Every day begins and ends with a game drive through this vibrant part of the Klaserie, while the camp offers open views onto an active waterhole and all the animals that use it.
In the mornings and evenings, guests are taken on game drive. The animals are habituated to the vehicle, which means that they are used to the vehicle approaching them and know that it never causes them harm. This enables to you to get within 5 to 10 metres of the larger predators; even while they're feasting on a recent kill.
The night drives allow guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day. Your chances of seeing leopard in particular are a lot higher at night and with a bit of luck you might even encounter the predators such as lion and leopard hunting. During the night drives, your tracker uses a powerful spotlight to search for nocturnal animals.
The waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of species during the day and night, so regular sightings of warthog, baboons, elephants, even lions and leopards in front of camp can be enjoyed.
Each morning begins with a game drive in the Klaserie, followed by breakfast and the option of a bush walk thereafter. Daily schedule is as follows (depending on season):
05h00 – Wake up call followed by coffee and rusks at the lodge
05h30-06h00 – Depart for game drive
08h30-09h00 – Breakfast served at the lodge
10h00 – Depart for bush walk (optional)
14h30 – Lunch is served at the lodge followed by something sweet for high tea
16h00-16h30 – Depart for game drive
20h00 – Dinner is served at the lodge
Occasionally, bush dinners are arranged when the weather permits or there is a special event to celebrate, in which case game drive will end at a beautifully made up table, a campfire, and lantern lights where guests will enjoy an al fresco dinner.
The general rule with Kruger safaris is that the best game viewing happens during the winter months. The bush is drier and game is more visible without thick greenery to hide behind.
The summer rainfall that occurs from November to April fills the waterholes and the riverbeds, so the animals spread out much more and become more difficult to see. The temperature in winter is warm, while the evenings and mornings can get quite chilly, but this is more pleasant than the scorching heat of summer, which makes winter a better time to visit the Southern Klaserie.
For those who love birding and beautiful, lush landscapes, summer is the time to go. It is also a lot quieter in summer in terms of crowds so the experience could be even more exclusive.
During the summer months the weather can be hot and sticky, while early morning game drives and night drives can be chilly, so you may want to bring a few things for every occasion.
Some of the essentials for a trip on safari in South Africa are mentioned below:
Comfortable, closed walking shoes; sun block in the form of SPF lotion and a hat; some neutral-coloured clothing for when you are out on safari; light, airy clothing for midday heat; a bathing costume; scarves and warm jackets for the winters (May to October); any camera or recording equipment; and a pair of binoculars.
The treehouse-style accommodation at nThambo Tree Camp is unique and exceptional, overlooking a waterhole and nicely spaced from each other. Guests can expect a personalised and private safari experience with peace and quiet and comfortable accommodation.
The Southern Klaserie 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.
Dining at nThambo is enjoyed around the dinner table with the wide canvas walls open to the reserve if the weather is warm, or cosily drawn from the evening chill. The setup is intimate and the guides are a part of the whole experience, acting as your hosts and guides and story-tellers.
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.
