Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Destination

Timbavati

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. As one of South Africa's most luxurious East African-styled tented bushcamps, we offer our guests an unforgettable experience in game viewing, warm hospitality and award-winning cuisine. Set on the banks of the Nlharalumi riverbed, Tanda Tula is shaded by majestic trees and overlooks a watering hole that attracts wildlife from dawn till dusk. Each of the 12 tents is completely private, surrounded by lush riverine bush with a deck overlooking the riverbed. Tanda Tula is sanctuary to Africa's Big Five, with traversing over more than 20,000 ha of wilderness and undisturbed biodiversity. Our guests are guaranteed an incredible wildlife experience. Our highly skilled ranger and tracker teams guide our guests in the early mornings and evenings, in open Land Rovers or on foot. Tanda Tula is the oldest camp in the Timbavati. Steeped in history, the Hugo family go back many generations linking conservation and the Shangaan culture's and their joy is sharing it with the world. The camp exudes elegance, combining comfort and style with African roots. The open plan lodge merges luxury with the natural environment.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp Amenities

We have 12 luxurious East African-styled tents. All the tents are totally private with stunning views overlooking the riverbed. Each tent has its own private deck with loungers or deck chairs. The interiors are furnished in great elegance and comfort. All the tents have beautiful en suite bathrooms with traditional Victorian bathtubs and romantic outdoor showers overlooking the bush and riverbed. There is a private, open air therapy hide at the edge of the watering hole where Nicoline, our therapist, provides guests with a variety of aromatherapy treatments.The infinity pool overlooks a large watering hole, often frequented by elephant and buffalo. The bar and lounge are always open, and our superb barmen, Harry and Smiling, will gladly bring you your favourite drink. Out in the bush we have a lovely hide on the Machaton Dam where private picnics and 'sleep outs' can be arranged, bringing you closer to the wilderness! Sumptuous bush brunches are served daily at our bush site. After breakfast, guests can arrange a guided walk back to camp with their ranger.For families and friends requiring complete privacy, we have an exclusive camp called Tandala. Accommodating four or six guests, with a private pool, fabulous lounge and sweeping deck overlooking the riverbed, this is truly a piece of paradise. A private chef, ranger and vehicle can also be arranged.

Directions To Tanda Tula Safari Camp

From Johannesburg and Pretoria The direct route when driving to Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve from Gauteng will take travellers approximately 5.5 hours. If driving to Tanda Tula Safari camp from Pretoria, take the N4 from Pretoria to Witbank, which then joins the N12 from Johannesburg at Witbank. If driving to Tanda Tula Safari camp from Johannesburg, take the N12 from Johannesburg to Witbank, which then joins the N4 from Pretoria at Witbank. Go past Witbank and Middelburg on the N4 (main route to Nelspruit and Maputo). After Middelburg take the Belfast (R33) turnoff off the N4 (there is an Engen One Stop on the RHS of the N4 just after the offramp). Turn left from the offramp and go into Belfast. Go through 1 stop sign before going into town. At the second stop sign in town (1 block after the Spar shop on the LHS), turn right towards Dullstroom on the R540. Go about 35km from Belfast to Dullstroom. Continue straight through Dullstroom to Lydenburg (approximately 50km from Dullstroom). On reaching Lydenburg, you will come to a T-junction where you need to turn left to go through town. Go straight through town, past the Wimpy on the left. At the second stop sign after the Wimpy turn left. Go down to the fourth stop sign. At the fourth stop sign there will be an “Engen Gas Station” on the far left hand corner and a “Kia Motors” on the far right hand corner. Turn right here toward Ohrigstad on the R36. Go about 50km from Lydenburg to Ohrigstad. Go straight through Ohrigstad and continue on to the JG Strijdom Tunnel via the Abel Erasmus Pass (approximately 40km from Ohrigstad). After the Tunnel continue straight on to Hoedspruit (approximately 40km from the tunnel). On entering Hoedspruit, go straight over the first stop sign, straight at the second stop sign, over the railway bridge and at the third stop sign turn right. Travel for approximately 7km from Hoedspruit and you will see a sign for Eastgate Airport and Timbavati, to the left. Turn left towards Eastgate Airport, and you are on the road into the Timbavati Nature Reserve. Travel 19km on tar and cross the Klaserie river, where you will come to the Timbavati Control Gate. Please drive carefully and stick to the speed limit once you have past the control gate, as you are now in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. You will need to pay R120 for vehicle entry into the reserve (This fee is set by the Reserve and is subject to change without notice). After the Control Gate, travel straight on this road for ± 13km’s Turn right at a large tree (there is a large stone and concrete sign-post, like in the Kruger Park, with Tanda Tula Safari Camp indicated second from the top of this sign-post).

Area Attractions

Tanda Tula is proud to be the first in the Timbavati to offer a remarkable once-in-a-lifetime experience: the overnight walking safari. The Overnight Walking Safari provides an opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the beautiful African wildlife on foot and up close and to sleep under the stars, exactly as the early explorers did. Each Walking Safari itinerary is individually tailored to suit guests' requirements. A four-night walking safari package is generally recommended, with two nights spent at the base Tanda Tula Safari Camp and two nights in the bush at the remote Machaton Hide.Tanda Tula guests are invited to visit the research centre at the camp, where the researchers or one of their assistants will introduce you to their world and their incredible work.