10 Best Tented Safari Camps in the Greater Kruger

Hoedspruit, a small town in the province of Limpopo in South Africa, is close to the Greater Kruger National Park, which is one of Africa’s biggest game areas and boasts a number of tented safari camps that give visitors a unique and real taste of Africa.

With comfortable tents, delicious food, and a variety of activities that let them see the beauty of the African bush up close, these camps give their guests a unique and true African experience.

Here are some of the best tented safari camps in the greater Kruger close to Hoedspruit that give visitors a memorable taste of Africa:

1. AfriCamps Hoedspruit

53 kilometres away from the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, AfriCamps Hoedspruit offers glamping accommodations in tents. At Africamps, each glamping tent has a private patio with a wood-fired hot tub. There is a kitchen, dining space, and seating area in each of AfriCamps’ two-bedroom self-catering tents.

There is a bathroom with a shower in each tent, a Queen-size bed in the master bedroom, and a Queen bed with a single bunk bed in the second bedroom.

They each have a private BBQ, an interior fireplace, and air conditioning.

Each morning, a continental breakfast is served at the tented camp. AfriCamps visitors get access to a shared swimming pool as well as activities like canoeing and fishing on the farm. The Panorama Route, the Blyde River Canyon, and the Kruger National Park are well-liked attractions that can be visited on day trips.

The tented camp is 25 kilometres away from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.

10 Best Tented Safari Camps in the Greater Kruger

2. Kapama Buffalo Camp

The Kapama Buffalo Camp is within the Kapama Private Game Reserve, which is located in the Greater Kruger National Park. This luxurious tented camp mixes old world charm with modern architecture, and it is located amongst tall, shade-giving trees with a seasonal river below.

The ten tented suites that make up the lodge are each situated on a wooden deck that is elevated over the riverbank. Each tent features leather and dark wood finishes, as well as wooden floors, and is furnished with a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a safe that can be locked.

Breakfast and lunch are served in a thatched boma, and dinner is typically eaten in the traditional outdoor boma around an open fire.

 Game drives are available at Kapama Buffalo Camp, and they are conducted in open-air safari vehicles with knowledgeable rangers.

The pool is available for guests to use when they want to unwind and relax. In addition, guests staying at Kapama have access to the spa centre and workout facilities located at a nearby resort.

Free airport shuttle service is provided for guests on regularly scheduled flights into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport by the resort.

 

3. Sausage Tree Safari Camp

Sausage Tree Safari Camp is located in the Greater Kruger Park’s Olifants West Nature Reserve. The camp has a terrace with an outdoor pool and views of the African wilderness, as well as an active water hole.

Tents have a hardwood terrace, air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and an outdoor shower. They have a view of a dry riverbed, bush, and the Northern Drakensberg Mountains.

Breakfast and lunch are provided on the terrace, while dinner is generally eaten at the traditional boma around the fire. A well-stocked bar is also available.

The nature reserve covers an area of 40 000 hectares. Sausage Tree Safari Camp provides two guided wildlife drives in an open safari vehicle every day. The first game drive is in the morning, and the second is in the late afternoon and includes afternoon refreshments.

The camp is a 40-minute drive from Hoedspruit Airport.

4. Phelwana Game Lodge

The Orpen Gate of Kruger Park is 47 kilometres away from the Phelwana Game Lodge.

The lodge offers well-appointed chalets with private pools and nine luxurious tents. You will have access to a terrace or veranda, a seating area, a refrigerator, and tea and coffee making equipment in the accommodation.

At Phelwana, two meals are included in the day cost. Visitors can unwind around the campfire in the evenings. Game drives and guided bush walks are available, as well as cycling and fishing.

5. Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp

Set in the bush, the four canvas safari tents of Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp in Balule Game Reserve each have an en suite bathroom, a seating area and a mosquito net wrapped bed with bedding provided.

All of the tents have an own terrace or viewing deck, and some include an outdoor shower or hot tub. The resort serves continental, buffet, and Full English/Irish breakfasts. Each evening, a different dish is prepared, and guests dine al fresco around a central fire pit with a view of the spot-lit waterhole.

Guests can also dine in the dining room or on their tent’s private terrace. African and international cuisines are available, as are South African wines. Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp offers a restaurant and a communal lounge.

The communal room features an outdoor plunge pool. Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp offers game drives and walking safaris, as well as garden relaxation. Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp is 49 kilometres from Phalaborwa. There is a shuttle service available to the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport 42 kilometres away.

 

6. Southern Sands Ecolodge

Southern Sands Ecolodge is nestled within the Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve, on the banks of the magnificent Olifants River. Its well-appointed tents set apart to provide solitude, each contain an en suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a fire pit and a fully equipped outdoor kitchenette.

They also include a furnished deck area with a view of the river. An outdoor swimming pool is available to guests, with a special splash pool for younger customers.

The reserve is home to many plains game species, including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope species. Guests at Southern Sands Ecolodge can take organised trips into the Kruger National Park or do the famous Panoramic route, as well as guided game drives in an open game drive vehicle on the 1000-hectare Ndlovumzi Nature Reserve.

Running, walking, and cycling are all permitted on the area. Southern Sands Ecolodge is 35 kilometres from Hoedspruit, and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which is 43 kilometres away.

10 Best Tented Safari Camps in the Greater Kruger
10 Best Tented Safari Camps in the Greater Kruger

7. Ngama Tented Safari Lodge

Ngama Tented Safari Lodge is in Guernsey Private Nature 50 kilometres from Kruger National Park.

Ngama Tented Safari is Chalets all come with a sofa and a coffee maker, as well as a terrace furnished with deck chairs. Public spaces offer free Wi-Fi connection.

Every tent features a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Meals can be had on the sun patio. Bird viewing and game drives are only a couple of the activities that may be done nearby.

 

8. Imagine Africa Luxury Tented Camp

Imagine Africa Luxury Tented Camp in Balule Game Reserve provides accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a common lounge, a patio and a bar with mountain views.

Every morning, Imagine Africa Luxury Tented Camp serves a full English/Irish breakfast. Each apartment has a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, as well as a hairdryer.

9. Shindzela Tented Safari Camp

Shindzela Tented Safari Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is a component of the larger Kruger National Park. The camp provides each of its guests with a canvas safari tent that is furnished with twin beds and has a wooden deck.

A private en suite bathroom with a shower, washbasin and toilet is included in each tent. Guests have access to an outdoor seating area where they can take in the scenery while they savour their meals.

Solar panels provide the energy needed to run the Shindzela Camp.

Walking safaris and open-air game drives in 4×4 vehicles are both available.

 

10. Nyati Safari Lodge

The Greater Kruger National Park’s Balule Game Reserve is home to Nyati Safari Lodge, which offers 5-star accommodations with private terraces that overlook the Olifants River.

The Nyati Safari Lodge has a variety of lodging choices, including river bungalows, villas, and opulent tents. The private bathrooms in the air-conditioned rooms offer indoor and outdoor showers.

Some villas have private pools. All meals, as well as regional beers and wines, soft drinks, water, and bar-made cocktails, are included in the accommodation rate.

A large communal sports a restaurant, bar, store, pool, and lounge. During your stay, there will be two daily game drives in the lodge’s 10 000 ha exclusive portion of the Kruger Park. Airport transportation can also be scheduled by the resort staff.

Best Tented Safari Camps in the Greater Kruger

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a tented camp safari?

A tented camp safari is a type of safari where you stay in a tented camp located in a wildlife reserve or national park. The tents are typically made of canvas or other materials that allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings.

 

Why choose a tented camp safari near Hoedspruit in the Greater Kruger?

The area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The climate is also mild year-round, making it a pleasant time to visit.

 

What are the different types of tented camp safaris?

There are many different types of tented camp safaris available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most popular types include:

  • Luxury tented camp safaris: These safaris offer guests the highest level of comfort and amenities, with tents that are spacious and well-appointed.
  • Budget tented camp safaris: These safaris offer a more affordable option, with tents that are smaller and less luxurious.
  • Game viewing safaris: These safaris take guests on game drives in open vehicles, which is a great way to see a variety of animals.

 

What time of year is the best time to go on a tented camp safari?

The best time to go on a tented camp safari in the Greater Kruger is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

 

What activities can I do on a tented camp safari?

In addition to game viewing and bird watching, there are many other activities that you can do on a tented camp safari. These include bush walks, night drives, sunrise and sunset game drives, as well as spa treatments at some tented camps.

 

What are the costs of a tented camp safari?

The costs of a tented camp safari vary depending on the type of safari, the level of accommodation, and the time of year. Luxury tented camp safaris can cost several thousand dollars per person per night, while budget tented camp safaris can cost a few hundred dollars per person per night.

 

How do I book a tented camp safari?

You can book a tented camp safari through a travel agent or directly with the tented camp operator. When booking, be sure to ask about the inclusions and exclusions, as well as the cancellation policy.

 

What should I pack for a tented camp safari?

Some of the essential items that you should pack for a tented camp safari include:

  • Comfortable clothing for day and night
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight