The stunning main bedroom is built into the base of the koppie.
The luxury accommodation even included a compact preparation area with a bar fridge, just in case.
Not that guests are required to make their own food, as the camp kitchen provides breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner!
The bathroom has been upgraded and can be accessed from the main area of the accommodation.
There is a toilet to the left and this interesting basin, the size of which I have not seen before.
Guests can easily access the outdoor shower from this bathroom…
Can you call it a bathroom if it doesn’t have a bathtub? Questions like this keep me up at night!
A shadow of itself?
The outdoor shower can be used irrespective of the weather or the temperature. Standing under the cascading hot water, whether it is chilly or raining, is a special experience that every visitor should get to try out.
This area includes a kettle, a mini fridge, a sink, and a supply of coffee and tea.
I had, as usual, brought snacks along, but believe it or not, I only ate them once I returned home.
This area is more than spacious and adds to the comfort of those who need to stay together.
Seeing that this was a working trip for me, the desk on the left was most useful as it had both a lamp and an electrical outlet close by.
I was at the camp for 3 nights and was about to try a different bed each night, but I quickly realised that housekeeping would NOT be happy with that.
If the mattress on the main bed was the benchmark, then I have no doubt that these would be equally comfortable.
Supposedly, an army marches on its stomach, and if that is to be believed, then the stomachs of the guests at Chacma Bush Camp cannot be far behind!
This breakfast omelette, served to me as a single serving, could have FED an entire army.
I struggled to finish it, and I am always loath to send food back to the kitchen, so I asked the staff to serve me half portions for the duration of my stay.
Even the reduced portion size was an issue for me. Perhaps not for others, so the only advice I can offer is PACE YOURSELF!
The recent renovations were the ideal place to sit and wait.
Coffee and snacks were at hand as I awaited the arrival of the promised pachyderms. And I was NOT going to be disappointed!
Out of the bush they trundled. If by saying trundle, I am not being disrespectful. It is merely a comment on having them emerging from the vegetation; water was foremost on their minds.
They arrived from several directions at once, hence my having to frame shots for the best effect. Elephants do NOT like to share water, and they will chase away ‘intruders’ who choose not to leave of their own accord.
On previous visits, when the vegetation was not as lush, it made it easier to spot the giant pachyderms long before they reached the water.
This time it was more difficult, and I had to wait patiently until they were almost at the water before I could start to count numbers.
People often forget just how large the tip of a trunk is!
The tip of an African elephant’s trunk, where the two “fingers” or prehensile tips are located, is approximately 15-20 cm in diameter, which allows the elephant to pick up and manipulate objects with great precision.
This could be an image from Kruger Park in the 1900s…
Unrelated but interesting…
The Kruger National Park was officially opened on May 31st, 1926.
South Africa commemorated the establishment of the Republic of South Africa on May 31st 1961. This date marked South Africa’s transformation from a dominion within the British Empire to a republic, severing ties with the British monarchy.
The Comrades Marathon was run on 31st May from 1962 to 1994.
This journey of giraffes was startled by the lion pride that was sauntering down the road.
Giraffes are by their very nature inquisitive, and even though there were almost 20 lions close by, they chose to stay and keep an eye on the pride of predators rather than running off.
In retrospect, it was a wise idea for them to remain on high alert so that they could keep an eye on the lions who were making their way to a waterhole close by.
Eyes on the prize?
Although the younger lions were watching the giraffe, the older female was more focused on our vehicle.
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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