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Olifants River

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River
—°4
Olifants River (South Africa)

Weather…

The Olifants River is one of the most vital watercourses in southern Africa, spanning approximately 560 kilometers from its source to its confluence. It originates in the Highveld near Bethal in Mpumalanga province and flows northeast through the Drakensberg mountains and the Kruger National Park. The river eventually enters Mozambique, where it joins the Limpopo River before reaching the Indian Ocean. Its drainage basin covers approximately 54,000 square kilometers, supporting extensive commercial agriculture, mining operations, and hydroelectric projects. Historically, the river served as a critical resource for indigenous populations and a primary water source for vast herds of migrating wildlife. Today, major structures like the Loskop Dam and Flag Boshielo Dam regulate its flow to provide water for irrigation in the fertile Loskop Valley. Despite environmental pressures from industrial runoff, the river remains a cornerstone of the regional ecosystem, hosting large populations of crocodiles and hippos.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252524222017171922242525
Rain mm12188854811777174586110

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The river is most comfortably accessed via the established roads of surrounding national parks, such as Kruger National Park, or through private game reserves.
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Best season
The winter months from May to September are handy, as the reduced vegetation and lower water levels provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Terrain & paths
The riverbank terrain consists of rugged rocks, dense bush vegetation, and sandy stretches, making venturing off the established paths dangerous without an escort.
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What to bring
A good pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting, comfortable neutral-colored clothing, and mosquito repellent are important, especially in the early mornings.
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Parking
Vehicles can be safely parked at designated rest areas and panoramic viewpoints within the national parks, provided visitors adhere strictly to park regulations.
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Safety
Because the river hosts large populations of hippos and crocodiles, you must never approach the water on foot except at specially secured and elevated viewpoints.
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Time needed
A typical game-viewing drive along the river takes a few hours, though many visitors choose to spend several days exploring the adjacent nature reserves.

Geography

Coordinates
-24.50000, 31.50000

Facts

  • The river's source is located at an altitude of roughly 1,600 meters above sea level.
  • Its total drainage basin covers an area of approximately 54,262 square kilometers.
  • In Mozambique, the river is officially referred to as the Rio Olifants.
  • The construction of the Loskop Dam was completed in 1939 for irrigation purposes.
  • The river forms the northern boundary of the famous Blyde River Canyon.
  • It provides a vital lifeline of fresh water for the wildlife in Kruger National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LowveldLowveld47 km · WExplore →
Kruger forest areasKruger forest areas47 km · EExplore →
Kruger National ParkKruger National Park48 km · EExplore →
SkukuzaSkukuza48 km · WExplore →
HoedspruitHoedspruit63 km · SExplore →
Palabora Copper MinePalabora Copper Mine63 km · SEExplore →
Foskor Phosphate PlantFoskor Phosphate Plant64 km · SEExplore →
HazyviewHazyview66 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Olifants River (4)

Rabelais Museum🏛 museum

A small museum showcasing the local history and ecology near the Olifants River.

N'wamatsatsa Waterhole Viewpoint🌿 nature

An observation area overlooking a busy waterhole frequented by animals in the Olifants River region.

Manyeletiwildtuin🌿 nature

A game reserve sharing unfenced borders with the Greater Kruger ecosystem.

Rabelais Dam🌿 nature

A scenic overlook at a man-made water source that attracts local wildlife near the Olifants River.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Olifants River?
It flows through the Kruger National Park and is full of wildlife.
Can you take boat tours?
Some camps offer guided boat safaris.
Is it safe to swim?
Absolutely not, there are crocodiles and hippos.
Where is the best view?
From the viewpoints in Kruger Park.
How is the fish population?
The river is famous for its variety of native fish.
Olifants River: where is it located?
Olifants River is located in South Africa.
Olifants River: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rabelais Museum, N'wamatsatsa Waterhole Viewpoint, Manyeletiwildtuin.
Olifants River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Olifants River: why is it worth visiting?
The Olifants River is one of the most vital watercourses in southern Africa, spanning approximately 560 kilometers from its source to its confluence.
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Nearby cities

Hoedspruit — Olifants River (South Africa)
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit is a major safari hub located between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, renowned for its wildlife conservation …
Hazyview — Olifants River (South Africa)
Hazyview
A key hub for adventurers, the gateway to Kruger National Park and the scenic Panorama Route.
Phalaborwa — Olifants River (South Africa)
Phalaborwa
Known as 'The town of two summers', it is situated right at the central gate of the Kruger National Park.

History & landmarks

Skukuza — Olifants River (South Africa)
Skukuza
Skukuza is the bustling administrative capital and largest rest camp of the Kruger National Park, situated on the banks of the Sabie River.

Nature

Blyde River Canyon — Olifants River (South Africa)
Blyde River Canyon
One of the largest 'green' canyons in the world.

More places

Kruger forest areas — Olifants River (South Africa)
Kruger forest areas
The extensive forest and savanna areas of Kruger National Park.
Murchison Hills — Olifants River (South Africa)
Murchison Hills
A hilly landscape in the northeast of South Africa.
Limpopo Plains — Olifants River (South Africa)
Limpopo Plains
Broad, lower-lying plains in the north.
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Blouberg
An isolated mountain massif in the Limpopo province.
Waterberg Plateau — Olifants River (South Africa)
Waterberg Plateau
A sandstone plateau in the Limpopo region.
Lowveld — Olifants River (South Africa)
Lowveld
The lower-lying regions east of the Highveld.
Kruger National Park — Olifants River (South Africa)
Kruger National Park
One of Africa's largest game reserves, famous for the 'Big Five'.
Palabora Copper Mine — Olifants River (South Africa)
Palabora Copper Mine
South Africa's main producer of refined copper, originally famous for having the widest man-made hole in Africa.