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A celestial safari
Stargazing in the Kruger National Park
The Milky Way's Orion nebula.
© Soutpansberg Astronomy Club
Did you know?
The sun is an estimated 32?000 light years from the centre of the Milky Way and rotates once around our galaxy every 225 million years.
A stargazing safari at Olifants Camp in the Kruger National Park is a gentle journey: you go on a sunset game drive through the African bush followed by an evening of celestial wandering.
Gaze through a large, powerful telescope and contemplate the cosmos, explore the skies, view the stars and find out about the African myths and legends surrounding them. There is virtually no light pollution in the Kruger National Park and the heavens are magnificently clear.
The twinkle of stars that can be seen from here is one of the most impressive sights in the world. Your game ranger will point out the icons of the southern skies and you'll get to see them up close and personal through a Meade telescope. Have a closer look at the famous Southern Cross, Orion, Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings, the craters of the moon and passing satellites.
It's extra special for visitors from the northern hemisphere who see the Southern Cross for the first time and the Milky Way from a completely different perspective. You'll also find out about astronomical lore in African societies, dating back to the time of the San who once roamed these plains.
Olifants Camp also boasts stunning river views by day. Perched on the top of a steep cliff, the camp hovers over ancient grasslands stretching toward the Lebombo Mountains, with the Olifants River below.
There is excellent game viewing to be had here too, since the camp is at a transition of 3 eco-systems, attracting a wide diversity of game. Olifants means elephant in Afrikaans and, as the name suggests, this is a great place to see these bushveld giants while you wait for night to fall.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Olifants Camp, Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 (0) 13 735 6606/7
Fax: +27 (0) 13 735 6609
Around the area
The Letaba River Road has plenty of game to see since it tracks the Letaba River almost to its confluence with the Olifants. The H1-5 road to Letaba Camp is one of the loveliest stretches of the Kruger National Park, going along the lush banks of the Olifants River.
Tours to do
Olifants Camp can arrange day time game drives, as well as guided walks. You can also take a drive to Letaba Camp and visit the Elephant Museum there.
Where to stay
Stay at Olifants Camp, one of the most dramatic camps of the Kruger National Park. Olifants Camp is set high on a hillside overlooking the Olifants River. The camp has self-catering chalets and bungalows.
What to eat
There is a restaurant at Olifants Camp where you can get light lunches and breakfasts.
Best buys
There's a well-stocked curio shop at Olifants Camp if you need some rural retail therapy.