Pretoriuskop RestCamp

Pretoriuskop was the first rest camp to offer accommodation to visitors to the Kruger National Park, and to this day, remains a popular accommodation option that sees tens of thousands of guests every year.

Considered a classic camp, based on the style of the accommodation and its ties to how Kruger Park looked when it first opened, it still retains that authentic charm and appeal.

Nestled with a granite outcrop, another noteworthy site that you’ll get to enjoy when you visit this camp is Shabeni Hill, a prominent and impressive granite dome, found on the outskirts of Pretoriuskop Camp.

As you enter the gate at the camp, the first building you’ll see is the Reception on your left. From here, you’ll be able to book and pay for your accommodation, subject to availability, as well as find out more about the activities and facilities, available at the camp.

Hint: Why not ask for a map of the camp at Reception? It’ll make getting around a lot easier.

Pretoriuskop Rest Camp has many noteworthy facilities including a big and beautiful, man-made pool, complete with a smaller pool and a natural, rock water feature and design. It’s a great spot to relax and cool down after your game drive and is sure to be a hit with your family, especially the kids.

Food-wise, you can grab something to eat at the Wimpy Restaurant - a much-loved South African favourite that traditionally offers breakfasts, burgers, wraps and more. The menu at the camp may vary.

The shop at the camp boasts everything from food snacks and drinks to essentials you might need in your chosen accommodation, Kruger-embellished t-shirts, hats, jewellry, books and guides, and great gifts for your friends and family.

Should be driving yourself to the camp and through the park, there is a filling station inside the camp gates.

Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is also considered wheelchair friendly and accessible, and has basic first aid assistance, but please be aware that there is no ATM facility available at the camp.

There is a communal laundromat for those taking advantage of the camp’s camping accommodation, or the like.

Pretoriuskop Rest Camp’s diverse accommodation only adds to its popularity. There are several types of accommodation here including camping sites with communal ablutions and cooking facilities, huts, bungalows, family cottages and the Pierre Joubert and Doherty Bryant guesthouses.

Each type of accommodation offers its own unique features to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

The closest gate to Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is Numbi Gate, but you can also access the camp through other gates like Phabeni Gate and Paul Kruger Gate, though you will have to drive a longer distance to get to the camp from these alternative gates.

In between game drives, guests can embark on guided bush walks, a night drive with SANParks, or even the Madlabantu 4x4 Adventure Trail (a weather sensitive activity) or Sable Trail camp walk.

You’ll be able to enquire about these activities at Reception.

The wildlife around the camp varies but several popular species include hyenas, sable, kudu, wild dogs, leopards, impala and rhino, to name a few, are often seen there.

There’s also a whole host of captivating and colourful birdlife to see in and around the area, like perhaps the lilac-breasted roller and fork-tailed drongo.

You are able to get cellphone signal in the park, provided you have a sim card from a South African network. Vodacom often works well.

While staying in the heart of the bush definitely has its perks, it also means that you may encounter bats, snakes, spiders and scorpions in and around the rest camp.

It’s important to exercise caution, and should you need to leave your accommodation in the evening, it’s important to always carry a torch with you.

Share this article with a friend