One of a handful of rest camps that double as entrance gates into the Kruger Park, Orpen is popular and well-situated in an area populated with a variety of wildlife. It's also particularly convenient for visitors coming from Johannesburg looking to explore the central region of the park. Named after the land donor Eileen Orpen, it's also a reasonably small camp, with just 6 two-bed units and 3 six-bed units available. Despite this, Orpen offers a wide selection of facilities available to guests and day visitors, including a well-stocked shop, Laundromat, post box and swimming pool.

There are also two satellite camps with administrative bases at Orpen, Tamboti Tented Camp and Marula Camping Area, both of which offer serene fixed and informal camping experiences, respectively. As a result, however, roads can become busy during peak periods, and it always pays get an early start.

There is also a great web cam located at the waterhole just outside the camp, which beams regular images around the world via the SAN Parks website (see our links page - details below)

Orpen Game Viewing

The area surrounding Orpen offers beautiful grassland plains punctuated by a wide selection of trees, which attract a variety of browsers and grazers. And as a result, predators are never far behind - cheetah, lion and leopard may be sighted within a few minutes from the camp, and the rare wild dog is known to roam the area.

Common in the area: Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Giraffe, general plains animals >

If you are lucky you may see: Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, White Rhino

Lower Sabie Accommodation

Orpen is a relatively small camp, and because of this and its position in a prime game viewing area, availability is always at a premium. Check Orpen accommodation types, pricing and availability, and then make your online bookings using the SAN Parks booking engine. The South African National Parks has an excellent section on accessible travel.

Orpen Facilities and Activities

Communication: Cell phone reception, post box, public telephone

Shops / Restaurants: Fully equipped shop

Services: Basic First Aid Assistance

Facilities: A filling station, swimming pool, laundromat

Day Visitors: There is a day visitor's centre near to the Camp

Wildlife activities Guided bush walks, Game drives. See Orpen facilities and outdoor activities.

Nearby picnic sites: Timbavati 53km/2hr 30min away (via S40), Mzandzeni 39km/1hr 30min away (via S36)

Nearby entrance gates: Orpen itself

Kruger Park Links:

To enhance your Kruger experience, go to our convenient links page for more Park services, accessibility information, forum, web cams, picture galleries, and fun.

Virtual Tour

Don't forget to take a look at our Virtual Tour of this camp by clicking the Multimedia Tab above