Approximately eight days ago, guests and guides at nThambo Tree Camp awoke to a sound of scuffling, rallying howls and high-pitched twittering. Drowning out the chorus of morning birdsong, these alarmingly sounds meant one thing: the African wild dogs were in town. Camp manager Ingrid sent through a remarkable image of a mega-pack of wild dogs circling the waterhole in camp, with one of the chalets in the background. This is just one of many mind-blowing “wildlife in camp” scenes experienced at nThambo Tree Camp.
Shortly after the wild dog extravaganza, a herd of elephants descended upon the swimming pool at camp, and spend a considerable amount time jostling at the poolside for their place in the sun. There’s was trumpeting, slurping and a whole lot of comical behaviour from our grey giants. If you think the close-up, in camp sightings are a major drawcard, you should see the accommodation.
Wildlife Getaways
Located in the heart of the Big 5 Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this established lodge comprises unique treehouse style accommodation on stilts. Chalets are built from sturdy canvas and wood under a thatched roof, and are raised on wooden stilts. Each treehouse style chalet has its own private wooden balcony overlooking the open bushveld, with views that extend all the way across to Drakensberg mountains in the distance.
Going to sleep is also an adventure! When the nocturnal beasts come alive, you might awake from a deep slumber to hear lions contact calling or hyena scuffling beneath your stilted chalet. Not only does nThambo Tree Camp offer an unusual safari getaway for safari adventurers, but it also offers an opportunity for safari goers to experience wildlife getaways from the comfort of their own room.
Treehouse. Chalets. Adventure. Comfort at its finest. What more could you ask for from a Kruger safari experience?
A Lifetime of Safari Adventure
nThambo Tree Camp is the ultimate safari adventure, and offers a simple type of luxury amidst the rugged Klaserie bushveld. The convivial open-plan main areas provide a point to socialise with other guests and learn about the wild from guides. Meals are served around a communal dining table overlooking the small waterhole and the bushveld. This ambient dining area flows through the small lounge and bar area, laden with couches for added relaxation spaces.
Just a few metres from the bar is the small splash pool (sometimes we refer to this as the ellie’s waterbowl), which is surrounded by an intimate wooden decking area with ultra-comfy sun loungers. Because the nThambo team prioritises the safari experience and are known for their hospitality, they often use the pool deck for private romantic dining sessions. Of course, this needs to be arranged prior.
During the drier season, you might see elephants lumbering down to the camp swimming pool to replenish their thirst and engage in typical elephant-tomfoolery. Being creatures of habit, they usually come at the same time everyday: midday. We find that guests spot the grey giants when they’re settling down to eat their lunch.
During the day, guests find the pool area a great place to catch some rays and read a book. For those who aren’t used to the harsh rays of the African sun, there’s space for them in the shaded lounge area. For others, the private balconies in their rooms provide the perfect place to unwind. Each balcony has a small table and chairs, and is a fantastic perch for observing the birdlife.
After game drives, the rather enigmatic boma area calls. Guests are usually buzzing after drive and they’re filled with stories about sightings and usually have a ton of questions for guides. It’s customary to return to the bar and retire to the boma area for catch-up before getting ready for dinner.
The boma flows off from the main area and usually has those canvas chairs synonymous with the safari experience set up around a roaring campfire. After dinner is served, guests again tend to retire to the boma area, where they connect with others and stargaze the night away. There are times when guests often don’t ever leave the boma!
An experience at nThambo Tree Camp will provide you with a lifetime of safari adventure. It’s not hard to understand why guests return. nThambo leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of first-time visitors and seasoned safari goers. What are you waiting for? Come and stay with us. click here to look at live availability for nThambo Tree Camp.
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