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One of the original private game lodges in South Africa, Notten’s is a stilted bush camp on the edge of a tree-dotted savanna in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves. The camp offers such excellent service and authentic African safaris that guests keeping coming back for more. From your warm greeting to the impeccable hosting and the vibrant setting, Notten’s is in a class of its own. The professional and friendly guiding team are well-versed at translating the wilderness, deciphering the behaviours and signs of the resident animals, including the Big Five in abundance.
From $590 person/night
Sabi Sands, South & West Sabi Sands, Kruger, South Africa
The camp is a charming reminder of how safaris used to be and with limited electrical lighting, a magical atmosphere is created with flickering paraffin lanterns to lull you back in time.
Whilst most camps in this area boast fabulous wildlife, Notten's has access to the entire Sabi Sabi reserve so the game viewing really is off-the-scale incredible.
The lodge does have a real rustic side but you won't find reels of canvas here, if that's what you're after.
Guests gather in the communal area for meals and to relax. The simple but welcoming internal lounge is furnished with large, soft leather chairs, couches, African sculptures and a large fireplace for chilly winter evenings. Five-star meals are served in the dining area, with views of the surrounding bush. There is also a curio shop, a spa with a private plunge pool and a well-stocked wine cellar. Outside the communal lodge is a fire pit with fold-out chairs and an impressive lap swimming pool.
The nine very large suites are in keeping with the rest of the lodge, built using the same materials and echoing its ultra-comfortable style. Each has mosquito netting on the windows and doors, double or twin beds, leather couches and an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower (there's an outdoor shower and tub too). Lighting in the bedrooms is fueled by paraffin in true African style, although the rooms are equipped with charging points and air-con. Each suite leads out to a private viewing deck from which to gaze at the bush.
Activities at Notten’s Bush Camp centres on game drives to explore the diverse wildlife of the region. Daily bush walks are taken at a leisurely pace to examine the smaller treasures, such as reptiles and insects, and to look out for birds. Photographic safaris can be arranged as well and they're fabulous. At the lodge, the spa offers rejuvenating massages or a welcome poolside recliner for a spot of relaxation and reading. A meal in the open-sided boma is a novel experience with a truly African ambience.
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