About this place
Mopani Rest Camp stands on the banks of the Pioneer Dam in the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, and takes its name from the mopane veld that surrounds it. The dense mopane has an unfair reputation as poor game country, but in truth there is little that cannot be seen here. From the lookout point in camp, or the balcony of the ladies' bar, guests are treated to a steady stream of hippo, waterbuck, impala, warthog, elephant and buffalo, with lion for the lucky.
The nearby Tropic of Capricorn loop and the Nshawu pans hold open plains where blue wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and the rarer tsessebe gather. The camp is built among granite and basalt soils, with large knob-thorn, tamboti and leadwood along the drainage lines.
Mopani is generously appointed, with a restaurant, cafeteria, ladies' bar, shop, swimming pool and filling station, along with guided walks, game drives and bush braais. The Shipandani and Pioneer Dam bird hides lie a short distance outside the camp.
Get to know where you stay
Around the camp
Mopani as SANParks lays it out. Choose the part of camp you would like; we ask for it when you request availability, and SANParks assigns the unit when they confirm.
Where would you like to be?
Schematic, not to scale.
What the codes mean
SANParks names every unit by a code. The letters say what it is, the number says how many it sleeps, and any letters after that mark a view, an accessible unit or a perimeter position. Tap a code for that room's rates and photos.
Not sure which code to ask for? Dassie has the Mopani key in front of it.
Keep exploring
Availability
Any available room
7 rooms, sleeps 4 to 8
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
October 2026
November 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with SANParks once you send your dates.
Bungalow BD4
Own hotplate
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 1 bunk bed - Air-conditioned - Fridge - Hotplate - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - Sink - Utensils - WC and shower
Bungalow BD4Z
Accessible unit · Own hotplate
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 1 bunk bed - Air-conditioned - Fridge - Hotplate - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - Sink - Unit accessible to the mobility challenged - Utensils - WC and shower
Cottage FB4
Own kitchen
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 2 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - Air-conditioned - Kitchen - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - WC and bath - WC and shower
Bungalow BD4V
View · Own hotplate
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 1 bunk bed - Air-conditioned - Fridge - Hotplate - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - Sink - Utensils - View - WC and shower
Guest Cottage FF6
Own kitchen
6 guests
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - 1 bathroom with shower and bath - 1 bathroom with WC and shower - 1 bedroom with fan only - 2 bedrooms with air-conditioning - 3 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - Kitchen - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - Separate WC
Guest Cottage FF6V
View · Own kitchen
6 guests
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - 1 bathroom with shower and bath - 1 bathroom with WC and shower - 1 bedroom with fan only - 2 bedrooms with air-conditioning - 3 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - Kitchen - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking - Renovations are underway - Separate WC - View
Xanatseni Guest House GXN
Own kitchen
8 guests
Sleeps up to 8 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with double bed - 3 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - 4 bathrooms, each with w/c, bath and shower - Air-conditioned - Kitchen - No additional mattresses will be provided - No smoking
Nature
What lives at Mopani Rest Camp
3 animals, 28 birds and 8 trees and plants recorded here or nearby.
Mopane veld above Pioneer Dam: when the game is quiet, the dam wall and the Shipandani hide are where the birds are.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
Location
±52 km from Phalaborwa Gate · nearest town Phalaborwa, ±54 km · nearest airport Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), ±52 km
Straight-line distances. Park roads are slower, so allow more time than the numbers suggest.
Important information
Check-in and check-out
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mopani Rest Camp located?
Mopani Rest Camp is inside Kruger National Park in Limpopo, about 52 km from Phalaborwa Gate. The nearest town is Phalaborwa, about 54 km away, and the nearest airport is Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), about 52 km away. These are straight-line distances; park roads are slower.
How many guests can Mopani Rest Camp accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 4 and 8 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
How do I book Mopani Rest Camp?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with SANParks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom. Nearby Spekboom stays book the same way if you want to mix nights inside the park with a stay outside.
Book your stay
Request to book. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with SANParks.
Nothing is charged until the host says yes
Staying at more than one place?
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.