If you’re stuck indoors, desperate to unplug again, I feel your pain. I was in this same state of mind, a state of mind where I strongly feel the need to reconnect and rekindle the adventure spirit in me. I don’t need Therapy. I just need to go camping! And just like a famous quote by Anne Lamott “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
I packed my bags early Friday morning for a weekend away. I embarked on a journey from Johannesburg at 3am, arrived at Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park around 9am and then from there did a roughly 3 hours slow game-viewing drive to Tshokwane inside the Kruger National Park straight to my destination – Kruger Untamed Tshokwane River Camp.
This is a unique seasonal haven nestled near the iconic Tshokwane picnic spot in central Kruger National Park, a wilderness retreat that offers an unmatched safari experience, positioned by the Ripape River and showcasing diverse birdlife and habitual animals. The camp features 15 luxurious tented suites, each measuring 24m2.
Kruger Untamed is the first-ever seasonal luxury tented camp concession in Kruger National Park, set in one of Kruger National Park’s most game-rich areas and exclusively available for stays from the 1st May to 30th September each year, coinciding with the South African winter months.
Tshokwane River Camp has quickly become renowned for its prime location beside the seasonal Ripape River. This setting provides an immersive experience in Kruger’s wilderness, making it a sought-after destination for discerning nature enthusiasts. Guests stay in spacious, luxurious tented suites hidden among riparian forests of leadwood, rain, and sausage trees. In addition, guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine, wine tastings, and expert ranger-led safari activities, all while staying in comfortable, eco-conscious tented suites that blend into the surrounding environment.
Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Flower, one of the staff at the camp. After a warm reception, a drink and a welcome briefing, I was taken to my tent and I marvelled upon entry! This is not camping – it’s refined simplicity at its finest, allowing me to rest deeply while still feeling the presence of the wild just beyond my canvas walls. These accommodations are equipped with front and doors, side windows, and a covered patio, along with en-suite facilities. The tent is comfortable, merging the pristine wilderness with bespoke lifestyle experiences.
My bedroom area is spacious, accommodating a king-size bed with luxurious linen, soft, fluffy duvets, plush pillows and warm blankets. Bedside tables with lamps cast soft light and ethereal mosquito nets are both practical and romantic. A separate dressing area offers a vanity mirror, space to hang clothing, a luggage rack and waste bin. It leads on to the en-suite bathroom with its single wash basin and water containers. Luxury amenities (soap, shampoo, body wash, body lotion) are also provided.
I took a quick shower, a well-deserved rest due to my long trip, and later joined other guests for dinner. The food was well prepared, delicious, and the staff ensured that guests were well-fed and hydrated. Bongani and Celeb were exceptional. They both ensured my needs were met, refilling my wine glass at intervals and attending to every detail.
The next morning as early as 6am, I and other guests were whisked away on an early morning game drive. I climbed into an open game vehicle as the first light spills over the savannah, heading out into the unknown… The first few turns reveal elephants moving through soft morning mist, the fresh tracks of a leopard in dew-laden sand, and a herd of impala beginning their day. As the sun climbs higher, birds become more active, and life takes on new meaning. Other notable sightings include giraffe, rhino, and buffalo.
Our designated guide Jayden is very passionate about the animals, the wilderness and also very knowledgeable. After about two hours’ drive in the belly of the wilderness, we stopped for some bush coffee in an impossibly beautiful place with vast views of the wilderness and as we stood we marvelled at the stillness all around us.
A Kruger Untamed safari isn’t just about seeing the wild – it’s about living it. Every moment in camp and out in the bush is designed to bring you closer to the untamed beauty of the Kruger, whether you’re tracking fresh lion prints on a morning walk, experiencing the raw energy of the landscape on a morning game drive like this, or raising a glass to the day’s adventures with a sundowner as the day fades into a star-streaked night.
After about thirty minutes of awesomeness, watching the sun rise, we drove back to the camp for a fabulous breakfast. The team really impressed me with their professionalism, dedication and most especially their attention to details.
A stay at Tshokwane River Camp is more than just spotting the Big Five. It’s about surrendering to the natural rhythm of the wild, feeling the pulse of the bush around you, and soaking in the untamed beauty of this extraordinary setting. It’s an escape designed for those who want to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.
Between safari activities in Kruger Untamed’s private concession and relaxing in the elegant lounging areas around the dry riverbed, I and other guests enjoyed curated wine tastings of Hinds’ wines, created with Cellarmaster Danie Steytler Junior of Kaapzicht Wine Estate.
As the day mellows, we head out for an afternoon/evening drive, where golden light dances through the trees and the predators begin to stir. During this evening drive, we encountered some more elephants and a dramatic scene of a lion pride feeding on a prey. Other notable sightings were cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, hyenas and a leopard hanging a prey on the tree. It was indeed magical!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we stopped in a secluded spot, and with a drink in hand we made a toast to the setting sun as the bush bathed in a magical amber light and the sky took on every shade of orange. We then ventured out into the gathering darkness with a spotlight and returned to camp, picking out the eyes of animals moving as night descended.
Upon our arrival back at the camp, dinner was served, a buffet around a campfire. That evening, we were entertained by a group of cultural dancers singing traditional Tsonga songs around the warm fire. And according to John Geddes popular quote that says; “Light a campfire and everyone is a storyteller”, it was indeed a wonderful gathering with lots of stories and memories.
I got back to my tent fully exhausted after a fun-filled day of activities. There is no Wi-fi in the bush, but trust me, we all found a better connection and had a memorable experience. I took a relaxing shower, retrieved to my bed and slept like a baby. The tent’s warmth and the sound of animals in the wilderness at night added to the entire sleeping experience.
The next morning, I woke up fully rejuvenated. After a quick breakfast, I was shuffled back to the Kruger gate where I embarked on my trip to Johannesburg. I highly recommend Kruger Untamed Tshokwane River Camp to anyone seeking an ultimate wilderness retreat. Why? – Because camping is cheap and therapy is expensive!
