This intimate, luxury camp welcomes me back at the beginning of a Sun Destinations road trip…
The iconic welcome drink, together with a cold handcloth to wipe away the dust from the long drive from Lydenburg, and a non-alcoholic drink to rehydrate.
This is an important aspect of the overall safari experience. It symbolises the beginning of a new adventure for some. Or, in my case, a return to this luxury, intimate camp that I have visited on several occasions.
Did you know? The most frequently asked question once this ceremony is completed?
“What is the Wi-Fi password”?
A question that is asked of me as a travel writer is, “Don’t you get tired of revisiting camps”?
And the answer is a resounding NO, as more often than not, there have been renovations between my visits. And that was the case with this visit to Chacma Bush Camp.
An overview of the camp from the verandah of one of the rooms.
The camp garden comprises succulent species that are not only water-wise but also provide food and shelter for certain antelope species that wander through the camp.
When I was in the camp, the staff were completing the last part of putting the furniture into the newly installed tented seating and dining area on the far side of the pool.
This is looking from the existing dining area that will still be used, should guests want to celebrate a special occasion in private.
It also offers a different view over the waterhole, making it popular with guests. It used to be close to the kitchen; however, since my previous visit, that facility has been moved to the far side of the property.
The structure on the left is the most recent addition to the public spaces. It can be closed should the weather become inclement, and there is a boma area that can be accessed from the far side.
The new area looks more like it could be the outdoor entertainment area of a modern urban home. But that is not the case as the waterhole attracts herds of elephants that I don’t believe could be found in London, Paris, Rome or Cape Town.
Who needs to leave the camp when the animals will come to visit the waterhole regularly?
On my past visits to this camp, I have been able to photograph elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and even leopards making use of this ‘facility’.
Need to walk off the excellent food that the camp provides? These steps will get you to the top of the koppie behind the camp and will allow you to keep your step count current.
Success. Not quite the summit of Kilimanjaro or Everest, but an achievement nonetheless.
And, much like the views from those mountain tops, the vista was worth the climb.
Please note. This is not a strenuous or lengthy climb and can be attempted by all ages.
Some guides refer to their game viewer vehicles as their office. And that was the case here.
The office had delivered me back to camp, and it was about to be parked for the night.
At night, as the camp is enveloped by the darkness, the lights come on to make this public space magical.
This is the new space under electric light.
From a different perspective…I did enjoy spending time here.
Time to reflect?
This latest addition to the camp will certainly become a favourite spot where guests can mingle after a meal or a drive.
The subtle tones and neutral colours add to the ambience and the overall luxury feel of this renovation and the feel of the camp in general.
As the sun vanishes, it is time to head to bed as another early morning is on the cards.
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Luan, Alex, Nichole, Edward and Trent, thank you for making my stay an awesome one.
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Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
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