Notten’s Bush Camp (one of most treasured natural sanctuaries)

Notten’s Bush Camp is part of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. The region is privately owned, situated within the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which is one of South Africa‘s most treasured natural sanctuaries. It’s neighbours are the south western side of the Kruger National Park, Mala Mala on the eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on the western boundary. The Big 5 Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard all roam the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve one therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. As there are no fences between the private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, the animals can move unhindered between the two areas.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

If it’s exclusivity, comfort and an intimate experience that one is seeking, away from the hassles of city life. Notten’s is the answer. All game drives are undertaken in an open four-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker has an innate and instinctive attunement to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute senses of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush in order to locate game. Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark night. Cool off next to the sparkling pool with refreshments from the fully stocked bar, or relax in the shade of the Marula trees on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole.

Accommodation consists of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Two of the chalets have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. The Tulbagh Hotel now has a conference facility for up to 35 delegates. All chalets have hot showers but no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles are used for lighting. All the rooms are cooled with an overhead ceiling fan. Facilities are available for the re-charging of video machines and camera batteries in the reception area. A main line telephone facility is also available.

Lulama (an ideal getaway)

Lulama is simply a hidden treasure, a secret hideaway amongst the pine trees of the Phantom Pass in South Africa. This luxurious cabin will rejuvenate your soul in its breathtaking and tranquil surroundings, and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It has three spacious bedrooms with spectacular forest views and an extra loft bedroom. Guests are greeted with freshly laid out linen and towels.

The main bedroom, with a queen size bed and large picture windows, has the most beautiful forest views – you might not want to get out of bed!. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and shower, and while lying in the bath you will feel closer to nature than you could ever imagine… It also has an entrance onto the outside deck, as does the second bedroom, which has a double bed (and the stunning views!). The third bedroom and loft each have two single beds. The second bathroom also has a bath and shower, and situated between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.

The lounge has 2 large very comfortable leather couches, a log fireplace perfect for winter, satellite television and a CD player. Large sliding doors lead onto the spacious deck, ideal for early morning breakfast, sundowners or a tasty meal around the table.
Enjoy the luxury of a kitchen fully-equipped with every convenience, including a washing machine, and the open-plan dining area has a large 8-seater table. Tea, coffee and sugar are also provided.

The braai / barbecue area is situated in the end of the garden, with unsurpassed views over the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and relax in the serenity of the surrounding nature… Double under cover parking is available.

 

Calao Tented Camp (an stopover enjoyable )

Calao Tented Camp is situated on a 27 hectare property bordering one of the few perennial rivers in South Africa. Calao Tented Camp is an enjoyable and affordable stopover and offers various types of accommodation on a self-catering basis, but breakfast and dinner can also easily be arranged on request. The camp has two well-designed tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. There are also three safari tents with outdoor bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. Another small tent is provided for children or a third guest. There are lights in all the tents that work with batteries and we can charge your camera or cellphone batteries for you.

 Calao Tented Camp is just ten minutes from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, 30 minutes from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, and 30 minutes from Swadini in the Drakensberg. There is easy access from the R40 but the last kilometer on the property is a dirt road and can sometimes be a difficult drive. The camp is perfect for a quick stop, 2 or 3 days, just to have a rest and to enjoy the african beauty on easy pace. The whole structure of the campsite is ecological and visitors can practice their own dishes and share them with others guests. Nights there are full of starts and the lovely sounds of the African nature, make your dreams come true…!

Leadwood Lodge (an extremely exclusive accommodation)

Leadwood Lodge is an extremely exclusive accommodation in South Africa, and offers the ideal self-catering bush lodge in a secure and secluded bushveld setting. The lodge is tucked amongst large indigenous trees overlooking a non-perennial riverbed where game such as impala, giraffe and zebra roam freely, and guests can enjoy listening to the calls of abundant bird life.

he lodge boasts with two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable king-size beds in the main lodge, and there is a separate self-contained room with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Indulge yourself in a unique open-air shower experience. Take your sirit on bush walks, game drives, mountain bike rides or simply relax.

The right location of the lodge is in the area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate which is a mere 40-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. The town of Hoedspruit offers various restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on personal food supplies. Visit the surrounding areas such as the Panorama Route, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

The staff at the lodge will made your experience very enjoyable. The lodge even had a very romantic dinner set up and Mack, which is the safari guide, is an excellent one. He really knew his stuff and will manage to find everything you want to see. The intimacy of the lodge is great and it will make the personalized service so much more enjoyable. You will feet like you were visiting a family. You can’t wait till the next safari.

 

The Last Word Long Beach (is superb resort situated)

The Last Word Long Beach is superb resort situated just on the beautiful golden-sandy beach in the picturesque fishing village of Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa. It is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Guests can enjoy the 8 km of fine sand set against a backdrop of the most stunning sea views.

The 5 Star boutique hotel has six luxurious rooms, all with comfortable interiors and private patios. Each spectacularly appointed room faces the sea, as do the bathrooms. The interior design incorporates tranquil blues, hand-painted fabrics with splashes of colour that compliment the exquisite coastal setting.

Breakfasts are a specialty offering a wide choice of interesting fare. These meals are inclusive, as are all beverages. Dinners and lunches are available by prior arrangement. An in-house chauffeur service is available to guests for restaurant transfers or tailored tours at an additional charge.

It is an unspoilt paradise in which to walk, ride horses, surf or simply laze in the sun. From the inviting pool or your private deck, you can watch whales frolic 100 m off shore and you can catch your own lobster in season. Kommetjie is one of the premier surfing and marine birding sites in South Africa and it has the country’s tallest cast iron lighthouse which is open to the public.

Amber Lagoon (ackpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of nature)

Amber Lagoon is a backpacker´s dream buried in the heart of the Klein Karoo, bordered by the Swartberg Mountains and the Gamka Nature Reserve, South Africa. Surrounded by ostrich farms, Amber Lagoon is a green oasis abundant in indigenous and foreign plants, trees and birds. It is here, where backpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of South African nature.

The Amber Lagoon is surrounded by vast open space and beautiful views, relax in a malaria-free and especially safe environment, as well as enjoying freshly home-cooked meals in lovely open-air restaurant.

Relax at the big swimming pool and jump in when the African sun is beating down. Head out for an ostrich egg search with the farmer´s 4×4 and learn about ostriches and real ostrich farming. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swartberg Mountains over the pass or go visit the Cango Caves, where there are vast drip-stone caverns and beautiful formations created by nature.

Visit the reserve located in the Gamka Mountains, which is the home to the endangered mountain zebra, an unusual protea, Khoisan rock art and marine fossils. Only 25 km from Amber Lagoon, lays the little village of Calitzdorp, famous for its wine and especially its port.

Jungle Cafe Tented Camp (is the ideal location)

Jungle Cafe Tented Camp is ideally situated on a 1.3 hectare property in Numbi Park, just 4 km outside of Hazyview, South Africa, and is the ideal location from which to visit the Kruger National Park or take in the spectacular views of the Panorama Route which includes God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the majestic Blyde River Canyon.

Jungle Cafe Tented Camp offers accommodation in Dome Tents, Dorm Rooms or Family Rooms. The Dome Tents have a wooden deck seating area and a bamboo screen for privacy, the Dorm Rooms are ideal for group bookings, and the Family Rooms are ideal for a family of four.

there is a Pub and Grub restaurant which provides light meals, pool tables and a big screen TV for sporting events. The swimming pool with sun loungers is the perfect place to sip your favourite beverage, ordered from the pool bar, or simply enjoy a magazine or book. Relax next to an open fire in the boma while preparing a traditional South African braai, or prepare your meals in the communal, well-equipped kitchen.

Iketla Lodge (an unparalleled natural scenery)

Iketla Lodge is unspoilt African bush with unparalleled natural scenery. The lodge is nestled in a natural basin formed by spectacular mountains and cliffs. Visit this private nature conservancy of 540 hectares and experience peace and total relaxation – at an affordable price! Iketla is located on the northern end of the Panorama Route, near the Blyde River Canyon, in the Mpumalanga Province en-route to the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Guests are accommodated in spacious stone-and-thatch cottages – all with en-suite facilities and private patios.

 

 

Cottages overlook a natural valley with a spectacular amphitheatre of mountains and cliffs. Unique en-suite bathrooms provide a stone-built shower, hand-made ceramic basin set in a hardwood slab and a separate toilet. All cottages also have a very private outdoor shower with view. A maximum of 16 guests per night guarantees exclusivity and privacy. A central thatched area houses the lounge, dining area and bar and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An open sundeck overlooks a sparkling pool. Traditional South African food in a convivial atmosphere. Dinner around the camp fire when the weather permits. Activities include nature hikes, guided walks and superb bird watching.

Homtini Guest Farm (offers spectacular natural sceneries)

Homtini Guest Farm offers spectacular natural sceneries of the Outeniqua Mountains,and it  is a 90-hectare working farm nestled in the indigenous forest overlooking the Homtini Pass, South Africa. It lies along the old Seven Pass Route between Knysna and George, and is very close to the Millwood Forest Reserve and gold mine.

Accommodation consists of three luxury, Self-catering Cottages, privately situated and each with their own tree-top veranda, one Family Bungalow and four secluded Tented Lodges. Guests also have free use of the swimming pool and sauna on the farm, and any children accompanying you should bring their bikes along.

Aromatherapeutic massage is available in the comfort of the Forest Cottage or Tented Lodge, on the deck in summer, and next to a roaring fire in winter. There are also three walking trails through 60-hectares of private indigenous forest. Food supplies can be obtained from a mini-market just down the road, which sells lots of fresh local produce.

Beintg guest of Homtini Guest Farm, you will have the chance to get around with the herd of multi-coloured Nguni cattle? Come and get fresh eggs for breakfast straight from the hen, if you dare. Taste the farm honey, although it is recommend you let the farm staff get this one for you. Pick your own veggies from the vegetable patch, take an invigorating forest walk, and steam-off in the sauna followed by a soul-rejuvenating massage.

Bordering Homtini Guest Farm is the Millwood Nature Reserve, with its beautiful golden streams and waterfalls, and its historic gold mines. Enjoy a romantic picnic on one of the sites with braai areas, a little café with home-made food, and plenty of hikes through the forest which you can finish by jumping in a cool, deep spring.  For the more adventurous, Knysna and its surrounds is a centre for outdoor pursuits. Enjoy anything from diving, abseiling, quad biking, paragliding, and even bungy jumping is within easy reach.

The Beach Camp (an amazing campsite)

The Beach Camp is an amazing campsite well isolated by the wind. Chill Cove is just that, lie on a hammock and snooze the day away or read a book with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, just somewhere in South Africa. Bury your toes in the sand while sipping your favorite drink, staring over the ocean by day and at the campfire at night. With comfortable bedded tents, and A-frame huts, all the necessary equipment and delicious seafood dinners, camping doesn’t get much better than this.

Accommodation consists of four cozy wooden A-frame huts with beds that can accommodate two people each. In addition there are also have six comfortable tents with two beds in each plus one three-man tent with a double and a single bed in it. The camp also offers a fully equipped kitchen tent with all the necessary pots, pans and all other utensils for braais/barbeques. The Beach Camp has a licensed bar for residents only, therefore you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol onto the premises. However, not everyone enjoys box wine; so if you are particular about the type of wine you drink you may bring your own bottle, a corkage fee applies.

Ablutions include hot showers, toilets, hand basin with hot and cold water and even a mirror for the ladies. The camp is not dependent on electricity and have none by choice.

This is a unique experience getting back to nature for those that want to rediscover peace of mind, the healing of nature and slowing down to appreciate the birds; hear the sound of the waves crashing against pink granite rock – the sounds of nature abound.

Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge (a haven for the nature lover)

Royale Marlothi Safari Lodge is located in Kruger National Park, South Africa, and it is a haven for the nature lover and wildlife photographer, with its setting and layout allowing for the ultimate wildlife experience in luxurious accommodation. This piece of paradise will reawaken your soul as you can expect encounters with wildlife such as kudu, giraffe, zebra, bush babies and warthogs.

The lodge is a mere five hours’ drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. This magical African bush getaway awaits you. Guests are accommodated in luxurious air-conditioned and thatched chalets, each with its own character, atmosphere and all the luxuries to ensure a comfortable stay in the bush. Rates include breakfast, a sundowner drive and a bottle of champagne on arrival.

Breakfast is served daily on the sun deck overlooking the Kruger National Park and dinner is often enjoyed whilst listening to the symphony of crickets, sometimes interrupted by the roar of a lion or the hysterical laugh of a hyena.

Kragga Kamma Game Park (you always get close up views and great photo opportunities)

Lush coastal forests and grasslands are home to vast herds of African game including the white rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, nyala, bontebok, lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely and unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner-operated and animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities.

This wonderful reserve, that is Kragga Kamma Game Park offer Thatched Lodges, every has two double bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and undercover barbecue. They are fully equipped for self-catering with plenty of elbow room and extra sleeper couches for children. There are also Luxury Safari Tents for the real bush camp experience. The tents are each fully furnished with two single beds, a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering, an en-suite bathroom and a private barbecue area.

Being their guest you will have the rare opportunity to take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads. There is no need for 4×4 vehicles so you can enjoy game viewing in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the two-hour guided tour in an open Land Rover with a professional guide who will provide you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background of the area. The resident bird of prey is the jackal buzzard and other species such as fish eagles, yellow billed kites and sparrow hawks also frequent the area. Knysna loeries are plentiful and more than 200 species of wild birds and waterfowl have been documented. There are good birding opportunities on the treetop boardwalk and the many waterholes.