PRETORIUSKOP REST CAMP: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Pretoriuskop Camp is the oldest Rest Camp in the Kruger Park and holds a large population of White Rhino.
Pretoriuskop Camp is situated in the southwestern part of the Kruger National Park, 9km (5.5 miles) from Numbi Gate and 60km (37 miles) from the Paul Kruger Gate. For the purpose of a Kruger National Park safari, accommodation comprises of 82 huts, 52 bungalows, 2 family cottages, 4 guest cottages, a boma and a guesthouse. It also has 40 camping sites. Spot hippopotamus at the Metsel Dam, or visit the Albasini Ruins only a short drive away, on this Kruger National Park safari.

Historical Interest of Pretoriuskop Camp in Kruger National Park:
Between 1836 and 1860, groups of Voortrekkers investigated various possible routes through the Lowveld to the Portuguese harbours in Mozambique in an effort to establish trade. The Voortrekkers were a group of Dutch-speaking colonists that left the Cape Colony during the 1830s in pursuit of their vision of political autonomy in the interior, far from British influence and administration. Pretoriuskop Camp in Kruger National Park lies near one of these trade routes, and takes its name from the nearby hill where Pretorius is buried.

The Portuguese pioneer, João Albasini was the first European trader and elephant hunter to settle in the Lowveld. Between 1845 and 1860, he established various trading posts along the routes between the harbours in Mozambique and the inland mines and centers of the ivory trade. It was Albasini that buried Willem Pretorius at the base of Pretoriuskop Camp in Kruger National Park. The ruins of his homestead north of the rest camp have been partly rebuilt. Visitors may leave their vehicles and view the exhibit of old photographs and artifacts documenting daily life of the day.

The most famous character from the days of the transport rider, Jock of the Bushveld, a Staffordshire Bullterrier cross, was immortalized in a book by his owner, Sir Percy FitzPatrick, who wrote about his exploits with Jock while working as a transport rider in the Lowveld in the late nineteenth century. Jock's birthplace where he was born in 1885 is marked along the Voortrekker Road, which runs south east of Pretoriuskop.

Pretoriuskop Camp features prominently in the history of tourism in the Kruger Park as well, since it was the first rest camp to be opened to visitors. The Wolhuter hut at Pretoriuskop Camp in Kruger National Park dates from 1930 and is one of the few original huts built in the Park to provide tourist accommodation. Though no longer in use, it is being meticulously restored to its original form.

Summary of Kruger Park Accommodation:

Campsites:
Tent or caravan sites, with power point, communal ablutions and cooking facilities, with a maximum of 6 persons per site are available for your Kruger Park accommodation.

Huts:
3 bed round rooms with communal ablutions and kitchen.

Bungalows:
2 or 3 bed round rooms. Equipped with ablutions (most with showers, but some with baths), air-conditioning, some have both hotplates and sinks, some only have sinks. You have a choice of kitchenette or communal kitchen and more over; with or without riverside view.

Family Cottages:
4, 6-bed (with 1 double bed)

Guest House:
Pierre Joubert - 16-bed (8 beds + bench beds) and
Doherty Bryant - 9-bed with 3 double beds

HOW TO GET THERE:

Travel routes and times from JHB/PTA
NUMBI GATE: Take the N4 to Nelspruit then take the R40 to White River. Just out side White River take the R538 to the gate. Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip to the gate. Pretoriuskop Main Rest Camp is 9 km away from the gate. Allow about 20 minutes for the drive to the camp; however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time in the Kruger National Park - South Africa!

ACTIVITIES:
- Dawn Drive, Morning Walk, Mid-Morning Drive, Sunset Drive, Night Drive
- Shimuwini has a natural rock swimming pool
- Licensed restaurant, laundromat, shop and picnic facilities
- Documentary videos on wildlife are also shown
- You may visit several historical sites on your Kruger National Park safari

Several historic places, such as the Voortrekker Road, the birthplace of Jock of the Bushveld (a well known South African literary dog), and the Albasini Ruins are within a short drive from Pretoriuskop Camp.

Experienced guides will take you on game walks and drives, if requested for your Kruger National Park safari. Night game drives, done on this Kruger National Park safari sometimes round off with a traditional bush braai (barbeque) and there are also many wilderness trails in the area such at the Napi Trail which explores the picturesque woodland bushveld. Game viewing is also excellent, especially for Rhino enthusiasts on a Kruger National Park safari. Numerous Rhinos have been released near Pretoriuskop Camp, which contributes to the White Rhino population of about 11 500, in the area.

PLEASE NOTE:
If you must walk around at night please do not do so without a torch.

GAME:
The chance of seeing small herds of Sable, Eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest make Pretoriuskop a special destination for a Kruger National Park safari. Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant can be seen on the loop roads around the camp. The numerous rocky outcrops should be searched for Rock Hyrax, Klipspringer, Oribi and Red Duiker (these two latter species though difficult to find are more or less restricted to this part of the Kruger National Park).

A visit to the Mestel Dam can produce Hippopotamus, while a stop at the Shitlhave Dam can produce Reedbuck. On the carnivore front, wild dog are frequently recorded in the area and, despite the dense grass, so are Cheetah. Spotted Hyena and Leopard should also be searched for during the course of your Kruger National Park safari.