PLAINS TENTED CAMP
Kruger Park, South Africa

Tented Accommodation

Plains Tented Camp offers exclusive traversing in 12 000 hectares of pristine bushveld in the only official wilderness concession awarded in the Kruger National Park. Approximately 10km North East (as the hornbill flies) of Skukuza Rest Camp, the concession shares a 15km boundary with Mala Mala in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, with game moving freely between the two reserves. The concession comprises of environmentally sensitive areas previously unexplored, with huge diversity of both fauna and flora - an ideal setting for wilderness & wildlife experience in an internationally renowned big five area.

Camp Description

Guest will either arrive at Plains camp on foot or by lodge vehicle, depending where their previous night was spent. Plains Camp is situated in the heart of the wilderness concession. Built in authentic pioneer tradition, it has the serenity of a 19th century naturalists rest. Overlooking the spectacular Timbitene plain & waterhole, it offers 4 comfortably furnished African explorer style tents en suite, nestled in an acacia Knobthorn thicket.

After an early morning wake-up and an invigorating cup of fresh coffee in the lounge, guests set off on trail where the guides will share their experience of the diverse areas situated within the proximity of Plains Camp. The heat of the day will be spent at the camp, enjoying the small Africana book collection or the plunge pool overlooking the plain, which is often host to zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, rhino and lion. Afternoon walks and sundowners complete a fulfilling African experience. A generator and a back-up battery system power overhead fans and 24 hour lighting. The generator system can be used to re-charge camera batteries at specific times.

Sleep Outs

Guests wanting to enjoy an unrivalled wilderness experience will be able walk out to the "Sleep Outs" on elevated wooden platforms (weather permitting). This is the only place in the Kruger National Park offering this unusual accommodation. Guests will leave Plains Camp in the late afternoon and arrive at the platforms in the early evening carrying a lightweight rucksack containing a change of clothes, a pillowcase, a sheet inner for the sleeping bag and refreshments. After hanging up mosquito nets, fly sheets (only if necessary) and preparing beds (yes! guests are encouraged to be included in every aspect of this unique interactive experience of the bush) sundowners can be enjoyed on the platforms that also overlook a waterhole. While dinner is being prepared for guests on an open fire, they will enjoy sounds and senses, heightened as they share the wilderness at night, while being safely guarded by the observant guides. The rumble of the elephant passing by or the roar of the lion at the nearby waterhole, are the only noises that might disturb guests in this peaceful wilderness. The following morning, guests will enjoy a light snack after which they will depart back to Plains Camp for a hearty brunch.

Game Viewing

A typical day would include an early start, a cup of fresh coffee or tea, after which guests set out on their game drive or walk. Game-drive safaris at Plains Tented Camp are conducted in specially adapted open Landcruisers, with professional guides. Guides at the camp meet the stringent requirements of the South African National Parks and senior guides hold the highest guiding qualification possible in South Africa to ensure that your encounters with the African wilderness are exciting, informative, and safe. Upon returning to the camp guests enjoy a leisurely brunch and time to relax around the pool overlooking the waterhole. In the late afternoon after a delicious high tea, you can enjoy an evening game drive, winding down with sundowners, watching an African sunset and spotting nocturnal animals in the park.

Read more about:

The Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves