Reviewing the Olifants Rest Camp in Kruger National Park

Hey there! I’m currently on a mission to explore all the campsites, lodges, and places to stay in the magnificent Kruger National Park. It’s quite a big task, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. By the end of my journey, I’ll have a comprehensive list of all the incredible options available (check them out here: Kruger accommodation reviews). Plus, I’ll be able to give you a sneak peek into what you can expect in terms of accommodations, food, amenities, wildlife encounters, mobile reception, and the absolute highlights of each place. Awesome, right? Now, I’ve just arrived at my first destination in the northern part of the park – Olifants Rest Camp.

Welcome to Olifants Rest Camp!

Hey there! Let me tell you all about the incredible Olifants River and the amazing Olifants Rest Camp. It’s a pretty special place because the river actually separates central and northern Kruger. Cool, right?

Now, when you’re at the Olifants Rest Camp, everything revolves around this stunning river. It’s like the center of attention! The camp may be small, but it’s in a spot where three really cool types of vegetation come together: maroela, knobthorn acacia, and mopani veld. Talk about variety!

You know what’s even more awesome? The camp is on a hill, so it’s safe from any floods. Plus, being up there gives you the most breathtaking views! Seriously, I’ve never seen anything like it from inside a rest camp. It’s something you won’t want to miss.

Let me tell you, Olifants is the perfect place for couples wanting a peaceful and beautiful time in the bush. It’s the kind of place where you can really relax and soak up all the natural beauty around you.

Oof, let me tell you about these sweet little bungalows at Olifants. They’re all lined up in neat rows, so you won’t feel like you’re hiding from your neighbors.

What you’ll find at Olifants Rest Camp

Olifants Rest Camp only has these cute little self-catering chalets. They’re built in a round shape, just like all the other places in Kruger. And get this – they have a semi-circle patio with a table and chairs. How fancy is that? Some of the chalets even have mini kitchens right on the patio, while others share a kitchen and just have a fridge. But here’s the thing, those fridges aren’t secured in cages, so watch out for sneaky monkeys trying to steal your snacks. Oh, and guess what? Every chalet has its very own bathroom. However, there’s no swimming pool at Olifants.

If you’re in search of a campsite, I have just the spot for you – the satellite caravan site called Balule. It’s located about 8km from Olifants, accessible via a dirt road. One remarkable feature you’ll come across on your way to Balule is a historic bridge that crosses over the river. Unfortunately, the bridge has suffered damage from recent floods and is currently closed for restoration.

Camping at Balule is a unique experience that takes you back to simpler times. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and embrace the beauty of nature. However, it’s worth noting that Balule doesn’t offer electricity at any of its camping sites. So, be prepared to live without modern amenities and embrace the rustic charm of this campsite.

I’m inside a bungalow at Olifants Rest Camp. These beds have wide frames covered by duvets, so be careful not to bump your shins.

The greatest spots

This camp was designed to provide breathtaking views, and at Olifants, there are many chalets along the perimeter. However, not all of them are as close to the river as others. Bungalows 1-14 and 106-111 offer the most stunning river views. Other perimeter chalets include 16-24, which are situated high on a hill and provide a view of miles and miles of bushveld. Chalets 88-99 are located to the side of the river, where you can still catch a glimpse of it, albeit from a slightly farther distance.

When you stay at Olifants, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the river from the bungalows.

Discover the Diverse Wildlife at Olifants Rest Camp

Olifants Rest Camp is home to a wide range of animals thanks to its diverse vegetation. If you’re a bird enthusiast, this is the perfect place to spot birds of prey. Keep an eye out for vultures, Martial eagles, and bateleurs around mid-morning. You can also go for a walk and see the beautiful Pel’s fishing owls. During the winter, when the aloes are in bloom, you’ll have the chance to spot nectarine birds like sunbirds, as well as plenty of water birds near the rivers.

Did you know that one-third of the hippos in the park live in the Olifants and Letaba Rivers? That means you’re almost guaranteed to see these magnificent creatures lounging around. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles too – they’re quite common around here. As you explore the area, you’re likely to come across giraffes, kudus, and other grazers who love the lush vegetation near the rivers. And if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a pride of 12 lions. Just take a drive along the H1 heading north, and keep an eye out for grysboks along the way.

When you step inside the rest camp, you’re greeted with breathtaking views that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or evening, the viewpoint within the camp provides a stunning scene.

The food

At Olifants, you can dine while enjoying a panoramic view of the river. The restaurant’s outside deck is perched high on a hill, giving you a bird’s-eye view. They offer a variety of dishes on the menu, including delightful breakfasts, tasty sandwiches, mouth-watering grills, scrumptious pizzas, and juicy burgers. If you prefer, you can also order your meal to take away from their canteen. Although the shop here is small, it stocks all the essentials you need for a great braai. Many people opt for this option, especially in the evenings.

When I walked onto the large wooden deck of the restaurant, I was surprised to see that there were only a few tables and chairs. It was clear why they were all pushed to the edge.

Highlights

If you’re looking for breathtaking views, you won’t be disappointed at Olifants. There are several viewpoints that you should definitely visit. The most convenient one is located inside the camp. But if you’re up for a short trip, you can also check out Olifants Lookout, which is 7km from the camp, or N’wamanzi Lookout, which is 9km away. All three offer stunning panoramic views of the Olifants River.

Another must-see spot is the high level bridge that stretches across the Olifants River, about 6km south along the H1. This bridge is a staggering 300m long and stands high above the water. You can even stop your car in the middle of the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking view. Keep an eye out for birds as you admire the beauty around you.

At Olifants, the activities are truly unique. They have the usual drives, walks, and braais, but they also offer mountain bike rides and river walks. Whether you’re super fit or just looking for a casual stroll, there’s a walk for you. Take a leisurely walk along the Olifants, Letaba, or Timbavati Rivers and you’ll have the chance to see crocodiles and hippos up close. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.

Have you ever seen the magnificent high level bridge that stretches over the Olifants River? The view from up there is absolutely breathtaking.

So, how do you get to Olifants Rest Camp?

Well, Olifants is actually quite remote. It’s not easily accessible, but it’s definitely worth the journey. If you’re coming from Orpen Gate, it’s going to take you about 3 hours to drive there. And if you’re coming from the north, Phalaborwa Gate is your best bet, but it’s still about a 2.5-hour drive away.

When you step into the restaurant, you’ll notice a display that showcases a miniature version of the Olifants gorge. It’s a fascinating sight that adds to the ambience of the space.

Hey there! Let me tell you about Olifants, where you can spend a delightful day. Even though the picnic spot is on the smaller side, don’t worry, there are braais (barbecue grills) available for you to use, and plenty of shade where you can relax.

All the details you need

Now, let me fill you in on the important details:

• ATMs: Unfortunately, there are no ATMs at Olifants, so make sure you bring enough cash with you.
• Credit card facilities: Luckily, yes! Olifants accepts credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a load of cash.
• Mobile reception: Great news! You’ll have excellent mobile reception at Olifants, so you can stay connected if needed.