Orpen, Tamboti & Maroela rest camps
Accommodation type: Bungalows, guest cottages, safari tents, campsites
Location: Central Kruger National Park
Nearest Kruger gate: Orpen Gate (1km)
Nearest town: Hoedspruit (71km)
Food: Self-catering (shop on-site)
Budget: $-$$
Perfect for… Tranquil habitats & ease of access to central Kruger
About Orpen, Tamboti & Maroela rest camps
Orpen rest camp, along with neighbouring Tamboti and Maroela, are a trio of camps in close proximity to each other and that are located just inside the Orpen Gate to the west of Satara. The camps have a lovely, quiet feel to them although the facilities are subsequently a little more basic too. The nearest town outside the park is Hoedspruit, which is just over an hour’s drive away.
The location of these camps gives immediate access to some outstanding game viewing areas within the park, with large herds of herbivores congregating in the nearby plains and predators following them.
The slightly more limited road network in the immediate area means you have to travel a bit further to see more variety of landscapes, but it is not too far to reach the brilliant Satara region, making it ideal for a shorter stay.
Orpen is a smaller rest camp with only modest sized shop and no restaurant. It hosts a small number of bungalows and cottages, while safari tents and camping are in nearby Tamboti and Maroela rest camps respectively – see below for more information on these satellite camps.
Facilities & services
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Gas station
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Swimming pool
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Shop
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Laundromat
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Morning game drives available
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Night game drives available
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Guided bush walks available
Types of accommodation
Orpen rest camp is a small camp with a selection of bungalows and cottages.
Bungalows
6 x 2-bed units, (single beds) fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms (showers, no baths) and air-conditioner. Bungalows each have an open-air kitchen with cooker top, combined fridge/freezer and fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and utensils.
(Unit codes BD2)
Guest Cottages
3 x 6-bed units with two bedrooms (3 single beds in each) and air-conditioning. One bedroom has an en-suite bathroom (bath, WC and wash basin), and there is a separate WC, shower and wash basin for communal use. All units have fully equipped kitchenettes (fridge/freezer combination, sink, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery) and has an outside veranda that serves as lounge.
(Unit codes GC6)
Satellite camp site: Tamboti tented camp
Satellite camp site: Maroela campsite
Maroela is a small camp situated on the banks of the Timbavati River, approximately 2km east of Orpen Rest Camp.
This camp is one of only two camps in the Park that exclusively caters for guests with caravans and for campers. There are no other pre-erected accommodation structures in this camp. Close to the fence, visitors can indulge in watching a variety of animals that visit a small watering hole. There is also a rustic viewing platform overlooking the Timbavati River. Check-in is at Orpen rest camp.
Campsites
20 x tent or caravan sites, with power point. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities. Maximum of 6 persons per site.
(Unit codes CK6, CK6P)
Tamboti tented camp is a small camp situated on the banks of the Timbavati River, approximately 2km east of Orpen Rest Camp.
Due to the size and location of this camp, Tamboti is one of the most popular camps in the Park. A great feature is a boma, which makes it ideal for small groups of people to gather around the campfire and relive the animal sightings of the day. For the birding enthusiasts, Tamboti offers a bird hide in which to spend hours in the company of the local avian life. The natural bush feeling is kept inside the camp, which has the result of emphasizing guest privacy. Check-in is at Orpen rest camp.
There are two types of safari tent accommodation available in this camp.
Budget Safari Tents
15 x 2-bed and 15 x 4-bed permanent furnished canvas tents on stilts, including a fridge, standing fan inside tent and small veranda. Communal ablutions and communal kitchens available.
(Unit codes CTT2, CTT4)
Semi-luxury Safari Tents
10 x 3-bed permanent furnished canvas tents on stilts, fully equipped, with shower, fridge, cooking and braai facilities. It contains 1 double bed and a sleeper couch.
(Unit codes LST3, LSTZ)
Location
Orpen, Tamboti and Maroela rest camps are located in central Kruger National Park. The closest park entrance gate is Orpen Gate (1km), while the nearest town is Hoedspruit (71km).
The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (68km), while Skukuza Airport (110km) is accessible. OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is 490km / 6-hours driving from Orpen rest camp.
Check availability & pricing
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