Luxury

nThambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is the perfect location for guests who wish to experience a unique and memorable safari stay in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. There are five solar-powered thatch treehouse chalets, raised on wooden stilts to offer sweeping panoramic views of the rolling plains all the way to the Drakensburg Mountains.

Each thatched treehouse chalet accommodates two people, meaning when the camp is full there are only 10 guests, allowing for an exclusive and private stay. Spend your days exploring the bushveld on an adventurous game drive or immersive guided walk; or stay at camp, spending a relaxing day in the small library, lounging on the sunbeds or catching a dip in the splash pool.

nThambo Tree Camp, Hoedspruit, South Africa, S 24 degrees 17.438", E 031 degrees 13.836”

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is a biodiverse nature reserve, located between the giant Kruger National Park and the Drakensburg Mountain range. Sitting at 600 kilometres², Klaserie Private Nature Reserve shares unfenced borders with Kruger and makes up part of the Greater Kruger National Park. These open borders mean that wildlife can roam freely throughout the parks and surrounding reserves, including the Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sands, allowing for a diverse and astonishing range of species to be spotted wandering through the grasses.

Many animals call the rolling grasslands, woodland forests, winding waterways and Klaserie River home, including the Big Five; elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as giraffe, zebra, warthog, hyena, baboon, hippo, impala, honey badger, cheetah, and porcupine. Accompanying these land animals are over 500 species of bird who fill the air with their melodic calls.

Guests can access nThambo Tree Camp by flying from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit Airports from where a road transfer to the camp can be arranged. Guests can also ask for self-drive directions or can book a place on the shuttle to the camp from Johannesburg, Tambo, or Pretoria.

Located in the beautiful Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
5 unique and authentically designed treehouse chalets
Private balconies which offer sweeping views of the bushveld
Main area is cosy and includes a small library
Meals can be served in the heart of the bush
Adventure through the bush on a game drive
Stop for a traditional sundowner mid-game drive
Immerse yourself in the surroundings on a guided bush walk
Relax by the splash pool, keeping an eye for wandering animals

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve goes through two distinct seasons, a dry season and a wet season. Both seasons offer different experiences for the reserve but both are good times to visit. The dry season begins in May and lasts until September. During this time of year, the temperatures are at their mildest, averaging at 24.5°C during the day. The days are sunny and cloudless, and with water becoming scarce as the season goes on the bush thins and animals gather at sources of permanent water, creating exceptional game viewing opportunities.

While temperatures during the day are comfortably warm at this time of year, temperatures during the mornings and nights can become quite cold, dipping to as low as 8.5°C. Warm clothing as well as a hat and a pair of gloves are advised for these times if you wish to go on a guided walk or game drive in the mornings. The temperatures gradually rise in time for the wet season, which begins in October and lasts until May.

The average for this time of year is around 31.5°C and rains occur in brief afternoon showers, creating a lush and vivid bushveld. November to February see the most rain, however, this usually occurs in afternoon storms which usually last a couple of hours before clearing up. A solid pair of walking shoes are advised year-round but are especially important during the wet season if you are going to be walking through the muddy bush.

Treehouse Chalets

Climb the wooden steps up to your very own treehouse at nThambo, which offers panoramic views which stretch to the Drakensburg Mountains in the distance. There are 5 treehouse chalets at nThambo, all fully solar-powered and suitable for up to two guests.

The chalets boast traditional thatched roofs which are exposed on the inside, creating dimension to the space and adding authentic character. Polished wooden floorboards, wooden furniture, and canvas walls add a touch of traditional safari decor and help the interior blend into the surroundings of the bushveld.

Across the walls are wide gauze windows which fill the chalet with natural light and the fresh South African air, as well as the option of having the whole front of the tent rolled up, opening the chalets up to the wondrous wilds of the Southern Klaserie. In the middle of the chalet sits either a large king-size bed or twin beds, which are covered in crisp white bed linen and swathed in mosquito netting.

Each chalet comes with a small ensuite bathroom which includes a flush toilet and shower. At the front of the treehouse, guests can unwind on their own private verandah’s, watching the sun set over the breathtakingly wild vista.

Guests can wander from their treehouses to the main camp for their meals. The main area is cosy and comfortable, with a large thatch roof sheltering guests from stormy weather but open sides offering guests unparalleled views of the bush while you munch away on your delicious food.

Dining can be communal or private with a range of tables and deck style chairs to choose from, and a large wine rack offers guests the option of having a perfectly paired South African wine with their dinner. After dark, the area is lit by the romantic glow of authentic lanterns, and guests can make their way to the crackling fire of the boma with a drink from the bar.

Dinners and breakfasts can also be arranged around the boma or in the bush. As the sun sets or rises respectively, guests can enjoy delectable grilled food while immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush waking up, or going to sleep.

Game Drives

Enjoy the traditional safari experience of a game drive around the wonder of nature that is The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. In the comfort of an open 4×4 safari vehicle, adventure through the bushveld, being driven to all the best viewing spots by an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

This is the perfect activity if guests wish to get up close and personal with some of the wild animals, or if photography is your passion, this activity also offers prime photo opportunities. Guests can head out in the morning to see the bush waking up or can head out in the afternoon stretching into the evening to get a peek at some of the nocturnal creatures of the reserve coming out to play.

Bush Walks

For a more intimate exploration of the reserve then guests can head out on a guided bush walk with a qualified and professional ranger who will lead the way and will also share their intimate knowledge of the surrounding area. This activity is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the bush, and the best way to see some of the smaller eco-systems of the park, which you may miss on a game drive.

Track animal prints, look at the insect life of the reserve and marvel at the flora and fauna of the area. This is also a good time to look to the treetops for birds’ nests and spend some time trying to identify the innumerable bird calls which fill the air.

Sundowners

On your afternoon game drive take a short break when the sun starts to set and enjoy raising a toast to the stunning wilderness of Klaserie. Enjoy this brief interlude of your game drive while bathing in the last of the sun’s rays and watching the reserve be lit by the golden tones of the setting sun.

Greener Camp

nThambo pride themselves on being an eco-friendly camp. They have various recycling policies they implement to help cut down on the waste they produce. One of these recycling initiatives is the use of a Grey-water recycling system. The water from showers, sinks, and washers is sent to be treated before being plumbed back into guest toilets and outside taps. This helps to reduce the amount of water they consume, preserving and protecting this important natural resource.

The five chalets are also fully solar-powered, as well as the plug sockets in the main area of the camp. By harnessing the natural energy from the sun’s rays, nThambo is reducing their need for burning fossil fuels to create energy, consequently reducing their emissions and carbon footprint.

Children aged 12 and over are welcome at nThambo Tree Camp

Room Facilities

Fan, Bath or Shower, Toilet, Ensuite, Safety deposit box, Desk, Decking / Veranda, Balcony

General Facilities

Indoor restaurant, WiFi Available, Indoor bar, Outside swimming pool, Library

Board Basis

Full Board + = Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities, Fully Inclusive = Bed, All Meals, Snacks, Drinks and Activities

Room Types

Twin, Double

nThambo Tree Camp

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