Camelopardalis is in Marloth Park, a unique conservation area close to the world-famous Kruger National Park and about a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
In this holiday town, properties are not allowed to be fenced off so zebras, kudus, warthogs, impalas and baboons roam freely. At Camelopardalis, you can watch the wildlife from the veranda or swimming pool. So don’t get frightened if a giraffe drops by to say hello! Marloth Park also has its own game reserve, Lionspruit, where you can spot four of the Big Five. You can book a guided safari or use your own car to visit it. The conservation area is also home to many species of plants and birds, and smaller animals such as turtles and lizards.
Marloth Park is situated on the Crocodile River, the natural southern border of Kruger Park. There is a path along the river where you can walk or mountain bike. From several vantage points overlooking the riverbanks, you can watch wildlife coming to drink and see hippos and crocodiles sunbathing. If you’re lucky, elephants, lions, hyenas or wild dogs may put in an appearance!
Marloth Park has two small supermarkets where you can buy groceries and other daily necessities. One is located in Marlothi Shopping Centre and the other in the Bush Centre. The town also has a launderette with ironing service, a petrol station with car wash, as well as a hairdresser, post office and ATMs. In addition, there are several hospitality establishments like an ice cream parlour, coffee shop and restaurants.
Marloth Park also has various medical facilities, including a resident snake expert and a professional ambulance service with 2 fully qualified responders.
Note that the quality of the road surfaces can vary greatly in Marloth Park. If you’re hiring a vehicle, consider an SUV or 4WD.
In Marloth Park, you can enjoy nature while walking or cycling along various trails – or along the river – during daylight hours. Bikes are available for hire. For children, there is a playground and Bushveld Atlantis offers mini golf and a swimming pool with slides. Guests staying in Marloth Park also have access to Henk van Rooijen Park which has a tennis court and an open-air swimming pool. Moreover, Marloth Park is a great home base for various excursions. Visit the Bush Centre for more information.
Marloth Park is a 20-minute drive from Crocodile Bridge Gate, the most south-westerly entrance to Kruger National Park. The slightly more westerly Malalene Gate is a 40-minute drive away. You can enter Kruger Park from either gate with your own vehicle. A world will open for you in the park as you use your camera to hunt for the Big Five – or maybe the Little Five instead. The southern part of Kruger Park is richest in wildlife. You can go on a great one-day tour and leave the park through the same gate – or a different one, if you like. There are many ways to explore Kruger Park, including on a safari led by a professional guide.
Komatipoort is a half-hour drive from Marloth Park, on the border with Mozambique. You will find two larger supermarkets here, as well as several restaurants and numerous other amenities.
From Komatipoort it’s a 90-minute drive to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Here you can experience the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the Indian Ocean with its white beaches and azure waters. Surfers can also get their money’s worth at these beaches.
Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini lies to the south of Marloth Park. A visit to this traditional kingdom – the only remaining absolute monarchy in Africa – is definitely worth a day trip!
