Completely redesigned by renowned architect Nick Plewman, Tanda Tula Safari Camp has been reimagined. Though keeping the tradition of being a warm and welcoming lodge, it has taken on a modern African design focusing on a lighter footprint. As it is set overlooking the Nlharalumi riverbed, guests will feel incredibly close to the surrounding nature, thanks to the mix of canvas-and-glass interiors of the luxury suites. Safari Camp is open all year round, and children aged 8 years and older are welcome.

Permanent lodge

Luxury

From $1,940 – $1,940 pp

Luxurious accommodation in the wildlife-rich heart of the Timbavati

Lounge, dining area, bar, deck, boma, shop, and swimming pool

bar area, tanda tula safari camp, timbavati private game reserve, south africa

A total of nine guest tents under thatch, all with spectacular riverbed views

Game drives, safari walks, and bush dining

swimming pool, tanda tula safari camp, timbavati private game reserve, south africa
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
  • Great value for quality
Situated along the Nharalumi riverbed, Tanda Tula stands out in this region as an elevated under-canvas experience. Fully rebuilt in 2023, the design is fresh but the hospitality has been refined over decades, making for a perfect place to celebrate your honeymoon or to take your family to relax and unwind.
Georgia Hinkley Team Leader

Activities

Tanda Tula specializes in classic safari activities:

Expertly guided game drives

Walking safaris

Bush dining

  • The Timbavati is situated to the west of the Kruger National Park. As the border between the regions is entirely unfenced, impressive amounts of wildlife populate both the enormous park and the more modestly proportioned reserve. Geographical features of the Timbavati include savanna, woodland, and seasonal rivers. Game drives take place during early morning and late afternoon into evening, with each vehicle accommodating a maximum of six guests. You can look out for all Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. There are numerous smaller predators and herbivores in residence too, such as cheetah, hyenas, jackals, wild dog, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes! Over 350 types of bird also live here, among them Montagu’s harrier, woolly-necked stork, harlequin quail, and southern carmine bee-eater.

    lion game drive, tanda tula safari camp, timbavati private game reserve, south africa
  • The camp’s guided walks are available after breakfast, and they’re fantastic for anyone interested in close observation of the Timbavati’s birds, insects, and plant life. Please note, for this activity, there’s a minimum age requirement of 16 years.

    lion game drive, tanda tula safari camp, timbavati private game reserve, south africa
  • Though there is an age restriction on walking safari, everyone can enjoy a little bush dining – and some riverbed dining too set in a beautiful location.

    lion game drive, tanda tula safari camp, timbavati private game reserve, south africa

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.

Access & Location

The camp’s closest airport is East Gate at Hoedspruit, which is 45 minutes’ drive away. Flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Tanda Tula is situated on the banks of the Nlharalumi riverbed, in the shade of trees.

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Facilities

The main area of Tanda Tula Safari Camp takes full advantage of its position on the river, and includes a light and airy space with a wrap-around covered patio.

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The lounge and dining areas have extended views, and there’s also a swimming pool, library, gym, open-air bar, floating deck, firepit, and the ‘Wellness Nest’.

Amenities

There are nine hybrid canvas-and-glass suites that open out towards the bushveld.

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All offer en-suite facilities and private decks overlooking the Nlharalumi riverbed. The interiors across the main areas and suites honor the South Africa Tsonga people, the first custodians of the land. Each en-suite bathroom offers both indoor and outdoor showers, twin sinks, and a bathtub, all contained in an elegant stonewall setting. The bedroom and lounge areas are open plan, both leading out to the private balcony where there is an outdoor seating area and a plunge pool. Great for a family or group, there is a two-bedroom family suite with equal-size bedrooms that are both en suite.

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