MRI The Mammal Research Institute Mopani
 

Mopani Rest Camp is the newest of all the rest camps and commands a spectacular view over the Pioneer Dam

  • Enjoy a rich game viewing experience without even leaving the camp
  • Abundant waterbird viewing over Pioneer Dam
  • Mopani has a fascinating historical and archaeological interest
  • A unique 'sleep-over' game viewing hide
  • Game drives and bushwalks conducted by experienced guides and trackers

Completed in 1992, Mopani Camp is the newest of all the rest camp accommodation and lodging in Kruger National Park. Inside Mopani Camp indigenous vegetation has been left largely untouched, while newly planted trees have been laid out along the camp's tarred roads.

Mopani Rest Camp takes its name from the mopane trees that are so prevalent on the surrounding plains. In autumn the butterfly-shaped leaves change to striking hues before falling off in September and October.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the thatched buildings, with their rock faced walls, and surrounding paving, blend into the bushveld environment. All the buildings are built from natural materials such as rough stone, wood and thatching-grass, which blends them in beautifully with the environment.


Mopani Lodging Guide in Kruger National Park:

There are 4 types of accommodation in Kruger National Park: the top of the range Xaxanetsi Guesthouse, spacious 3 bedroom family cottages, luxury double bedroom cottages and small single bedroom bungalows.

Mopani Rest Camp also boasts a unique sleep over hide from their accommodation in Kruger National Park. Shipandane functions as a bird hide during the day, but can be reserved at a nominal fee from half an hour before gates close until half and hour after gates opens. The hide has 6 fold-down beds, an eco-toilet and a small boma with barbeque facilities to enhance Kruger Park nightlife.

On payment of deposit, bedding and a picnic basket with cutlery and crockery will be provided. Just remember to bring your own water and wood when arriving at the hide.

Mopani Camp facilities and amenities include electricity, air-conditioning, restaurant and bar, self-service and take-aways at the cafeteria, a fuel station, a laundromat and irons, a shop (enjoy shopping in Kruger Park), information centre and braai (barbecue) facilities.

The area is rich in plant species like the Mopane Shrub, Red Bushwillow Trees and Sweet Grass, providing rich grazing for Impala, Warthog, Elephant and Buffalo. Mopani Camp is 47 kilometres (29 miles) from the Letaba Rest Camp and 65 kilometres (40 miles) from Shingwedzi Rest Camp. The nearest gate is the Phalaborwa Gate - 74 kilometres (46 miles) away.

Read more about the Mopani Conference Centre

History of Mopani Camp:

Vacation visitors have the unique opportunity of taking guided tours and day trips to the Shilowa heritage sites, which lies right on the Tropic of Capricorn along the Kruger National Parks eastern boundary. The so-called First Site traces a history of human occupation of the period between 1200 AD and 1600 AD.

Archaeologists were guided to the site by the change in the grass species, symptomatic of an alteration in the chemical composition of the soil caused by the 2 metre deep ash deposits in the area. The second site dates back to the late 1700s when the Pedi inhabited the area. Chief Shilowa, who owed allegiance to the Tsonga chief Gugunyane, lead an attack around 1800, driving the Pedi out.

It is commonly believed that the Tsonga moved in to take over the site, due to its well situated water supply and ready access to trade routes. As the 19th century wore on, African tribes expanded their trade in copper, iron, ivory and gold, exchanging goods with the Voortrekkers, traders, hunters and fortune seekers that began to move into the area.

Mopani Rest Camp Facilities

  • Information at Reception
  • Public Telephones
  • Post Box
  • Basic First Aid Assistance
  • Restaurant
  • Ladies Bar
  • Cafeteria/Coffee Shop
  • Shop
  • Emergency Road Service*
  • Petrol Station
  • Laundromat
  • DSTV Only Available in Guest Houses
  • Conference Capacity
  • Picnic Facilities


Kruger National Park Lodging Guide: 
The modern-looking Mopani Camp offers comfortable self-catering chalets and fully equipped cottages as well as a luxury guesthouse. 
At Mopani Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, all accommodation and lodging is built from natural materials such as rough stone, wood and thatching-grass, which blends them in beautifully with the environment. Every effort has been made to ensure that the thatched buildings with their rock faced walls, and their surrounding paving blend into the bushveld environment at this rest camp in Kruger National Park. 
The Nxanatseni Guesthouse at Mopani Rest Camp,sleeps 8 guests in 4 rooms. The large living room area is equipped with satellite TV, and the modern kitchen is fully equipped. 
There are also 45 airily spaced 6-bedded guest cottages. The guest cottages 3 bedrooms each fitted with 2 single beds. There are 2 en-suite bathrooms and each cottage is fully equipped and fitted with a kitchen, lounge / dining area, a large veranda and an outside braai (barbeque). 

There are also 12 luxury Kruger Park cottages available. These cottages are fitted with 4 beds. One room is fitted with 2 single beds while 2 sleeper couches are available in the lounge. This comfortable accommodation in Kruger National Park is fully equipped and feature 2 bathrooms, of which 1 is en-suite. The cottage also features a veranda, kitchenette and outside braai (barbeque). 
The 45 bungalows consist of 43 four bed units and 2 wheelchair accessible units. All the bungalows are fitted with one bathroom, veranda and kitchenette. There is also an outside braai (barbeque). 

ACCOMMODATION RATES

The accommodation rates are based on a bungalow or cottage per night and cannot be offered at a per person per room per night rate.

 

INVOICING FOR DELEGATES SHARING

Should delegates be sharing accommodation please arrange that only ONE of the delegates selects the accommodation under his/her name and that this person makes a note of who they will be sharing with on the system. If you require the invoice to show your portion of the accommodation only please contact us so we can create a invoice for you with the split rate, and bill you accordingly. Email: mrimopani@ie.co.za

See below a summary of accommodation & lodging guide for Mopani: 
Bungalows: 4 beds (one twin-bedded room, 2 bunk beds in alcove), one bathroom, veranda with kitchenette and outside braai (barbeque). We would suggest maximum 3 people in these units.
Cottages: 4 beds (one room with 2 single beds, 2 bench beds in lounge), two bathrooms, veranda with kitchenette and outside braai (barbeque). 
Guest Cottages: 6 beds (three rooms each fitted with 2 single beds, one en-suite bathroom), two bathrooms, kitchen, lounge / dining area, large veranda and outside braai (barbeque). 
Xanatseni Guest House: 8 beds 1 room with a double bed, 2 single beds in other rooms), large lounge / dining room and kitchen, outside covered bar and veranda area with view of the dam, also there are braai (barbeque) facilities.