MALOPENE CAMP

[Imberbe]

[color=#0000BF]

Got some great information from Mr. Joep Stevens of SANParks on Malopene.

Malopene was a gate camp with only six units.
It, along with camps such as Rabelais and Balule (then known as Olifants river) was erected because long traveling distances made it difficult for guests to reach the main camps.
The closest town was Gravelotte and camp was Shingwedzi.
It was active between the late 1920's and 1960 when Phalaborwa gate was opened.

[Bennievis]

My dad was a surveyor in that area in the mid 50's (and after), and he often spoke about the "old Malopene road" which was the road between Gravelotte (where I was caught speeding the other day - have they no respect) and KNP.
The name "Malopene" will always bring memories to me, although I can not remember the gate and camp at all.
He collected a lot of clay pots, beads and other art works from previous civilizations that he stumbled upon during his daily activities, which he later donated to musuems.
He carried a rifle with him at all times in those days and he prided himself in the fact that he could have, but never ever used it.

[kalulu]

What a great thread! Thank you all. That map is amazing! I wonder how many other mites have invaluable information on forgotten parts of the park's history? Or old photo's that could have real historical significance now?

Bennievis, I stayed in Phalaborwa in the sixties so really enjoyed reading about your father's memories. I never even heard of that road from Leydsdorp. Good for him that he never used his gun!

[Michiel_P]

This is from an article in Kruger Magazine Issue 6 by Joep Stevens