Olifants Main Camp

Olifants visitors will be exposed to an unforgettable window of Africa. The camp is situated on top of a hill towering several hundred feet over the river of the same name. Views from the lookout platforms allow a person to observe the river below just like what a soaring eagle must see. The camp is warm and becoming and will win many staunch supporters.

The Olifants area plays host to most of the park’s classic larger game. As the name of the camp suggests, elephant are common in the area. Baboon and Vervet Monkey both inhabit the camp as do fruit bats and thick-tailed bush babies at night. Lion and leopard are regularly seen on game drives. The Cape Clawless Otter has been seen from the Olifants lookout point on the gravel road to Letaba.

Two birds to look out for on the Olifants River are White-fronted and White-crowned Plover, both of which can be seen in the riverbed. The bridges on the main tarred road and at Balule are the places to look for these species. Search the riparian trees on the Olifants River near Balule for the Pel’s Fishing Owl. It is occasionally seen on night drives from the low level bridge here, while it has also been seen infrequently from the high level bridge on the main tar road.

Olifants is situated in rugged veld on rhyolite / basalt soil. Lowveld cluster-leaf, Raisin Bush and Mopane are all prominent in the area. Just south of the river is the transition zone between thornveld and the mopane belt. Visitors can thus have the enriching experience of game viewing in both ecozones. In the camp itself there is a plethora of trees and plants, some that are scarce elsewhere in the park. A variety of aloe species are a real highlight. Next to the filling station there is a Sesame Bush. This is probably the only accessible place in the park where it can be seen.In early spring the Sjambok Pod (yellow flowers) and Weeping Boerboon (red flowers) are both in bloom so the veld is a contrast of colour. Also look out for tree euphorbia.

Accommodation at Olifants

Guest Houses

Nshawu
Lebombo

8 beds and are situated in an exclusive location with a wonderful view. Both are fully equipped, with four 2-bed bedrooms (ask if you would like a double bed), en-suite bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, dining room, several lookout decks and television.

Bungalows

2, 3 or 4 bed units, equipped with ablutions (most with showers, but some with baths) and all units with air-conditioning. Some units have kitchenettes while others have communal kitchens. Some are located on the perimeter edge with a wonderful vista of the river below.

Day visitors

Olifants has a designated picnic area for day visitors. It is located behind the camp’s reception offices. Clear signage in the camp will direct you. Gas cooking facilities are available for rent.

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Facilities

ATM at Letaba (30 km away)
Basic First Aid Assistance
Communal Kitchens
Curio / grocery Shop (Soon to be extended)
Cutlery and Plates Hamper
Emergency Road Service (at Letaba 32 km north)
Forex
Laundromat
Light meals and take-away from restaurant
Petrol Station
Picnic Facilities - with cadac gas barbeques for rent
Post Box
Public telephones.
Cell / Mobile phone coverage
Ndlovu Restaurant (elephant)
- The 80 seater restaurant is situated to the right of the view point and our dedicated chefs prepare traditional South African cuisine in black cast iron pots from the buffet. There is always plenty to choose from, but remember to leave space for our freshly baked desserts and fresh fruits and salads.

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Activities

Morning, Sunset and Night Drives
Morning and Day Walks
Guided Bush Walks and Drives (in the company of trained field guides)
Picnic Sites in Kruger National Park
Olifants River Back-pack Trail: (New product)
- The Olifants River Back Pack Trail starts from Olifants Camp. The trail stretches over 4 days and 3 nights and covers approximately 42 km.
Mountain Bike Trails (New product - Morning, Afternoon and Full day)
- The procedure for MTB Trails is very similar to the guided bush walks. There is place for a maximum of 6 participants per trail. Two qualified and armed field guides will lead the trails. Olifants Camp will supply the mountain bikes. Backpacks, water bottles, bicycle helmets and snacks will also be provided. A full bush interpretation will be done on the trail (interesting nature signs and wild life sightings).
Astronomy (Stargazing)- Presentations of the southern hemisphere skies and African star lore, followed by night sky viewing through a large telescope, are combined with sunset and night game drives from Olifants Rest Camp to a remote site on the river bank where the telescope is set up for the evening.

These activities will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings as well as further details for these activities are available from reception.

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Extra Information

Plan your trip – do not try and cover too great a distance. Kruger is a massive tract of land and frequently visitors try to cover too much ground. Slow travel and regular stopping produces much more action than covering a lot of ground.
Early mornings and evening time are usually the most productive game viewing periods.
Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites.
Do not leave any food unattended, as thieving monkeys and baboons are a constant threat.
The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar and 40 km/h on gravel.
Visitors are not permitted to leave their vehicle other than at designated get out points and rest camps.
Pets are not permitted in a national park.
Firearms must be declared at the entrance gate and sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
Open vehicles must obtain the necessary permit.
Feeding of the animals is strictly prohibited for yours and the animal’s safety and well-being.
Kruger is a malaria zone. See Malaria Map / Info for further details.

Climate
Kruger Park lies in a summer rainfall area with possible downpours occuring later in the day. The summer months (October to April) are hot. Winter’s are warm and mild, with very cool evenings.

Gate Hours

Gate Times	Nov-Jan	Feb	Mar & Oct	Apr	May-July	Aug-Sept
Park Gates Open	05:30	05:30	05:30	06:00	06:00	06:00
Camp Gates Open	04:30	05:30	05:30	06:00	06:00	06:00
Park& Camp Gates Close	18:30	18:30	18:00	17:30	17:30	18:00