I recently returned to this camp in the Madikwe game reserve,
to find out the extent of their December 2012 fire
What made the devastation worse was the fact that Mosetlha is one of only two South African lodges to be covered in this publication.
There are 36 world wide authentic Ecolodges (for innovative technology) that feature in this book written by Hitesh Mehta. (Authentic Ecolodges published by Collins Design 2010).
This is the kitchen and dining area BEFORE the fire…
The table in the foreground survived.
And this is the current(somewhat bleak) scenario…
Not a thing could be salvaged…including cast iron cooking pots.
Much retail therapy was needed to replace all the items lost in the fire.
Including the much loved table and benches…
The new table, made from reclaimed railway sleepers is already being well used,
As is the new guest book.
Restoration will begin in February, 2013…
Somethings, however, will remain the same!
The showers are a “bucket-on-a-pulley” system with a shower rose and valve welded into the base.
This shower is filled with water from the ‘Donkey boiler’
a quick and efficient method of making hot water very quickly.
Another ‘differential’ at the camp is the VIP (ventilation improved pit) toilets. Looking exactly the same as the regular toilet you have at home…minus the cistern…the are the epitome of luxury long-drop ablutions!
As the many birds in camp will attest to, Mosetlha serves three meals a day.
A light lunch is served around 2 pm.(Usually the famous Mosetlha do-it-yourself burger)
This leaves guests enough time to have a nap/do some bird watching before embarking on the afternoon/evening game drive.
The cabins are basic but comfortable…
No electricity(paraffin lamps) or en-suite ablutions(there are enough shared facilities that guests do not have to queue)
There are mosquito nets although Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve
The camp has remained true to the owners original vision.
No Wi-Fi, limited mobile access and no electricity is part of the charm
As such it attracts like minded guests from all over the world. ( I was the only South African guest on my recent visit)
However, being rustic by concept and design, this camp might not appeal to those who are used to a more “luxurious” bush experience.
HOWEVER…
If it is an authentic “bush” experience that you are after,
then this is the camp for you.
Email: info@thebushcamp.com
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and may not be used without permission
