Have you spotted the Big Six?
The big five mammal species are generally a must-see for tourists to Kruger National Park, but fewer people are aware of the big six. These are six bird species that have been selected for a number of reasons, including the desirability of a sighting, their restricted range and their rarity. The birds are all readily recognised. Read More in our Africa bird guide
Kruger Park History
This is a collection of articles on the history of Kruger National Park in South Africa. This Kruger National Park history guide includes the history of early man and the people and events of the establishment of Kruger Park. Read more about Kruger Park history
Mopani Rest Camp is the newest of all the Kruger Park rest camps and commands a spectacular view over the Pioneer Dam.
Completed in 1992, Mopani Camp is the newest of all the rest camp accommodation and lodging in Kruger National Park. Inside Mopani Camp indigenous vegetation has been left largely untouched, while newly planted trees have been laid out along the camp's tarred roads.
Mopani Rest Camp takes its name from the mopane trees that are so prevalent on the surrounding plains. In autumn, the butterfly-shaped leaves change to striking hues before falling off in September and October.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the thatched buildings, with their rock-faced walls, and surrounding paving, blend into the bushveld environment. All the buildings are built from natural materials such as rough stone, wood and thatching-grass, which blends them in beautifully with the environment.
Getting There
Where is Mopani Rest Camp?
Mopani Rest Camp is located in the northern section of Kruger National Park.
What is the closest Kruger Park entry gate to Mopani Rest Camp?
Phalaborwa Gate is 74 km away from Mopani Rest Camp.
What is the closest airport to Mopani Rest Camp?
Phalaborwa Kruger Park Gateway Airport lies just 4 kilometres from the Phalaborwa entrance gate.
How long does it take to drive to Mopani Rest Camp from Johannesburg?
It takes between 7 and 8 hours to drive from Johannesburg to Mopani Rest Camp. Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane.
What are the GPS coordinates of Mopani Rest Camp?
-23.52163, 31.39703
Facilities
At Mopani Rest Camp, guests can enjoy the sparkling swimming pool on a hot day.
Facilities at Mopani Rest Camp include a restaurant and bar, self-service and takeaways at the cafeteria, a petrol (gas) station, a laundromat and irons, a shop, an information centre and braai (barbecue) facilities.
Guests can also enjoy game viewing from the unique sleepover hide.
Mopani Restcamp provides a conference venue in the centre of the world-renowned safari attraction in the Kruger National Park. Breakaway rooms can accommodate up to 150 people, while the main hall can accommodate up to 300.
What facilities does Mopani Rest Camp have?
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephones
- Swimming pool
- Post Box
- Basic First Aid Assistance
- Restaurant
- Ladies Bar
- Cafeteria/Coffee Shop
- Shop
- Emergency Road Service*
- Petrol Station
- Laundromat
- DSTV Only Available in Guest Houses
- Conference Capacity
- Picnic Facilities
Accommodation
Where can I stay at Mopani Rest Camp?
There are 4 types of accommodation in Kruger National Park: the top of the range Xaxanetsi Guesthouse, spacious 3-bedroom cottages, luxury double bedroom guest cottages and small single bedroom bungalows.
Mopani Rest Camp also boasts a unique sleepover hide from their accommodation in Kruger National Park.
The hide features 6 fold-down beds, an eco-toilet, and a small boma with barbeque facilities to enhance the Kruger Park nightlife.
Accommodation Types
- Bungalow
- Cottages
- Guest Cottages
- Xanatseni Guest House
See more on Mopani accommodation
Dining
Where can I eat at Mopani Rest Camp?
Guest visiting Mopani Rest Camp can cook their own meals as the accommodation has kitchens.
Mopani Rest Camp offers a variety of dining experiences for visitors. Mpila Restaurant serves delicious meals, with a stunning view over Pioneer Dam. Additionally, the camp features a cafeteria where guests can grab a quick bite or enjoy a meal on the go.
For those who prefer outdoor cooking, designated picnic areas are available for braais (barbecues), ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for day visitors.
Wildlife
What wildlife can I see around Mopani Rest Camp?
The dense mopane veld around Mopani Rest Camp has an unfair reputation for being a poor game area. In truth, there is very little that cannot be seen in this habitat. A person can simply sit at the lookout point in the camp or the nearby balcony of the ladies' bar.
Here you will be treated to a constant stream of animals such as hippo, waterbuck, impala, warthog, elephant, buffalo and even lion.
The Tropic of Capricorn loop and the Nshawu pans are an excellent area to see African wildlife as there are some open plains that host species such as Blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, buffalo and the rarer Tsessebe.
Black-backed jackal and caracal are some of the smaller, more unusual species to look out for on your Kruger National Park vacation.
Activities
What activities can I do at Mopani Rest Camp?
Mopani Rest Camp offers excellent wildlife viewing, with diverse game visible right from the camp.
Pioneer Dam attracts many waterbirds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.
The camp also holds historical and archaeological significance, adding to its appeal.
For a unique experience, visitors can stay overnight in a game viewing hide, observing nocturnal animals up close.
Guided game drives and bushwalks led by experienced trackers provide thrilling encounters with the wildlife in the area.
See more Mopani activities
History of Mopani Rest Camp
Visitors have the unique opportunity of taking guided tours and day trips to the Shilowa heritage sites, which lie right on the Tropic of Capricorn along the Kruger National Park's eastern boundary.
The so-called First Site traces a history of human occupation of the period between 1200 AD and 1600 AD. Archaeologists were guided to the site by the change in the grass species, symptomatic of an alteration in the chemical composition of the soil caused by the 2-metre deep ash deposits in the area.
The second site dates back to the late 1700s when the Pedi inhabited the area. Chief Shilowa, who owed allegiance to the Tsonga chief Gugunyane, led an attack around 1800, driving the Pedi out. It is commonly believed that the Tsonga moved in to take over the site, due to its well-situated water supply and ready access to trade routes.
As the 19th century wore on, African tribes expanded their trade in copper, iron, ivory and gold, exchanging goods with the Voortrekkers, traders, hunters and fortune seekers that began to move into the area.
