Nthakeni Bush & River Camp

Welcome to Nthakeni Bush & River Camp, a hidden gem located on the Mutale Riverbank in the breathtaking north-eastern part of Limpopo. Immerse yourself in our nature lover's paradise, where you can indulge in excellent bird watching opportunities and explore unique flora. Nestled just outside the Kruger National Park, this tribal trust area camp is the perfect base for adventure, only 5.5 kilometers from the Pafuri Gate of the Game Reserve.At Nthakeni Bush & River Camp, we offer a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Choose from our comfortable thatched cottages, tran

Welcome to Nthakeni Bush & River Camp, a hidden gem located on the Mutale Riverbank in the breathtaking north-eastern part of Limpopo. Immerse yourself in our nature lover's paradise, where you can indulge in excellent bird watching opportunities and explore unique flora. Nestled just outside the Kruger National Park, this tribal trust area camp is the perfect base for adventure, only 5.5 kilometers from the Pafuri Gate of the Game Reserve.

At Nthakeni Bush & River Camp, we offer a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Choose from our comfortable thatched cottages, tranquil campsites along the river or nestled in the forest, and rustic campsites for an authentic bush experience.

Our cottages feature cozy beds and well-equipped kitchenettes, perfect for preparing and cooking meals. Each campsite boasts a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Additionally, all accommodations come with a private braai area, and some even offer refreshing outdoor showers. For your convenience, our main campsite provides a rock pool and a small kiosk store selling essential items.

Please note that Nthakeni Bush & River Camp operates on solar power, providing a peaceful escape from the modern world. Campers are advised to bring their own solar power systems if they require electricity for refrigerators and appliances.

When you're ready to cool off, take a dip in our lovely pool or embark on self-drive bush rides. For the adventurous, we offer hiking trails that showcase the stunning surroundings. Don't miss the chance to engage in bird watching and star gazing, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

Explore further afield with a visit to the nearby Pafuri border post to Mozambique, just 40 kilometers away.

Before your visit to Nthakeni, here are some important details to note:

1. Road Condition: Our camp can be reached via the R525 road, a quiet, well-maintained tarred road. The final 2 kilometers to the camp are on a dirt track, which is generally accessible for regular vehicles with caution. We recommend taking it slow through the minor ditches and rock pebbles. Drive carefully when crossing the narrow bridge over the Mutale river. The road to the camp is well sign-posted, ensuring a safe journey.

2. Fuel Availability: There is a Caltex filling station, Bokmakierie, at the turn-off from the N1 onto the R525. We suggest filling up here as it's the last station with cheaper fuel before reaching our camp. In Masisi, a small town 18 kilometers before our camp turn-off, you will find diesel and petrol. Please be aware that this is the last fuel stop before entering the Kruger National Park. For those heading to Mozambique, ensure you have enough fuel as it is an 80-kilometer detour to Punda Maria for fuel. Most larger camps within the Kruger National Park offer fuel for sale.

3. Shopping: The last supermarkets are located in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Musina. In our area, you will find Spaza shops that stock basic food, toiletry items, cold drinks, and fresh bread. Please note that fresh meat and liquor are not available in the area, so it's advisable to stock up beforehand. At the camp, our small shop offers basic food and toiletry items, curios, firewood, and ice for your convenience. We recommend against buying firewood along the road to protect the local environment and ensure properly dried and sustainable firewood.

4. Drinking Water: Our tap water is safe to drink and cook with, sourced from boreholes. All accommodations and camping stands have taps readily available. Expedition Vehicles are welcome to fill their water tanks. Hot water for showers is sourced from wood-fired geysers, using our natural resources responsibly. We encourage guests to use hot water once a day to conserve resources.

5. Cellular Network: Only MTN and CELL C service providers have coverage at our camp, allowing MTN and CELL C customers to use their phones. Vodacom signal requires a 5-kilometer drive to an area with reception. If you require Vodacom signal, please inquire at the office for directions.

6. Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at a central point in our main building. However, please utilize this service for email and messaging services only, as downloading is not possible due to limited wireless internet availability in the area. Utilizing the service for downloading can lead to high data costs.

7. Electricity: Our camp does not have access to Eskom power. Instead, we rely on 12V solar power, ensuring a peaceful and environmentally friendly stay. Please note that our accommodations do not have 220V electrical plugs, but all lighting and appliances are powered by 12V solar energy. In the event of solar power failure, paraffin lamps are available in all units.

8. Climate: Prepare for hot summers and pleasant winters in the Pafuri area. Average summer temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, while winter temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C. The peak of the rainy season occurs in January and February, with an annual rainfall of approximately 350mm to 400mm.

9. Malaria: It's important to note that our area falls within a high-risk Malaria zone, just like the Kruger National Park. We strongly advise all visitors to consult their doctor or pharmacist for necessary precautions. Remember to use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing at night, and monitor yourself for any symptoms.

10. Nature: Respect and embrace the natural surroundings during your stay at our camp. Please wear closed shoes and carry a torch or flashlight when moving around at night. Exercise caution when exploring the area, as we border a nature reserve where the fence may not always be well maintained. While game sightings are not guaranteed, occasional visits from elephants, buffalos, leopards, and hyenas remind us of our proximity to nature. Nthakeni is situated in tribal land, offering a healthy ecosystem and rich diversity in fauna and flora for true nature enthusiasts to cherish.

11. Mutale River: Our camp overlooks the beautiful Mutale river, which flows throughout the year, though surface water may decrease during prolonged droughts. Please be cautious of crocodiles and hippos, especially during the rainy season. The river is not suitable for boating, and while small fish can be found, it is not known for fishing activities.

12. Nature Camp: To preserve the peace and tranquility of our camp, we regret to inform you that we do not allow day visitors. Additionally, our facilities are not equipped to cater to day visitors. We kindly request guests to refrain from playing music and to consider the experience of others. Unless in extreme emergency situations approved by management