Olifants Rest Camp

Overview

About Olifants Rest Camp

Perched high above the Olifants River in the central region, this camp is all about the view. From the lookout platforms and many units you can scan the river for hippos and crocodiles, watch raptors ride the thermals, and often spot elephants moving through the valley. It has a quieter, more local vibe than the busy southern camps—great if you want scenery and wildlife without the bustle.

Why stop

Hilltop setting with sweeping views over the Olifants River
Full-service camp: restaurant, shop, pool, laundry, and fuel stop
Guided morning/night drives and walking safaris bookable at reception

Heads up

Some bungalows are dated and can have minor maintenance quirks
Outdoor kitchens attract monkeys—food management is a must
Certain units get harsh afternoon sun; shower pressure can be low

Come for the views, stay for the river wildlife. If you want classic Kruger scenery with strong amenities and easy access to guided activities, Olifants delivers—even if the bungalows aren’t brand‑new.

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Map

Where it is

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LodgingOlifants Rest Camp-24.00606, 31.74027

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Olifants Rest Camp

Request a river‑view or perimeter unit; they’re worth it for the outlook.
Avoid bungalows that face harsh afternoon sun if heat bothers you.
Secure all food and wash‑up gear—monkeys and baboons will test your setup.
Book guided walks and night drives at reception as early as you can.
Download maps and media before you arrive; coverage drops on the roads.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Wildlife and photography shine at dawn and dusk; plan drives around those windows.
Sunset from the restaurant terrace or camp lookouts is hard to beat.
Midday can be blistering on some unit terraces—request a river‑facing spot with kinder afternoon light if heat bothers you.
It’s generally less crowded here than the far‑south camps, but popular school‑holiday periods still fill up.

Stay & Facilities

Olifants is a large SANParks camp with around 104 thatched bungalows (capacity roughly 600), plus guest cottages and spacious guest houses. Most units have en‑suite bathrooms and kitchenettes; some rondavels have air‑conditioning. The camp’s practical lineup includes a restaurant with a river‑view terrace, a well‑stocked shop for self‑catering, swimming pool, laundromat, communal kitchens, a fuel station, basic first aid, and even a small TV hall with limited channels. There’s a day‑visitor picnic area and gas braais for rent if you’re just passing through.

A heads‑up on the standard bungalows: they’re functional but aging in places. Expect occasional niggles like lower shower pressure, outdoor fridges/kitchens that need monkey‑proofing, and hot afternoon sun on certain terraces.

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Kruger Tour Guide

Your drive to Olifants Rest Camp, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Kruger National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Kruger audio tour

Recorded for this place

Olifants Rest Camp: Views and Wildlife from Above

Listen

“You're heading toward Olifants Rest Camp, which is famous for its location high on a cliff overlooking the Olifants River.”

Plays as you drive up to Olifants Rest Camp in the Parkwolf Kruger Tour Guide.

More about Olifants Rest Camp

Wildlife & BirdingThe river corridor is a magnet for wildlife.

The river corridor is a magnet for wildlife. Elephants are common (the camp’s namesake), and you can often see hippos and crocodiles without leaving camp. Predators like lions and leopards work the area, and primates (baboons, vervets) are around camp. Birders do well here too—owls, storks, eagles, and a good spread of Lowveld species patrol the river and hill slopes.

ActivitiesGuided morning and night game drives with experienced field guides

Guided morning and night game drives with experienced field guides
Guided bush walks and the pre‑booked Olifants Wilderness Trail
Occasional bush braais/breakfasts (book via reception)
Easy self‑drive access to productive river loops and central road networks

Dining & SuppliesThe on‑site restaurant serves breakfast through dinner with knockout river views—time a drink…

The on‑site restaurant serves breakfast through dinner with knockout river views—time a drink at sunset. The camp shop is solid for braai supplies, fresh items, and basics, so self‑caterers are covered.

Getting ThereClosest access is Phalaborwa Gate.

Closest access is Phalaborwa Gate. From there it’s an approximately 83 km drive inside the park (plan on about three hours without long sighting stops). It’s a long day’s haul from Johannesburg.

What Could Be BetterExpect a few rough edges: some rondavels show their age, outdoor kitchens require vigilance…

Expect a few rough edges: some rondavels show their age, outdoor kitchens require vigilance against monkeys, and the pool can run very warm in peak summer. None of it spoils the overall experience, but it’s worth setting expectations.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Kruger

All Kruger wildlife maps

1,312 sightingsLionMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

727 sightingsLeopardMost seen around 5 AMSighting map

2,403 sightingsElephantMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

425 sightingsWhite RhinocerosMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

547 sightingsBuffaloMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

502 sightingsWild DogMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kruger. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.