I’m in the Kruger National Park on assignment for Getaway visiting all the campsites, lodges and accommodation options in the park. It’s a big job, but by the end of it I’ll have a list of all them (see them all here: Kruger accommodation reviews) and, more importantly, an idea of what you can expect to find there in terms of accommodation, food, amenities, animals, mobile reception and highlights. The northern region of the park has few large camps, but quite a number of smaller, bushveld camps. Mopani Rest Camp is therefore the perfect place from which to explore this region.
Mopani Rest Camp
Mopani Rest Camp is one of the largest camps in the north, yet it doesn’t feel this way at all. The bungalows are positioned with lots of vegetation in between, so the bush hasn’t been compromised as much in the construction process. This creates the sense of being constantly surrounded by nature. The intimate feel of the camp is further enhanced by the fact that Mopani has two satellite camps, thereby dispersing the guests and giving everyone their own little spot in the veld.
The front of one of the bungalows at Mopani Rest Camp. They’re ideal for groups of four two six people.
The accommodation at Mopani Rest Camp
At Mopani itself you’ll find only self-catering bungalows. These feel more like houses than chalets as they have a more elongated shape and they’re generally bigger than the round chalets of the other Kruger camps. Made out stone and covered with thatch, the bungalows sleep either four or six people and all of them have kitchens.
Boulders Bushveld Camp is one of the satellite camps. It lies about 17km to the south of Mopani and is ideal for large groups. The camp must be booked out as a whole and sleeps 12 people. There’s a large lapa, kitchen and braai area where the group can make, and enjoy, meals together.
Mopani’s other satellite camp is Tsendze Rustic Campsite and it’s exactly what the name suggests. Made up of 34 campsites, these camping grounds have no electricity and only some of the spots have shades. The campsite lays 7km from Mopani.
The bungalows are surrounded be bush, so that you’re always surrounded by natural elements.
The best spots
Due to all the natural vegetation found inside Mopani Rest Camp, you won’t notice the difference between perimeter bungalows and those more to the center of the camp as much as you would at the other rest camps. That is because there’s a large patch of undisturbed bush right in the middle of the rest camp so most of the bungalows have dense bush to look out on. Bungalows 86-102 are the closest to the swimming pool.
If you’re camping, you have to request your campsite when booking, otherwise you get allocated a spot and it might not be to your liking. Your options include campsites with a shade and campsites on the perimeter. There is no river or dam to look out to, so perimeter spots merely implies that you’ll have the bush as a front garden instead of your neighbour’s washing.
The main bedroom of a bungalow at Mopani Rest Camp
The animals
All the members of the Big 5 are present in the area surrounding Mopani, but, as you’d expect from the northern regions, you’ll find much fewer of these animals around here than you would further south. That shouldn’t discourage you though, as there are regular sightings of lion and leopard on the surrounding roads. You just have to look for them. Buffalo and elephant are often seen and you’ll spot large herds of wildebeest and zebra around the waterholes in the area.
The baobab tree inside the rest camp. It’s happily surrounded by a large patch of natural bush.
The food
Dining at Mopani is a treat as the menu here differs from the other camps of the Kruger. The restaurant is called Tindlovo and they have a separate breakfast menu (07:00 – 11:00) and lunch & dinner menu. The food is beautifully presented and ranges from pizzas, burgers (and double burgers) and sandwiches to waffles, wraps and a wide selection of salads. You can choose to dine on the deck overlooking the dam, the more sheltered deck opposite the shop, or the dining room, which has large windows and beautiful views. The shop stocks all the necessities to braai up a storm as well, so don’t let the nice restaurant keep you from your chops and steak.
The safari room is a separate part of the restaurant and the outside deck has beautiful views of the dam below. The food at the restaurant is beautifully presented.
Highlights
Bird lovers can make a morning out of bird hide hopping. Along the S142 you’ll find for the Pioneer Bird Hide and the Shipandane Bird Hide, only 2km apart and each overlooking a different stretch of water. The Shipandane Hide is truly special in that it has foldout beds, a bathroom and braai area, so you can arrange to spend one of your nights here, truly immersing yourself in the bush.
The camp itself has a short walking trail that runs along the fence, which, in turn, runs along the Pioneer Dam – wonderful for a relaxed afternoon amble.
In the middle of the patch of vegetation found in the center of the camp, there’s a giant baobab tree. Walk along one of the narrow paths and sit on a bench under the tree of life or read about all the animals that make a baobab their home on the sign.
One of the lookout points where you can enjoy the quiet and watch for water birds.
Getting there
The closest gate to Mopani Rest Camp is the Phalaborwa Gate. It is about 70km from the gate if you take the H14.
The dining room has a very romantic feel and is ideal for evening dining.
This is the public picnic area at Mopani Rest Camp. It’s not as nice as some of the other camps, but you’ll find all the same amenities.
Nitty gritty
ATMs: No
Credit card facilities: Yes
Mobile reception: Great
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