Olifants Rest Camp Undergoes Renovations: What Visitors Need to Know for 2025

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the start of a significant renovation project at the iconic Olifants Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, with work commencing on 20 October 2025 and scheduled to continue until 12 December 2025. Perched high above the Olifants River in the park’s central region, Olifants Rest Camp is celebrated for its sweeping panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a favourite among both local and international visitors.

This renovation forms part of SANParks’ ongoing infrastructure upgrade programme, which aims to enhance visitor facilities and elevate the overall guest experience across Kruger National Park. The improvements at Olifants Rest Camp are designed to ensure that the camp remains a top choice for travellers seeking both comfort and immersion in the park’s natural beauty.

According to SANParks, the construction will be carried out in carefully planned phases to minimise disruption for guests. The phased approach allows the camp to remain operational, with key amenities such as the Olifants Rest Camp shop staying open throughout the renovation period. This ensures that visitors will continue to have access to essential goods, souvenirs, and basic supplies during their stay, maintaining a level of convenience and service even as upgrades are underway.

Olifants Rest Camp’s elevated location offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in Kruger National Park, with lookout decks providing unrestricted views of the river and the surrounding bushveld. The area is renowned for its rich wildlife, including frequent sightings of elephants, baboons, vervet monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The camp’s unique setting and wildlife encounters have long made it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The renovation project is part of a broader SANParks initiative to refurbish and modernise tourism facilities throughout Kruger National Park. This commitment to infrastructure investment is crucial for maintaining the park’s reputation as a world-class destination and for supporting the continued growth of South Africa’s tourism sector. For African travel professionals, these upgrades signal a renewed focus on quality, guest satisfaction, and sustainable tourism development—factors that are increasingly important for attracting both domestic and international travellers.

During the renovation period, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed about any potential changes to camp operations. While the shop will remain open, some areas of the camp may be temporarily inaccessible as work progresses. SANParks has assured visitors that every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience and to maintain the signature Olifants experience that has made the camp so popular over the years.

For those considering a visit to Kruger National Park during this period, Olifants Rest Camp remains an excellent base for exploring the central region. The camp’s proximity to key wildlife viewing areas and its reputation for tranquillity and scenic beauty continue to make it a standout choice. The ongoing renovations are expected to further enhance the camp’s appeal, ensuring that future guests enjoy upgraded facilities and an even more memorable stay.

As SANParks continues to invest in the park’s infrastructure, the message to the African travel trade is clear: Kruger National Park is committed to delivering exceptional experiences and maintaining its status as a premier safari destination. The improvements at Olifants Rest Camp are just one example of the ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers, blending tradition with innovation to create lasting value for visitors and the broader tourism industry.