nThambo Tree Camp
CEDARBERG RATING
Comfortable
PRICING FROM
₤ 193 (Pps)
Overview
Experience a Kruger Safari at nThambo Tree Camp and stay in unique accommodation in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and guests can take part in Big Five game drive safaris.
On game drive safaris, guests will be led by professional game rangers and trackers through a wildlife area rich in game including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo as well as hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra and a whole host of other wildlife. The Klaserie also boasts a plethora of interesting birdlife and is a haven for birdwatchers. In addition to game drives, bushwalks and night drives are offered allowing guests to participate in a full spectrum of safari activities.
Accommodation
nThambo Tree Camp has five raised wood & canvas chalets at eye level with the trees, each sleeping two people - creating an intimate and personal safari experience. Each chalet has a veranda, which overlooks the endless plains in front the camp. The rooms are cosy with stand fans and mosquito netting over the beds as the roof is open to the thatch, to ensure no restriction on the air flow. Guests are advised to switch off any non-essential lights at night to prevent attracting unwanted bugs before you get to bed. Bathrooms are simpe with showers only, gas geysers and eco-friendly amenities. Lighting is provided via solar power, but plug points in each chalet is available to charge camera batteries, etc.
The main area at nThambo has an outdoor lounge with open dining facility (under thatch with drop down canvas walls) that offers guests beautiful views of the plain and small waterhole in front of camp, as well as the Drakensberg mountain range in the distance. There's also a small splash pool, with sun loungers and umbrellas on the pool deck. The traditional boma completes a camp that captures the traditional bush camp safari experience. Wi-fi is available in the main area and the first two rooms closest to the main lodge. But signal varies.
At A Glance
Birding hotspot
Swimming pool
Wildlife
In Pictures
nThambo Tree Camp on the map
Rooms
Treehouse Chalet
There are 5 identical treehouse-style chalets at nThambo Tree Camp, each elevated on wooden stilts at eye level with the trees and overlooking the open area in front of the camp. Thatched, timber structures with private balconies, en suite bathrooms, and comfortable double or twin beds. There are luggage racks, mosquito nets, clothing shelves, safes, and desks in each room. There are no fences around the camp, so care should be taken when walking from your chalet to the main lodge area and back.
Thohier’s review of nThambo Tree Camp
This rustic camp is one of the more affordable options in the Klaserie/Timbavati area. It will not suit everyone as it is quite open to the elements. But for others that is part of its charm.
I actually liked the overall ambience of the camp. The treehouse-style chalets are raised on wooden stilts, with thatched roofs and canvas walls. With the rooms being highly elevated, it gives it quite a unique feel. Plus when the canvas sides are rolled up, you look out over the plains, waterhole and the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance. However the swimming pool is quite small though and it is more like a splash pool, than a pool!
With only five (solar powered) treehouses it could work very well to take on an exclusive use basis for a group of friends or a multi-generational family. (Especially as there is no single supplement).
They offer a full board or fully inclusive rates, which includes selected local drinks. They find that most people prefer to be booked on the fully inclusive package, once they learnt about that option in camp. The difference in price is not that great.
We didn’t find this part of the Klaserie Reserve to be very attractive as far as vegetation goes. But the camp is still one of the most moderately priced options.
