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Olifants Rest Camp
Olifants Rest Camp is one of the main rest camps of Kruger National Park (KNP) which is located in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The camp is situated in the middle section of the park close to the Mozambique border in the east. Phalaborwa entrance gate is the closest gate to the camp.
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow (BG2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2100 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, Communal Kitchen – Fridge
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp
Bungalow (BD2)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2295 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, Hotplate, Sink, Fridge
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow - Perimeter (NG2U)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2495 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Communal Kitchen, Utensils, Perimeter View
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow - River View (NG2V)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2495 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Communal Kitchen, Utensils, River View
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow - Perimeter (BD2U)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2795 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils Perimeter View
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
2 Sleeper - Bungalow - Perimeter (BD2V)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2795 for 2 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils River View
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
3 Sleeper - Bungalow (BG3)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2495 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Communal Kitchen
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
3 Sleeper - Bungalow (BD3)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R2695 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
Bungalow - Perimeter (BD3U)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R3195 for 3 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, Air-conditioned, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils Perimeter View
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
4 Sleeper - Nkambako Guest House(FQ4)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R4295 for 4 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, Kitchen
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
4 Sleeper - Guest Cottage (GA4)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R4295 for 4 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, Kitchen open to veranda, Lounge
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
8 Sleeper - Lebombo Guest House (GEG)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R8,999 for 8 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 4 bedrooms with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, dining room & kitchen – DSTV (Limited Channels) – Kitchen
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Olifants Rest Camp - Self Catering
8 Sleeper - Nshawu Guest House (GNG)
| Date Range | Rate |
| 2023 – 2024 | R8,999 for 8 persons |
Rates quoted per night.
Include: Self catering, restaurant and shop onsite, En-suite, 4 bedrooms with 2 single beds, Airconditioned, dining room & kitchen – DSTV (Limited Channels) – Kitchen
Exclude: Daily Conservation fees, all safari drives, all meals
Overview
Olifants has been described as the window of Africa as the camp is located on the top of a hill that towers several hundred metre over the Olifants river, near the river’s confluence with the Letaba River. Relaxing on the lookout platform in the camp, allows you to view the river far below, similar to what a soaring eagle would see as it hunts from the skies.
The camp is located between two ecozones which allows for an enriching experience of game viewing. South of the river is the transition zone between thornveld and the mopane belt. The camp itself is in the rugged veld on basalt soil. Prominent trees in the area is the Lowveld cluster-leaf, Raisin Bush and Mopane.
In the camp perimeter there is an abundance of trees and plants, of which some are not found elsewhere in the park. A variety of aloe species can be seen as well as a Sesame Bush. Olifants is probably the only accessible place in the park where this bush can be seen. Come springtime the yellow flowers of the Sjambok Pod and the red flowers of the Weeping Boerboon attract many birds and insects to their colourful display.
Staying in any of the camps of the KNP is a top experience where you can be guaranteed to see the Big 5. It is one of the more affordable safari vacations that you can book in South Africa.
The camp offers a variety of accommodation to choose from and it also has a designated day visitor area where day visitors and visitors from other camps can braai (barbecue) and picnic.
Booking accommodation can be done online via the SANParks website, telephone, fax, e-mail or in person at a KNP bookings office.
Where is Olifants located?
Olifants is located on the eastern border in the middle of the KNP, about 83 km from the Phalaborwa entrance gate. The GPS coordinates for the camp is S 24 0′ 20″ E 31 44′ 25″.
How to get to Olifants
Travelling time from Johannesburg to the closest entrance gate at Phalaborwa by car is at least six to seven hours.
Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane and about 40 km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen. Drive through Tzaneen heading towards Phalaborwa and then the gate. Olifants Rest Camp is 83 km away from the gate and you need at least 3 hours to drive to the camp. If possible, give yourself more time as this is a prime game viewing area.
Gateway Airport in Phalaborwa is the closest airport to Olifants. The airport is situated about 3 km from the Phalaborwa entrance gate. There are daily scheduled flights between Gateway and the OR Tambo International Airport.
A map of KNP can be bought at the entrance gates or any of the camps in the park.
Be aware of the gate times for entering and departing from the park. It is as follows:
Entrance gates:
- January, February, November and December – gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:30
- March and October – gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:00.
- April, August, and September – gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.
- May, June, and July – gates open at 06:00 and close at 17:30.
Olifants’ gates open and close at the same times as the entrance gates, except for January, November and December when the camp gates open as early as 04:30.
What to do while staying at Olifants
There are many activities on offer at the camp that will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings, and further details for these activities are available from reception.
Besides the usual game drives and bush walks that is on offer right through KNP, Olifants also offer mountain bike trails which is a new and interesting way to experience the veld and the wildlife.
Game viewing and sightseeing is also possible directly from the shaded lookout platform in the camp. Guests have spotted hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants, various antelopes, zebra, and wildebeest at the river and have been privileged to see the occasional lion kill.
Morning or evening bush braais can be enjoyed while you experience that nightlife the park has to offer. There is nothing more rewarding than the warmth of a campfire while listening to the night sounds on a safari in KNP.
Some of the wildlife found on a trip to Olifants include lion, hyena, elephant, leopard, duiker, waterbuck, baboon, impala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and ostrich.
The following activities is on offer:
- Guided bush walks
- Game drives with trained field guides
- Bush Breakfast and Bush Braai
- Olifants Wilderness Trail which is a pre-booked overnight activity
- Olifants River back-pack trail
- Mountain bike trails
Various open vehicle safari operators are available to book a trip with. They offer affordable yet exclusive safari trips for singles, couples, families with children or small groups.
What to watch out for when staying at Olifants
Staying at Olifants is truly an exciting experience and guests will experience the flora and fauna that this area offers.
Because Olifants Camp is situated in a transitional zone where two distinct types of vegetation can be found, the area offers a wide range of wildlife. North, the Mopane trees provide cover for Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Elephant, while in the south you will find buffalo, giraffe and kudu.
Along the Olifants River there is an abundance of wildlife such as lion, leopard, crocodiles, hippopotamus, water buck, and many more. There is also many bird species such as owls, storks, egrets, and eagles.
Participating in guided games walks in this area is the perfect way to get up close to many of the animal species and to learn about the bush.
What type of accommodation does Olifants offer and what amenities/facilities are available at the camp?
Olifants provides a variety of accommodation types for singles, couples, and families with children.
Accommodation availability changes from day to day and all inquiries about general availability are subject to change without notice. Last minute reservations in less than 31 days prior to arrival date, are payable within 24 hours after receiving a confirmed provisional reservation via e-mail.
Your accommodation is only guaranteed once you receive a provisional reservation confirmation and to secure your reservation full pre-payment is required a.s.a.p.
Almost all accommodation at Olifants offer a panoramic view of the surrounding bushveld which allows you to spot wildlife from your veranda or a nearby viewing platform.
At Olifants the following accommodation types is available:
Bungalows
The 105 bungalows gives you quite a variety to choose from. There are 2, 3 or 4-bed air-conditioned units, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms with either a shower or a bath. Some of the units have a kitchenette while other make use of the communal kitchen. Not all have a view of the river below.
Two of the bungalows are 4-bed units in two bedrooms, equipped with two bathrooms of which the one is en-suite. They have a lounge and dining area, large veranda and outside braai facilities. The open plan kitchen has a cooker plate, fridge/freezer, sink, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. It has air-conditioning and a choice of a riverside view or not.
Guest Houses
There are two large luxury air-conditioned units in prime positions, with a river view and several lookout decks. Both have an equipped kitchen with a microwave ovens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. There is a lounge/dining room area, veranda and braai facilities.
Limited DSTV televisions are provided.
Nshawu guest house sleeps 8, in 4 bedrooms all with single beds. Lebombo guest house sleeps 8, with 4 bedrooms of which the one has a queen size bed with single beds in the other rooms.
All accommodation types provide linen, towels, and a braai facility.
At Olifants there is a conference venue seating 20 delegates, equipped with standard conference equipment, such as an overhead projector, video, slide projector, whiteboard and flip charts. Business delegates will enjoy this lodging in KNP with the conference facilities combined with safari opportunities.
Facilities
The following facilities are available:
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephone
- Post Box
- Restaurant
- Conference Facilities
- Cafeteria
- Shop
- Swimming pool
- Laundromat
- Filling Station
- Communal Kitchens
- Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception)
- Basic First Aid Assistance
- Day Visitors Picnic Area in camp with gas braais (barbeques) for rent
- DSTV (limited channels) only available in Guest Houses and in TV hall
- Cellphone reception
- No ATM facility
What do you need to know and bring for a safe and comfortable stay at the Olifants?
Plan properly for your stay at Olifants to make it a relaxed trip and stay. Bookings need to be done well in advance from your planned date of arrival. KNP is a popular game reserve and accommodation is not readily available, especially in the holiday season and during the winter months.
Olifants does not offer any bed and breakfast facilities and guests must bring their own food and drinks. Meals can be bought at the restaurant and the shop provides most items that will be needed on a daily basis.
Most parts of the KNP is situated well within a malaria area. This is much more than just an unpleasant illness but can be fatal if left untreated. Since it is being spread by mosquitoes, the best way to avoid getting sick is to prevent the mosquitos to bite you.
You can avoid mosquito bites if you take the necessary steps, such as wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening, using a reputable kind of insect repellent.
The best way to totally avoid a malaria scare is to get the necessary preventative medication prescribed by your doctor before journeying into the African bush.
Although it is basically impossible for larger, more dangerous animals to enter the camp, it is best to always be alert. Nocturnal animals like the civet, porcupines, and others are frequent visitors.
Ensure your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many unusual and dangerous creatures, such as bats, spiders, snakes, scorpions, to mention but a few, and without knowledge some of them could be dangerous.
If you must walk around at night, please do not do so without a torch. Although there is streetlights, it is not very bright and only along the footpaths.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to feed the animals. By feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become lazy and do not seek for food themselves which can cause them to starve. Some also become aggressive.
When to visit Olifants
The best time of the year to make your trip to Olifants in the KNP is either early spring or late autumn. Kruger is a summer rainfall area and such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours.
The hot summer months from October to April can make any safari tour unpleasant. Fortunately, Olifants does come with swimming pool where overnight visitors can cool down in.
The winters are warm and mild during the day and can sometimes be quite cold at night. If you are planning a trip to KNP in the winter that include a night-drive be sure to pack warm clothing that include a warm jacket, beanie, scarf and gloves.
Even animals sometimes shy away from the heat. During the summer months they tend to look for shade during the hottest time of the day and is not always easy to spot, especially since the bush is very dense.
During the winter months, wildlife tend to stay in the vicinity of water sources and can often be seen at the watering holes, rivers and dams. The bush is also less dense, and animals are spotted more easily than during the summer months.
FAQs
Where is Olifants located?
The Olifants camp is located in the middle of the park on the western border about 83 km from the Phalaborwa entrance gate in the KNP.
What to expect and look out for when staying at the Olifants camp.
There is various organised activities like morning, sunset or night game drives, mountain bike trails, and guided walks offered from Olifants camp as well as bush breakfasts and braais.
From the shaded lookout platform looking over the river you may see animals of all kinds, from elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lion, to antelope and smaller mammals of all kinds.
What facilities are provided at Olifants and what do you need to bring along?
All accommodation are equipped with linen and towels. Cooking utensils or crockery are provided. All you need to bring on your trip is your own food, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and torch.
The camp has a shop on the premises that provide basic everyday items and food. If you prefer you can buy your meals at the restaurant. There is cell phone signal at the camp, a petrol station, swimming pool and laundry facilities. Take note that there is not an ATM at the camp.
When is the best time to visit Olifants?
The best times of the year to stay at Olifants is during early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are mostly pleasant, and water is scarce in the veld, so more animals may come for a drink in the river.
What is the name of the river that flows past the Olifants Rest Camp?
The Olifants river flows Infront of the rest camp.
Can you camp in the Olifants Rest Camp?
No, there is on camp sites in the Olifants rest camp, the camp offers Chalets and Huts.
Is there a shop in the Olifants rest camp?
Yes, there is a fully stocked shop in the Olifants rest camp.
Are there Riverview chalets in the Olifants rest camp?
The best times of the year to stay at Olifants is during early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are mostly pleasant, and water is scarce in the veld, so more animals may come for a drink in the river.
Does Olifants rest camp have a swimming pool?
Yes, the camp has a swimming pool.
What is the closest gate to the Olifants rest camp?
The Phalaborwa gate is the closest entrance gate into the National Park to the Olifants rest camp.
