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Tanda Tula Safari Camp


4 STAR LODGE
MPUMALANGA LODGE ACCOMMODATION

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is situated within the Greater Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's most well-known attractions and home to an astounding array of wildlife, birds and vegetation. This camp is within the 20 000 hectares of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and is one of the country's most opulent and esteemed.

With an elegant East African style, these tented camps effectively merge chic accommodation with a distinctly traditional approach. These suites are characterised by a warm hospitality, for which South Africa is known, as well as unrivalled game viewing opportunities and excellent food.

Tanda Tula's guests are sure to delight in the views, as the camp overlooks the watering hole and is situated on the banks of the Nlharalumi River. Trees tower over the tents and the dense foliage ensures that each suite is secluded and private.

Because Tanda Tula is Timbavati's oldest camp, it bears a fascinating history that permeates every part of its service and accommodation offering. The local Shangaan culture has been recognised and incorporated into the conservation initiatives and elegance of the camp.

In addition to natural and historical value, Tanda Tula also boasts a team of committed and professional staff members. These ones play a major role in ensuring the success of the camp and the ultimate satisfaction of each of our esteemed guests.
Accommodation

The Tanda Tula Safari Camp comprises 12 opulent tents, all private and elegantly furnished. Each is equipped with private decks overlooking the river, deck chairs, en-suite bathrooms, Victorian bathtubs and outdoor showers with views of the river and bushveld.

Right at the water's edge is the open therapy hide, where guests can enjoy a soothing massage while listening to the sounds of the bush. The trained therapist uses a variety of the best aromatherapy oils, suited to each guest's unique needs and preferences.

After a day spent under the hot African sun, the cool infinity pool, with views of the watering hole, promises the ideal retreat. Alternatively, the bar and lounge is an inviting oasis of friendship and relaxation.

For guests wanting to experience the true nature of the African bush, there is a hide on the Machaton Dam. Savour a tasty picnic or spend the night here for an authentic South African experience. The next day, a brunch will be served in the bush, followed by a guided walk with the trained ranger.

Tandala is a camp designed for families and groups of friends as it accommodates between four and six guests. It has a private swimming pool, lounge and deck. Views from the deck expose the beauty of the riverbed. For guests wanting an extra special stay, a private ranger, chef and vehicle can be organised.

Wildlife

Tanda Tula Safari Camp and the grounds it occupies are home to the Big 5 (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Buffaloes), amongst many others. The game drives are conducted in the mornings and evenings to ensure that guests are granted the opportunity to see as many of the animals as possible. All game drives are accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, who provide information and answer the questions of the passengers. Open Land Rovers are used, allowing an uninterrupted view of the animals and landscape. Alternatively, guests may choose to explore the area on a guided walk.

The rangers and trackers at Tanda Tula are some of the continent's most highly-skilled. This, combined with the envied variety of animals that live in the area, makes for the most rewarding game viewing opportunities. The Lions and White Lions of the Timbavati have earned much worldwide acclaim.

The lodges that make up the Timbavati are all eco-friendly and cooperative, focussing on the mutual benefit of one another as well as of the environment.

The biomes contained within the greater Timbavati area include Acacia thornveld, open savannah grasslands, dense riverines and several trees including the Marula, Fig and Jackalberry. The animals found in these different habitats include Zebras, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest and a variety of antelope. There are breeding herds of Buffaloes and Elephants.

Location

GPS Co-ordinates:
24o 30.64S,
31o 32.34E

Directions

From Johannesburg and Pretoria
  • The direct route when driving to Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Kruger National Park from Gauteng will take travellers approximately 5.5 hours.
  • If driving to Tanda Tula Safari camp from Pretoria, take the N4 from Pretoria to Witbank, which then joins the N12 from Johannesburg at Witbank.
  • If driving to Tanda Tula Safari camp from Johannesburg, take the N12 from Johannesburg to Witbank, which then joins the N4 from Pretoria at Witbank.
  • Go past Witbank and Middelburg on the N4 (main route to Nelspruit and Maputo).
  • After Middelburg take the Belfast (R33) turnoff off the N4 (there is an Engen One Stop on the RHS of the N4 just after the offramp).
  • Turn left from the offramp and go into Belfast.
  • Go through 1 stop sign before going into town.
  • At the second stop sign in town (1 block after the Spar shop on the LHS), turn right towards Dullstroom on the R540.
  • Go about 35km from Belfast to Dullstroom.
  • Continue straight through Dullstroom to Lydenburg (approximately 50km from Dullstroom).
  • On reaching Lydenburg, you will come to a T-junction where you need to turn left to go through town.
  • Go straight through town, past the Wimpy on the left.
  • At the second stop sign after the Wimpy turn left.
  • Go down to the fourth stop sign. At the fourth stop sign there will be an "Engen Gas Station" on the far right hand corner and a "Kia Motors" on the far left hand corner. Turn right here toward Ohrigstad on the R36.
  • Go about 50km from Lydenburg to Ohrigstad.
  • Go straight through Ohrigstad and continue on to the JG Strijdom Tunnel via the Abel Erasmus Pass approximately 40km from Ohrigstad).
  • After the Tunnel continue straight on to Hoedspruit (approximately 40km from the tunnel).
  • On entering Hoedspruit, go straight over the first stop sign, straight at the second stop sign, over the railway bridge and at the third stop sign turn right.
  • Travel for approximately 7km from Hoedspruit and you will see a sign for Eastgate Airport and Timbavati, to the left.
  • Turn left towards Eastgate Airport, and you are on the road into the Timbavati Nature Reserve.
  • Travel 19km on tar and cross the Klaserie river, where the road becomes a sand-sealed road.
  • Continue for 10km on the sand-sealed road and you will reach the Timbavati Control Gate. Please drive carefully and stick to the speed limit as you are already in the reserve after crossing the Klaserie river.
  • After the Control Gate, travel past one turning to the right (with a large stone and concrete sign-post, like in the Kruger Park, indicating the direction to various camps).
  • Turn right at the second turning to the right (again, there is a large stone and concrete sign-post, like in the Kruger Park, with Tanda Tula Safari Camp indicated second from the top of this sign-post).
  • After about 30m, there is a Y-fork in the road, with a wooden sign to Tanda Tula. Follow the left hand fork (the one which goes almost straight ahead).
  • From here, follow the wooden signs to Tanda Tula, and these will lead you straight to the camp - you will cross 2 riverbeds on your way to the camp, and the camp is approximately 5km from the tar road.
From Nelspruit
The direct route when driving to Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the Kruger National Park from Nelspruit will take travellers approximately 2.5 hours.
  • From Nelspruit, take the R40 to White River.
  • Coming into White River, turn left at the first traffic light.
  • Go about 500m to the second traffic light and then turn right.
  • After the turning, proceed through one traffic light, and at the second traffic light, take the slip road left and continue on the R40 to Hazyview.
  • Go about 40km from White River to Hazyview.
  • At Hazyview you will come to a T-junction where you will turn left to go through Hazyview.