Description
At Tanda Tula guests will enjoy an intimate experience that brings them face to face with the excitement and uniqueness of the African Bush. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, a vast wilderness of more than 3.5 million hectares. The reserve is known for its incredible variety of game including the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). The Timbavati is renowned for its numerous lion prides as well as the famous White Lions of the Timbavati.
Accommodation consists of 12 individually appointed safari tents with en suite facilities and a private deck overlooking the dry river bed. Bathrooms feature traditional Victorian bathtubs and romantic outdoor showers. For families and friends looking for complete privacy, there is also an exclusive camp called Tandala. Accommodating four or six guests, with a private pool, fabulous lounge and sweeping deck overlooking the riverbed, this is truly a piece of paradise. A private chef, ranger and vehicle can also be arranged.
The main camp area is a thatched timber structure with a bar built overlooking the swimming pool with a magnificent view of the watering hole which is often frequented by buffalo and elephant. It also houses the open-air sitting room and dining room. The small viewing hide down at the water’s edge offers incredible close-up photo opportunities for guests. There is also a private, open-air therapy hide at the edge of the watering hole where a range of aromatherapy treatments are on offer.
Accommodation
Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers 12 individually appointed safari tents with en suite facilities and a private deck overlooking the dry river bed. Bathrooms feature traditional Victorian bathtubs and romantic outdoor showers. For families and friends looking for complete privacy, there is also an exclusive camp called Tandala featuring a private pool, fabulous lounge and sweeping deck overlooking the riverbed. The camp provides a private chef, ranger and safari vehicle.
Childcare
Children over 12 years are accepted at Tanda Tula but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
The main camp area is a thatched timber structure with a bar, swimming pool with a magnificent view of the watering hole, open-air sitting room and dining room, a small viewing hide down at the water’s edge offers incredible close-up photo opportunities for guests and a private, open air therapy hide offering a range of aromatherapy treatments are on offer.
Activities
Game drives and walking safaris are complimentary at Tanda Tula. Each walking safari itinerary is individually tailored to suit guests' requirements. A four-night walking safari package is generally recommended, with two nights spent at the base Tanda Tula Safari Camp and two nights in the bush at the remote Machaton Hide. Guests are also invited to visit the research centre of the Save the Elephants Transboundary Research Programme, where the researchers or one of their assistants will introduce you to their world and their incredible work.
When to travel
There is no bad time to go on safari in the Kruger National Park. The experience does, however, change from month to month. In the summer months (October to March), it gets very hot. The verdant vistas are all the more spectacular because of the rains, but this means that the foliage is denser, water is more abundant and game is therefore trickier to see. There are lots of beautiful migratory birds during the summer months. While the daytime temperature in the winter months (May to September) is ideal, it does get a little chilly at night and in the early morning.
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Location and directions
Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa
Tanda Tula is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park, Limpopo. Set on the banks of the Nharalumi riverbed, Tanda Tula is shaded by majestic trees and overlooks a watering hole that attracts abundant wildlife.
How to get there
Tanda Tula Safari Camp’s closest airport is Hoedspruit, a 45 minute road transfer from camp. Fly into Hoedspruit from Cape Town and Johannesburg (OR Tambo International). Travel time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes and from Johannesburg flight time is 1 hour.
Alternatively, guests can fly to Nelspruit Airport (Kruger Mpumalanga International) and then take a 3 hour road transfer to the camp.
