HAMILTONS TENTED CAMP

MLUWATI CONCESSION ǀ GREATER KRUGER

ABOUT HAMILTONS TENTED CAMP

The magnificent Hamiltons Tented Camp is situated in one of Africa’s prime wilderness areas – the Mluwati concession, 10 000 hectares of lush vegetation in the western section of the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Mluwati borders the northern Sabi Sands and Manyaleti game reserves.

Built entirely of canvas and nestled under a canopy of jackalberry and sausage trees, the camp oozes 19^th century nostalgia. It’s architecture and decor reflect a unique “Out of Africa” charm that will leave an indelible impression on the mind of the discerning nature lover. Here guests can embark on a journey back in time.

This pristine camp derives its name from the world-famous James Stevenson Hamilton, one of the early conservation pioneers of southern Africa, who had a burning passion for the incredible beauty of this land and was instrumental in the creation of the Kruger National Park. Hamiltons is a tribute to this 19^th century generation of pioneers whose ground-breaking vision culminated in the conservation of one of the African continent’s prime wilderness havens.

The camp comprises a main tent and 6 magnificently appointed tented suites, all elevated and built of canvas, and linked by high wooden platforms.

Here guests are treated to spectacular views of the Nwatswitsonto River where the indigenous wildlife come to play. Hamiltons offers those in search of a truly unique bush experience, an up- close-and-personal encounter with Africa and its beasts. It’s an exclusive bushveld escape unfettered by trivial modern interruptions – a place to restore the soul.

At the pristine Hamiltons Tented Camp guests are treated like royalty!

Hamiltons Tented Camp was announced as finalist in the 2015 Safari Awards

These awards celebrate excellence in the safari industry, Hamiltons was named in the Best Value Safari Property in South Africa category.

To be considered for these prestigious awards, nominees have to be the outright best in their category.

Votes are gathered from more than 1 000 luxury travel professionals around the world, as well as readers of high-end publications, such as Conde Nasté Traveler Magazine,Tatler, Travel Africa Magazine and Brides Magazine.

The finalists are rated in the top 3% of safari companies worldwide, and the award winners are unquestionably the best in their field.  A nomination is earned through excellence, which is recognised by the carefully chosen panel of judges. The judges are all highly respected, independent industry experts who are nominated each year by the winners and finalists of The Safari Awards.

The judges are also all involved in the Good Safari Guide, ensuring that the lodges, camps and operations presented both in the guides and in the awards, really are the best in Africa and worldwide.

THE HAMILTONS LUXURY TENTED CAMP EXPERIENCE

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

The main lodge is an impressive tent structure with elegant lines and an open-sided lounge and dining area that flows onto a wide, spacious deck shaded by huge jackalberry trees and overlooking the dry riverbed.

Guests are accommodated in six private luxury elevated tents overlooking the Nwaswitsontso River. Each tent accommodates 2 people. From your own private deck, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush that derives its existence from the river.

Earthy tones, clean lines and rich materials, all combine to create an ambience of refined and old-worldly luxury.

Traditional fittings and features such as the old brass light switches, steamer trunks with vintage labels revealing their exciting journeys, and sepia-stained photographs complete this “‘turn-of-the-”feel of each tented suite. Modern comforts such as electricity, air conditioning and outdoor showers are the only clues that we actually live in a modern time.

The decor is light and neutral; teak furniture and floors, gilded mirrors and the magnificent king-size beds covered in crisp white linen, deliver a classy luxury tent experience enhanced by the panoramic bush- and river views that stretch in all directions.

Hamiltons is the perfect getaway for couples is search of a romantic retreat in the heart of the wilderness in which to unwind and relax.

Suite facilities and amenities include:

• En-suite bathroom with separate bath and outdoor shower
• Bathroom amenities
• Mosquito netting and insect repellent
• Umbrellas, hairdryer
• Safe
• Air conditioning
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Private deck
• Intercom

YOUR FACILITIES AT THE MAIN LODGE

• Reception
• Dining Room
• Boma
• Lounge area
• Bar
• Outdoor swimming pool

* Please note: As Hamiltons is situated in a very remote are, there is no cellphone reception. Should you be in urgent need to make a call, our guides know which termite mounds to stand on!

Additional services

• Butler service
• Spa treatments
• Laundry service
• Room service
• Daily scheduled flights into Skukuza Airport and Hoedspruit Airport.
• Federal flights to the Manyeleti airstrip.
• Transfers can be arranged from Skukuza, Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
• Landlines are available at Imbali for those wanting to stay in touch with loved-ones back home
• The water is safe to drink; however, bottled water is also provided in all suites, courtesy of the lodge
• Welcome drinks on arrival.

HAMILTON LODGE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES

Activities at Hamiltons Lodge include traditional luxury Kruger safaris in “Big Five” country, bush picnics and champagne breakfasts. Wellness treatments are available on request by the African Spa team. These pampering treatments can be enjoyed at the poolside or on the secluded deck of your suite.

SAFARIS

As one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park, the management of Mluwati has worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of this pristine wilderness that – for over 100 years – has been a sanctuary for over 114 reptile-, 34 amphibian- and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Guests will enjoy some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife and plant life species, not to mention the wide variety of bird species that has found a home in the Mluwati concession. Indeed, each safari experience at Hamiltons is unique.

Here nature lovers can witness the animals’ excitement at the first rains; the terrapins playing in river pools, while listening to the call of the pied kingfisher and the steady chirping of sociable tree frogs.

A game drive at Hamiltons will reveal new scents, curious sounds and the beauty of an extraordinary African landscape to delight your senses.

Early morning safaris

Walking up at dawn you will just have enough time to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some rusks, before departing with your knowledgeable field guide and tracker on a morning safari. Traversing this huge area in an open safari vehicle, create a wealth of opportunities for some of the most unique sightings. Expect to see the Big Five, as well as more elusive species such as the African wild dog.

The possibilities of rare and unique sightings are endless, making for a unique bush experience every time. Upon your return to camp, a scrumptious breakfast will await you.

Late afternoon/early evening safari

After escaping from the heat of the day in the pool, or on your private deck immersed in a good book, it will be time for afternoon tea accompanied by delicious treats, after which you will depart on an afternoon safari. Again, your knowledgeable guide will alert you to the secrets of the bush. Stopping at a scenic spot en-route to watch the African sunset while sipping on a cocktail, is a priceless experience. Then follows the thrill of watching the nocturnal creatures come to life in the spotlight. The reflection of a pair of eyes in the dark are bound to get the adrenalin pumping!

Guided Bush Walks

Those in search of adventure can join an armed guide on a one and a half hour walk in the Mluwati during which you will experience the intricacies of nature from a whole new perspective. Here you will be able to smell, touch and feel the essence of bush landscape. Your expert guide will be teaching you more about animal tracks and behaviour, as well as about the smaller species often overlooked in pursuit of the Big Five. This is the perfect way to experience the rhythm of Africa from under your feet.

Booking procedure: Please organise the walk with your manager the previous evening during dinner or discuss it with your guide during your afternoon safari.

Terms & Conditions:

• Participants must wear flat-soled closed shoes.

• Only neutral-coloured clothing allowed

• No strong perfume/cologne

• Persons older than 65 years must present a letter from their physician, declaring them medically fit to partake in this activity.

• Participants also need to understand English in order to follow instructions in dangerous situations.

Bird Watching

This pristine part of Africa is a bird-lovers haven, with its more than 500 recorded bird species.

Species you can expect to find through your binoculars include the southern yellow-billed hornbill, crested barbet and Burchell’s glossy starling, to name but a few.

Our expert guides will share their unrivalled knowledge of our feathered friends with the keen birders. From the fierce marshall eagle to the smallest and most delicate blue waxbill, a wealth of astonishing information about our feathered friends will leave you in awe. A whole new world will unfold through the lenses of your binoculars.

Self-Drives

Enjoy the wonders of Kruger from the comfort of your personal vehicle or rental car. Stop off at one of the many picnic sites to enjoy an ice-cold drink during summer or a mug of coffee in winter.

Bush Dinners

Join us for a lovely dinner under the African sky in the riverbed or in any unfenced area of this private concession in the Kruger National Park. This is a privilege reserved for guests only. Nowhere else in Kruger will you be able to dine with the majestic Big Five.

Winter Safari Times: May – Aug

• 05h30 Wake up call and morning tea

• 06h00 Morning safari departs

• 09h00 Return for breakfast

• 13h30 Lunch

• 15h30 High Tea

• 16h00 Afternoon safari departs

• 19h30 Return from safari & dinner is served.

Summer Safari Times: Sept – Apr

• 05h00 Wake up call and morning tea

• 05h30 Morning safari departs

• 08h30 Return for breakfast

• 13h30 Lunch

• 16h00 High Tea

• 16h30 Afternoon safari departs

• 19h30 Return from safari & dinner is served.

HAMILTON’S CAMP KRUGER NATIONAL PARK CUISINE

DINING AND CUISINE

At Hamiltons Tented Camp dining is a festive occasion, in much the same tradition as was the case in the 1900s. Every dining occasion at Hamiltons is a classy affair. From the fine crystal wine glasses to the pewter silver water jugs and the exquisitely set tables, here you can revel in the dining traditions of old in spectacular bushveld surroundings.

Butlers dressed in traditional colonial uniforms cater to your every whim. You can choose to dine on deck with its beautiful views or you can even opt for a bush picnic. Whatever your choice, the occasion will certainly not disappoint!

Home-made baked delicacies are prepared by the lodge’s creative chefs. Speciality dishes with unmistakably local flavours, and complemented by a fine selection of wines, are served in beautiful surroundings. Here the sounds of the bush round off  these culinary occasions to perfection.

From champagne breakfasts to afternoon High Teas with a delicious selection of cakes and pastries baked freshly at the lodge, tantalising the taste buds takes on a whole new meaning at Hamiltons! The lodge caters to most dietary preferences.

LOCATION

GETTING THERE

Hamiltons Tented Camp is located within the private 10 000-hectare concession of Mluwati in the western region of the Kruger National Park, bordering the northern Sabi Sands and Manyeleti Game Reserves.

Entry to the camp is either through the Kruger Gate (a minimum of 3 hours before gate closure) or the Orpen Gate (a minimum of 1.5 hours before gate closure).

Gate entry fees into the Kruger National Park are applicable per guest per stay.

BY AIR

SA Express to Hoedspruit:

SA Airlink offers flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town into Hoedspruit Airport. Transfers from Hoedspruit can be booked at time of reservation, at an additional charge.

Federal Air from Johannesburg or KMIA:

Guests will fly into the Manyeleti airstrip where they will be collected by the lodge. Driving times from the lodge is approximately an hour and a half. This transfer is charged at R40 per vehicle and R30 per person.

Airlink to Skukuza or KMIA:

Airlink offers direct flights to Skukuza (Kruger National Park) from OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport.  Airlink also offers direct flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town direct to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela (Nelspruit). Transfers from Skukuza can be booked at time of reservation, at an additional charge.

Connecting times

We recommend the following connecting times to ensure that passengers do not miss any connecting flights:

Departing from Johannesburg

Domestic flights into Johannesburg must arrive two hours prior to the departing times of your connecting flight to Hoedspruit or KMIA. International flights into Johannesburg must arrive two and a half hours prior to your connecting flight to Hoedspruit or KMIA.

Departing from Hoedspruit

Domestic flights departing from Johannesburg must be booked to depart ORTIA two hours after the arrival of your connecting flight from Hoedspruit or KMIA.

International flights departing from Johannesburg must be booked to depart ORTIA three and a half hours after the arrival of your connecting flight from Hoedspruit or KMIA.

BY CAR

From OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) in Johannesburg:

• Take the R21 North towards Pretoria.

• Just before Pretoria, take the N4 East.

• Continue on to Belfast, here, turn left on the R540 towards Dullstroom (approximately 37km).

• At Dullstroom, take the R540 towards Lydenburg (approximately 43km).

• At Lydenburg, take the R36 towards Ohrigstad (approximately 62km).

• At Ohrigstad, take the R527 towards Hoedspruit (You will pass through the JG Strijdom Tunnel).

• 16km before Hoedspruit, at the Swadini Reptile Centre, turn right onto the R531 towards Klaserie.

• After about 30km, turn left onto the Orpen Gate Road (R531).

• After 40km you will reach the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park (KNP.)

• After entering the Orpen Gate continue for 22km on the H7.

• Turn right on the S36 where you will see the signpost marked Imbali, Hamiltons, Hoyo-Hoyo, indicating the exact distances.

• After about 28km, turn right to Hamiltons Tented Camp.

Paul Kruger Gate Entry (95km from the Paul Kruger Gate):

Entry through the KNP’s Paul Kruger Gate:

• Proceed toward Skukuza.

• From Skukuza take the H1-2 towards Satara (32km).

• Turn left on the S36 (dirt road) and follow the signage for Imbali Safari Lodge/Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge/Hamiltons Tented Camp.

• Continue on this road about 39km and through the no-entry sign.

• Follow the signs to Hamiltons.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The vision of Paul Kruger, once president of the former Transvaal Republic, the Kruger National Park was proclaimed as early as 1898 as the Sabie Game Reserve. At the time President Kruger believed that the animals of South Africa’s Lowveld needed to be protected, but it took another 12 years for the expanse between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers to be declared an area of restricted hunting, with James Stevenson-Hamilton appointed the park’s first warden in 1902.

The first tour including an overnight stop at the Sabie Bridge (now Skukuza) organised by the South African Railways in 1923. Tourists visiting the park slept on the train and a game ranger would spend an evening with them around a campfire sharing interesting anecdotes about the bush.

The popularity of this tour gave rise to a range of tourist facilities in the park, including rest huts at Satara, Pretoriuskop, Letaba, Malelane and Skukuza, among other camps. Roads were built in the 1930s to allow self-drive tourists to enjoy the park at their leisure and by 1934 about 1 200km of road were completed.

For almost 100 years, local and international visitors have had access to the park and enjoyed one of the world’s premier game-viewing destinations. Kruger is home to an estimated 1 500 lion, 12 000 elephant, 2 500 buffalo, 1 00 leopards and white and black rhino. Big Five aside, there are a myriad of other wildlife species to be admired with some 145-mammal species occurring in the park, including hippo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah and wild dog, among others.

Keen birders will adore a visit to the Kruger National Park with almost 500 bird species on the park’s list. From the brilliantly colourful displays of the Kingfisher and the distinct call of the Fish Eagle, to the Giant Eagle Owl perched in a bare Leadwood tree, you could spend your days admiring our feathered friends.

But there’s more to the Kruger than its wildlife, with almost 254 known cultural heritage sites, including 130 recorded rock art sites, 300 archaeological sites of Stone Age man and San Rock Art. Imbali Safari Lodge was in fact built on the site of an ancient African settlement.

Gate fees

Guest staying at Hamiltons Tented Camp arecharged a once-off access fee of R76.00 per person per stay. The fees are payable at the gate of entry and you will be required to return your receipt to the gate attendant upon your departure.

Gate entrance times

Please be aware of gate entrance times into the Kruger National Park, as they vary depending on the season. Entrance into the park via Orpen Gate should be no later than two hours prior to gate closure time, and via Kruger Gate no later than three hours prior to gate closure times.

Hamiltons Safari Lodge gate closing times:

• November – February: 18h30

• March – April: 18h00

• May – July: 17h30

• August – October: 18h00.

Kruger National Park Kruger Gate gate open and closing times (subject to change):

• November – February:  05h35 – 18h35

• March & October: 05h35 – 18h05

• April, August & September: 06h00 – 18h05

• May – July: 06h00 – 17h35.

Speed limit

While driving within the Kruger National Park, please adhere to the legal speed limit of 50km per hour on tar roads and 40km per hour on dirt roads.

Safety precautions

Please adhere to the Kruger National Park (KNP) safety precautions, and do not disembark from your vehicle unless in a designated area.

Cellphone reception

Cellphone signal is only available at the entrance gates and close to Skukuza. Guests are therefore advised to make any necessary calls at the gate upon entry.