Orpen Gate, Kruger National Park

Afrikaans name: Orpen Hek

Approaching Orpen Gate from inside the park

Photo © Steven Herbert

Mpumalanga

Orpen Gate is situated on the western border of the Kruger National Park and is 43 km from Klaserie and 66 km from Hoedspruit. The gate is very close to Orpen, Tamboti and Maroela Camps and is 50 km away from Satara Camp.

The name "Orpen" was the surname of Eileen Orpen who donated the land to the Kruger National Park.

There is very good game viewing in the vicinity and it is well worth entering the park for a day visit through this gate. The H7 tar road that leads to Satara is a good place to spot the Big 5 as well as Cheetah, Elephant and Wild Dog. At times there are large herds of Burchell's Zebra and Blue Wildebeest on the open stretches of grassland.

Two other popular routes are to head north along the S39 which follows the Timbavati River to the Timbavati Picnic Site, or head south along the S36.

Fuel is available at the gate and refreshments can be bought at the shop at c.

What is game viewing like in the Orpen Gate area?

Reception offices

Photo © Steven Herbert

Petrol and diesel are available

Photo © Steven Herbert

In most cases the following distances are calculated using tar roads and there may be shorter routes

Distance between Orpen Gate and Letaba Camp is 120 km.

Distance between Orpen Gate and Olifants Camp is 103 km.

Distance between Orpen Gate and Orpen Camp is 0 km.

Distance between Orpen Gate and Satara Camp is 47 km.

Distance between Orpen Gate and Skukuza Camp is 145 km.

References and further reading

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 102

Kruger - Portrait of a National Park - Author: David Paynter with Wilf Nussey - Published: 1986 - Page: 219

Kruger Park Map & Guide 2024 - Author: Andy & Lorrain Tinker - Published: 2024 - Page: 20

Kruger Park Map & Guide 2024 - Author: Andy & Lorrain Tinker - Published: 2024 - Page: 21

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 56

For more info on Kruger National Park: SanParks

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