When the world was still young, some 3 500 million years ago, molten rock forced its way through the earth's crust and solidified to form the spectacular granite outcrops where Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is now nestled.

The impressive granite dome known as “Shabeni Hill” is not far from the camp, which is found in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. It is immediately apparent to any visitor that Pretoriuskop is unique as brilliant red trees adorn the camp, pre-dating the decision to make exclusive use of indigenous plants in laying out rest camp gardens. Nostalgia prompted an exception to the rule for Pretoriuskop, the Kruger National Park's oldest rest camp, and exotic flowering plants were allowed to stay, enhancing the strong sense of the past that is so pervasive.

Accommodation in Pretoriuskop ranges from fully equipped large guesthouses for groups, to stylish 2 sleeper bungalows and basic huts.

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The chance of seeing small herds of sable, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest make Pretoriuskop a special destination.

Black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant can be seen on the loop roads around the camp. The numerous rocky outcrops should be searched for rock hyrax, klipspringer, oribi and red duiker (these two latter species though difficult to find are more or less restricted to this part of the Kruger National Park).

A visit to the Mestel Dam can produce hippopotamus and Crocodiles, while a stop at the Shitlhave Dam can produce reedbuck.

On the carnivore front, wild dog are frequently recorded in the area and, so are cheetah and lions. Spotted hyena and leopard should also be searched for. 

Pretoriuskop is in an area of thick vegetation, tall grass and unpalatable sour veld. Only below the drainage line is there quality sweeter grass. for grazers. The most dominant tree is the silver cluster-leaf. In the camp itself there are some fine examples of Natal mahogany.

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