A budget friendly camp, with mostly basic accommodation, guests enjoying a Kruger Park safari on their own often settle here, at least for the first part of their journey.
Pretoriuskop got its name from the Voortrekker Willem Pretorius. While en route from Lydenburg to Delagoa Bay, the Voortrekkers and transport riders used to camp on the kopje close to where Pretoriuskop is today. This area was used because of its altitude as it was situated above the Malaria and Tsetse fly ridden Lowveld. Upon his death in 1845, he was buried by Joao Albasini and his grave can be seen as you enter the Kruger National Park at Numbi Gate, on the road to Pretoriuskop. Also of historical interest in this area is the Albasini Ruins. Visitors are allowed to leave their vehicles to view the remains of his homestead and the exhibit of old photographs and artefacts that document the daily lives of those who once lived here.
Pretoriuskop was the first camp to be opened to visitors in the Kruger National Park.
The first ranger in the Kruger National Park was Harry Wolhuter and he was stationed at Pretoriuskop. During his time at Pretoriuskop, Harry Wolhuter planted non-indigenous plants in the camp, among them Flamboyant and Bougainvillea, which makes Pretoriuskop the only camp in the Kruger National Park to have these plants.
About the Camp
During the hot summer months, from October to March, Pretoriuskop has the best temperatures in the Kruger National Park making it an ideal camp to stay in. Pretoriuskop is a child friendly camp that has a large swimming pool which is partly built on a natural rock, which has created a stunning water feature.
Around the camp, you will find several historical sites. One of which is the Indaba Tree. This massive Natal Mahogany tree is where the then park ranger, Harry Wolhuter used to bring his staff together so that they could have meetings or discussions. Another site of historical interest is the Wolhuter Hut. This is one of the original huts built for accommodating guests and it has been restored to its original form. You will notice that this style of accommodation has not changed much from its original form.
The camp has a licensed restaurant and cafeteria and accommodation ranges from fully equipped top of the range guesthouses to basic two bed and basin bungalows. The accommodation is laid out spaciously and grouped in three circles that are centred on an administrative block.
In the administration block, you will find the reception area, shop, restaurant and cafeteria. The rest camp facilities include:
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephones; Post Box
- Basic First Aid Assistance
- Cafeteria; Shop
- Emergency Road Service*
- Petrol Station
- Laundromat
- DSTV Only Available in Guest Houses
- Communal Kitchens
- Picnic Facilities
Wildlife in the area
The Pretoriuskop area has the largest White Rhino population in the Kruger National Park. Although the grass in the area can be longer than in other areas, leopard and buffalo are regularly seen here. The scarcely seen Red Duiker, along with Oribi, Waterbuck and Kudu are also seen in this area. Inside the camp, a wide variety of birds make their homes in the trees.
Fun Fact: The Voortrekker Road which runs just south-east of Pretoriuskop and is said to be the birthplace of the famous dog Jock. Jock of the Bushveld is said to have been born along this road in 1885.
