Chacma Bush Camp offers the perfect big five safari experience in 8,000 hectares of undulating landscapes dotted with rocky outcrops. This family-friendly camp in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve sleeps a total of 10 people and thus offers an authentic and intimate safari experience. Deep caves on the traverse and the Olifants River coursing through the region provide the perfect diverse landscape for game drives.

The camp’s perimeter is hugged by Mopane woodlands which are a major drawcard for a wealth of wildlife. Elephants, bushbuck, kudu, and plains game are commonly spotted in these woodlands and can be viewed from the comfort of the deck area surrounding the sparkling swimming pool. There's a natural waterlogged area in front of the camp which provides wildlife with the much-needed replenishment needed during the heat of the day.

Location

Chacma Bush Camp is located in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger, The area is situated between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province. It is an 8000-hectare private game reserve, which shares open borders with the Kruger National Park. The undulating landscape is home to the Olifants River south of the camp and old mica caves dot the landscape throughout. Prominent mountainous ridges and boulder koppies characterize the terrain, making it an interesting region to explore on the drive.

The camp is easily accessible for fly-ins and self-drivers. There are a few ways of getting to Chacma. Guests who choose to self-drive will be met at the gate and escorted to park their cars at camp. Those who fly in will need to fly into Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) or Phalaborwa Airport. Guests catching the scheduled transfers from OR Tambo will need to be dropped off/picked up at Three Bridges Restaurant.

YOUR ACCOMMODATION

There are 3 chalets at Chacma Bush Camp, constructed from a mix of stone and natural boulders. Each of the rooms is similar in its decor, amenities, and finishings but differs slightly in its layout and views. All rooms have air-con, plenty of cupboard space, and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

In total, the camp can sleep a maximum of 10 people. Klipspringer sleeps a family of 6 people and has an outdoor shower, the Steenberg chalet sleeps 3 people and is next to the main area with a direct view of the waterhole, and the Grysbok chalet has two separate rooms sleeping 2 adults and 2 children.

High-thread count linen and the highest quality mattresses are kitted throughout. Expect a maximum level of comfort while being surrounded by wild, rugged surroundings.

ROOM INFO

The Klipspringer chalet is the largest chalet and has an outdoor shower with an en suite toilet. It sleeps 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children. The bed configuration comprises a king-size bed/converter, sleeper couch, and 2 stretcher beds. This room is the first room you will see upon entering the property. The open plan chalet is ideal for family and has a view of the swimming pool, the wilderness, and the main lodge area in front.

The Grysbok chalet is adjacent to Klipspringer. This chalet has two separate bedrooms with a large indoor shower and en suite bathroom. The main bedroom is perfect for 2 adults, and the smaller bedroom has bunk beds ideal for 2 children. The view is of the wilderness, pool, and main area.

The Steenbok chalet has an expansive bathroom, and main bedroom flowing through to a patio. This chalet can sleep 4 people and has exquisite direct views of the waterhole. It adjoins the main area and is not a freestanding chalet like Klipspringer and Grysbok.

ABOUT THE CAMP

Chacma Bush Camp is located in an undulating, rocky landscape with plenty of drainage lines, ancient caves, boulders and koppies. The camp itself sleeps up to 10 people and children over 5 are welcome. A small waterhole is neatly positioned in front of the swimming pool and outdoor area; and is frequented by elephant herds. There is an unobtrusive elephant fence that keeps the pachyderms from coming into the camp.

A swimming pool with stone decking overlooks the waterhole. Guests can relax on the sun lounger or under the lapa and watch Plains game filter down to drink. During the downtime between game drives, guests can retire to their humble thatched chalet for a quick siesta.

Meals are always a highlight at camp, and the menu includes a range of traditional food combined with a flair for the modern. During game drives, guests will stop for coffee and snacks in the morning, and evening game drives will involve a sundowner stop with sweeping views.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES

• Swimming Pool overlooking the waterhole.
• Deck chairs around the pool area.
• Daily game drives in the 8000-ha reserve with rocky outcrops and the Olifants River.
  3 meals a day.
• Extra activities include a traditional braai, sundowners experience, bush walks (need to be arranged prior and subject to availability of guide), and/or bush breakfast.
• There is a lapa for dining and an outdoor boma area for campfires.
• 3G cell reception and Wifi
• There is a small elephant fence on the perimeter of the camp.
• Family-friendly (over 5 years of age)
• Each of the 3 rooms has its own patio with a view of the surrounds and the Steenbok Chalet has a view of the waterhole.
• The bathrooms are en-suite, and there is an outdoor shower adjoining the Klipspringer Chalet.
• The Steenberg chalet has a direct view of the waterhole.
• Mosquito nets on each of the beds.
• Tea and Coffee making facilities in each room.
• Air con in rooms.

SAFARI

Guests have the option of enjoying a combination of outdoor activities and taking advantage of the lodge facilities. Guests are treated to a morning and evening game drive. Morning drives normally depart between 5:00 - 6:00 depending on the season. There's always a pre-drive coffee and another coffee break in the wilderness during the drive. Evening game drives start at about 3:30 - 4:30, depending on the season. Evening game drives include a sundowner stop and continue into the darker hours. Each drive is about 3 -4 hours long.

We can arrange a special sundowner session, or bush breakfast upon request. A step from the daily sundowner celebration. This might include a session on the banks of the Olifants River or on a rocky outcrop overlooking the reserve.

Bird watching
Boma dinners around the fire.
Walks to the “koppie” behind the camp for scenic vistas.

DAILY SCHEDULE

• During the winter months morning game drives begin later and evening drives start early.
• A typical day at Chacma Bush Camp begins with an early morning wake-up call, coffee and an activity.
• Below is a rough schedule of what an average day on safari looks like. Times may vary depending on season and weather conditions.
• 05h00 – Wake-up call
• 05h30 – Quick coffee and depart for activity
• 08h30 - 09h00 - Return to camp and enjoy a hearty breakfast
• 14h30 - Lunch
• 16h00 – Depart for afternoon/night game drive
• 19h00 to 20h00 – Return to camp
• 20h00 – Dinner followed by campfire chatter/drink. Guests can enjoy a traditional South African braaivleis (barbecue) cooked over an open fire.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Chacma Bush Camp is in a relatively unknown reserve in the corner of the Balule Nature Reserve (Maseke). There are barely any lodges and camps in the area; giving guests a thrilling experience with wildlife roaming a landscape filled with geographical marvels. Life is relaxed at Chacma, where the focus is on the natural surroundings, wildlife, and homely cuisine.

Expect morning and evening game drives with sundowner and breakfast stops. On game drives, you are able to get a lot closer to a big game than you would in a national park. The animals are generally habituated to the vehicle. This means that they are used to the vehicle approaching them and know that it never causes them harm. This enables to you to get within five to 10 metres of the large animals – and safely! All game drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers.

WHAT TO PACK

Throughout the year, lightweight neutral-colored clothing is recommended, as well as suitable walking shoes. Avoid brightly colored clothing and choose a selection of khaki, green, white, and brown. There is a swimming pool, so bring swimming togs along, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and remember to pack cameras, chargers, binoculars, and other gadgets or reference books for the area’s wildlife and landscape if you would like.

Early morning game drives can be chilly, especially during the cooler months of the year (May to October) and it is recommended that guests pack enough warm clothing, such as scarfs, beanies, and jackets.

PREDATORS

Following in the footsteps of the herbivorous mammals are the carnivorous species of the South African bush. Lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and the Nile crocodile are some of the prominent predators residing in the Kruger. Smaller predators include jackal, mongoose, civet, and genet, honey badger, among others.

BIRDLIFE

The Kruger habitat accommodates a complete smorgasbord of birder’s delights. Water birds such as herons, storks, plovers, spoonbills, and sandpipers are common along dam edges; kingfishers, orioles, robins, chats, larks, cisticolas, and coucals are some of the veld and woodland birds around; while birds of prey are seen and heard throughout the day.

MAMMALS

Some of the world’s largest mammals find their home in South Africa, where elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and rhinos reside in the wild Kruger Park and surrounding private game reserves. Game drives lead to unforgettable sightings of these large species, in addition to general game, such as zebra, impala, kudu, gnu, waterbuck, bushbuck, duiker, and steenbok. Nyla buck and elephant herds are frequent visitors to the camp itself.

FULL BOARD RATE INCLUDES

All meals, game drives, teas & coffees.

FULLY INCLUSIVE RATE INCLUDES

All meals, all local drinks (soft & alcoholic) game drives, teas &
coffees

NOTES

Rates are quoted in South African Rands. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Rates include government taxes where applicable. If taxes increase, we reserve the right to increase the rate accordingly. We reserve the right to review rates at any given point without notice. Conservation levies and Gate Fees are subject to change without prior notice in the event of the Private Nature Reserves amending or adding levies due to budgetary needs.

RATE EXCLUDES

• Premium international drinks
• The Maseke Conservation levy of R450 per person per night & The
• Maseke Bed Levy of R100 per person per stay (added to your invoice)

No single supplement applies.

CHILDREN POLICY

• Children from age 5 years and over are accepted.
• If the camp is booked for exclusive use, then children of all ages
• are welcome
• Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult rate