of these hides give you a different view of the water. The Shipandane Hide is particularly special because it has foldout beds, a bathroom, and a braai area. You can even spend a night here and really immerse yourself in the bush.
When you’re at the camp, be sure to take a stroll along the walking trail. The trail goes along the fence, which, by the way, is right next to the Pioneer Dam. It’s a lovely trail for a relaxed afternoon walk.
In the heart of the camp, there’s a massive baobab tree standing tall amidst a cluster of plants. Take a stroll down one of the narrow paths and find a cozy bench beneath this symbol of life. You can sit here and enjoy the tranquility or spend some time reading about the various creatures that call the baobab their home on the nearby sign.
Welcome to one of the best spots to experience tranquility and observe beautiful water birds. You’ll love this lookout point!
How to get there
The Phalaborwa Gate is the closest entrance to the Mopani Rest Camp. Just take the H14 and you’ll be at the gate in about 70km.
I absolutely love the dining room – it has such a romantic vibe, especially when you’re there for a cozy dinner in the evening.
Welcome to the public picnic area at Mopani Rest Camp! It may not be as fancy as some of the other camps, but don’t worry, you’ll still have everything you need.
Here are the important details:
ATMs: Unfortunately, there are no ATMs available here. You’ll need to make sure you have enough cash before you arrive.
Credit card facilities: Good news! You can use your credit card to pay for any purchases or services you need during your stay.
Mobile reception: You’ll be happy to know that the mobile reception here is excellent. So you can stay connected and easily share your amazing experiences with friends and family.
