Nthakeni Bush & River Camp

Nthakeni Bush & River Camp offers thatched cottages and campsites on the Mutale Riverbank, a hidden gem in the north-eastern part of Limpopo. The camp is a nature lover's paradise with excellent bird watching opportunities and unique flora. The camp is located in a tribal trust area, just outside and on the border of the Kruger National Park. Nthakeni is only 5.5 kilometers from the Pafuri Gate of the Game Reserve.

Accommodation at Nthakeni Bush & River Camp is offered in a tent camp for a group, comfortable thatched cottages, campsites along the river, campsites in the forest and rustic campsites.

Each cottage has comfortable beds and a kitchenette with basic utensils to prepare and cook meals. Each campsite has a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet. Each cottage and campsite has a private braai area and some have outdoor showers. The main camp site offers a rock pool and a small kiosk store that sells basic necessities.

Guests should note that there is no electricity at the camp, but only 12V solar power. Campers should use their own solar power systems if they need power for their refrigerators and appliances.

Guests can cool off in the lovely pool, enjoy self-drive bush rides, venture on one of the hiking trails, bird watch and star gazing.

Nthakeni Bush & River Camp is located about 40 kilometers from the Pafuri border post to Mozambique.
BEFORE YOU VISIT NTHAKENI
1. Road Condition :

The R525 is the road turning off the N1, running past Tshipise and leading to Pafuri. This quiet road is tarred and generally in a good condition. 2km from Pafuri Gate you will find our signboard. This road is a dirt track and the condition varies normally according to weather conditions. The road is well sign-posted. Follow signs. Distance from turn-off to the camp is 3.6km. The road has some minor ditches and some rock pebbles at places, but you definitely do not need a 4×4 Vehicle. Should you travel with a low-clearance vehicle, just take it slow and you will be okay. You will be driving through 2 villages. The local people welcomes visitors to the area, so please relax as it is completely safe to travel here. The bridge spanning the Mutale river is quite narrow. Be cautious when towing wide trailers or caravans. During heavy rains it might be that the bridge overflows and then we are cut-off from the outside world. This normally only lasts for 1 or 2 days and then returns to normal.

2. Fuel availability :

At the tun-off from the N1 onto the R525, you will find Bokmakierie where there is a Caltex filling station . It is a good idea to fill up here as this is the last station with cheaper fuel that you will find . At Tshipise there is also a filling station, 18km before our camp turn-off you will drive though a small town, Masisi. You will find diesel and petrol here. Please note,this is the last fuel before entering the Kruger National Park. Should you be on your way to Mozambique, make sure you fill up before entering the Kruger as it is an 80km detour to Punda Maria. Most of the bigger camps in the Kruger National Park has fuel for sale, including Punda Maria and Shingwedzi in the northern section .

3. Shopping :

The last supermarkets are at Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Musina. In our area you will only find Spaza shops which stock basic food and toiletry items, cold drinks and fresh bread. It is completely safe to enter and buy from these shops. You will not find fresh meat or liquor in the area, so make sure you stock up on these beforehand. At the camp we have a small shop which are very well stocked and sells very basic food and toiletry items, curios, firewood and ice. It is advised not to buy firewood along the road as the people start destroying the bush and the wood is not properly dried.

4. Drinking water :

Water in all taps are borehole water and is safe for drinking and cooking. All units and camping stands have taps available. Expedition Vehicles are welcome to fill their water tanks. Hot water at showers are supplied by wood-fired geysers (donkeys) and guests are encouraged to make use of this facility only once a day in order to save resources.

5. Cellular network :

MTN is the only service provider with a tower in the area, therefor MTN and CELL C customers will be able to use their phones at the camp. For Vodacom signal you will have to drive 5km to a spot where there is reception. Please inquire at office should you need to go this route.

6. Wi-Fi :

Wi-fi is supplied at a central point (at main building). This is free of charge, however we request that this service is only utilized for e-mails and message services like Whatsapp. No downloading please as we do not have wireless internet in the area and must go through a cellular service provider which makes it quite expensive due to high data costs.

7. Electricity :

We do not have Eskom power at the camp, therefor there is no electrical connection points available at camping sites. All chalets and the tented camp are powered with 12V solar power. Please note that there is no 220V electrical plugs in these units. Lighting and appliances are all 12V. Please save on power where ever possible as the storage capacity is limited, especially during rain and overcast periods. All units have paraffin lamps available should the solar power fail .

8. Climate :

The Pafuri area experiences very hot summers and pleasant winters. Average summer temperatures: Min=25°C, Max =35°C. Average winter temperatures: Min=12°C, Max= 27°C. The rain season peaks in January and February. Annual rainfall is about 350mm to 400mm per annum.

9. Malaria :

We are situated in a high-risk Malaria area, the same as Kruger National Park . All visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions, i.e consult your doctor/Pharmacist, use mosquito repellent,wear protective clothing at night and monitor yourself for any symptoms.

10. Nature :

We try to keep the camp as natural as possible, therefor you might encounter spiders, snakes, scorpions, bats and many other weird and fascinating creatures. Respect nature and it will respect you. Always wear closed shoes and a torch/flashlight when moving around at night. When exploring the area, always be cautious as we are bordering a nature reserve where the fence is not always well maintained. Game like elephant, buffalo, leopard and hyena do enter the area occasionally. Nthakeni is situated in tribal land. We are not in a game reserve and although there are not much game around, the ecosystem is very healthy and true nature lovers will experience many wonderful moments in observing the rich diversity in the fauna and flora of the area.

11. Mutale river :

The camp is on the bank of the Mutale river which normally flows all year round, but might dry up on the surface during long spells of drought. Please be aware of crocodiles and hippo in the river,especially during the rain season. The river does not lend itself to boating and although there is many small fish, the keen angler will not find the river suitable for fishing.

12. Nature Camp :

Nthakeni Bush & River camp is a nature camp and to ensure our guests enjoy the peace and tranquility we unfortunately do not allow day visitors. Also there are no facilities to cater for day visitors. No music allowed and please always consider your fellow guests. No generators to be used, except in an extreme emergency and with the approval of management.

13. Cattle bells :

As the camp is in a tribal trust area, there is cattle grazing in the area. The cattle bells are highly irritable to some and others again love the sound of rural Africa. Should you fall into the first category, we apologize in advance but can assure you the peace and remoteness will more than make up for this.

14. Camp stands :

When planning to camp, we have various options. You can choose between Comfort Camping (Private kitchenette, showers and toilets on site ), Riverside Camping (Private Shower and toilets, but at central block, no kitchen), Bush Camping (Private showers and toilets on site, no kitchen) or Rustic Camping (Bucket shower/no hot water and toilet on site). For detailed description on all sites go to accommodation ? detailed view.

15. Laundry service :

A wash-day laundry service is available at a charge. Please arrange with office should you wish to make use of this service.

16. Hygiene-Safety :

All units are sanitized before new guests arrive. We pride ourselves in the cleanliness of our units and believe you will be impressed by our strict standards.

17. Recycling :

Recycle bins are available at all units and camp sites. Please adhere to the description on bins. All units and camp sites also have a ?Piggy bin? available where you can insert all left-over food, fruits and vegetable waste and other kitchen waste. This waste is sent to the local village where it is fed to the pigs.

18. Septic Tanks :

All toilets flush into septic tanks and are then filtered through french drains. Please do not flush any unnatural products and chemicals down the toilets as it will harm the bacteria that is naturally required to break down toilet waste.

19. Birding :

The Pafuri area is world renowned for its birding opportunities. There are more than 450 species being identified in the area with many rare sightings being recorded. Nthakeni Bush River camp is on the bank of the Mutale river and keen birders will not be left disappointed.

20. Activities in camp :

All guests are welcome to make use of the swimming pool,lounge,reading corner and entertainment area. 2 Hiking trails are on the premises and is very rewarding activities. Trees are tagged to help you identity the different species and trails are well marked for easy navigation.

21. Thusani Shack restaurant :

An onsite shack restaurant operated by local community members. An experience not to be missed! Local cuisine in the vibrant atmosphere of a shack. Brunch and supper are served. Bookings essential. Please remember to bring your own drinks. ALL income from the restaurant goes to the local community.

22. Kruger National Park :

The camp is only 5.5km from the Pafuri Gate. Day trips can be undertaken to Pafuri Picnic site, Crook's Corner, Punda Maria and Shingwedzi. Restrooms/toilets are available at the 2 camps, Pafuri Picnic site and Babalala Picnic site. Day visitors must remember to leave their liquor at camp as they are not allowed to take any liquor into the Kruger Park.

23. Bring along list :

Swimming towels, binoculars, mosquito repellent, hat, sunscreen, water bottle for hiking, closed shoes (for nights) , torch / flashlight / headlamp.

24. Payment :

Payment for any extras at camp can be done with credit card, debit card or cash.