Orpen Camp (Kruger NP)

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There are 11 gates into Kruger, allowing visitors some flexibility in their itineraries. You should plan to arrive at the gates with enough time to reach your overnight camp, as arriving after the camp gates close will incur a stiff penalty.

The "Orpen Gate" is one of two gates that provides entrance to the western region of the central area of the Kruger National Park (see also the Phalaborwa Gate) and leads straight to Satara camp inside the Kruger Park. Situated right at the Orpen camp it is 490km from Johannesburg, Gauteng. Follow the N4 toll road east from Gauteng through Witbank and then turn north onto the R540 at the Belfast/Dullstroom turnoff. Follow this through Dullstroom, Lydenburg and Hoedspruit. From Hoedspruit you can turn south on the R40 towards Klaserie and before Klaserie turn off east on the R531 towards the Orpen Gate. To reach the Orpen Gate from the south, continue along the N4 to Nelspruit and then take the R538 north through White River, Hazyview and Bushbuckridge, continuing north on the R40 towards Klaserie and turning east onto the R531 a few kilometres from the town.

A popular option for day visitors. This gate is very close to prime predator viewing country, and does not have any of the 'edge' effect (i.e. unsightly farmed areas, fences and such) sometimes associated with other gates. It's excellent for lion, hyena, and leopard along the Timbavati River and its tributaries. Wild dog are often present and you are almost guaranteed elephant sightings. The best route is to follow the H7 straight towards Satara, which has all the facilities you could want for a midday stopover.

www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/orpen/