Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, the Klaserie enjoys the free-roaming movement of the Big 5 species. Legendary lion prides have made history in this area of the Greater Kruger.
Africa's most superb predators are found in the Klaserie and are frequently seen by guests on game drive. Knowing that there are all of Africa's most successful predators around nThambo, and knowing that it is unfenced, the feeling of being in the wild is ever-present.
Leopard and lion, Africa's biggest cats, prowl the bushveld and their calls can be heard in the night when you are falling asleep. The lions are famous in the Klaserie and their pride has been followed for years. Other fantastic predators found here are the spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, caracal, crocodile, cheetah, serval, and African wild dog, to name but a few.
The camp is frequently visited by a pair of honey badgers, which is an exciting and eventful occasion. These are ferocious little creatures that are feared by most other big mammals in the wild because of their fearless attitude and tendancy to aim for the groin in an attack!
The Klaserie  Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Park. The reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and is west of the Timbavati, covering 60 000 ha on either side of the Klaserie River. This means there is a diversity of habitats and, as a result, there is a species diversity to be enjoyed.
As there are no fences and wildlife roams free between the major reserves that form the Greater Kruger Park, which include the Klaserie, Timbavati, Manyeleti, Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park. Just as is always the case on safari, you can never predict what you are going to see, but with such a variety of wildlife species, game drives at nThambo are rich in sightings.
Mammals on can expect to see in the area are aplenty: elephant, rhino, buffalo, impala, kudu, zebra, giraffe, steenbok, duiker, mongoose, baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, warthog, and many others.
The birdlife in the Klaserie is a stunning mix of migrant and resident species. Commonly seen (and heard) birds at nThambo are magpie shrike, lilac-breasted roller, yellow-billed hornbill, glossy starling, white-crowned shrike, blue waxbill, fork-tailed drongo, and francolin.
Some of the most superb raptor species are often seen soaring the skies and perching in trees surveying the land. Brown snake eagle, bateleur, martial eagle, African harrier hawk, African hawk eagle, dark chanting goshawk, black-chested snake eagle, Wahlberg’s eagle, and tawny eagle.
The Klaserie has some of the best viewing of white-backed vultures because it is a primary breeding area for these endangered birds. Circling carcasses in the Southern Klaserie, guests can also expect to see lappet-faced, white-faced vultures, and hooded vultures.
The young Ross cubs are full of mischief and regularly pounce on their mothers tail!
Elephants regularly visit the nThambo Tree Camp pool to refresh themselves.
We were very privileged to have witnessed such an intimate act of the wild.
The Sun Destinations portfolio is a growing representation of some of Southern Africa's most coveted, yet preserved wildlife areas; a careful selection of authentic bush camps and supreme safari lodges to be discovered. From riverside boma fires, to uninterrupted views of the stars, our lodges are selected based on their location, their owner-managed intimacy, and excellence in wildlife encounters. This is the home of marketing and reservations for a collection of Africa's Hidden Secrets.
