AFRICAMPS AT BONAMANZI gAME RESERVE, Hluhluwe

Bonamanzi Game Reserve’s story began in 1952 when the Kramer brothers embarked on a journey to transform 121 hectares of land into a thriving sugarcane and pineapple farm. Over the decades, their vision grew beyond agriculture, paving the way for conservation—a pivotal shift that shaped the Reserve into the remarkable sanctuary it is today. Honouring its original name, Bona Manzi—Zulu for “see water”—the Reserve has become a haven for wildlife and bird enthusiasts, boasting over 426 bird species and an abundance of game.

In 2009, Richard Grantham and Ernst Löser, passionate travellers and lovers of the African bush, acquired the property. Their deep appreciation for Bonamanzi’s unique beauty continues to guide its evolution as a premier destination for nature lovers.

Your hosts, Scott and Juan-Marie, along with the dedicated Bonamanzi team, are here to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable. With personalised assistance and local expertise, they’ll help you uncover the Reserve’s rich history and natural wonders.

Whether you’re immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Bonamanzi’s past or experiencing its extraordinary wildlife firsthand, this is a place where nature and adventure unite to create memories that last a lifetime.

Check-in: From 14h00 to 21h00 on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure

Check-in arrangements need to be made and guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This way you are ensured of a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

Hluhluwe River Boat Cruise

Enjoy a two-hour guided boat cruise on the Hluhluwe River. A must for birders!

Cost (2025): Adults R500 pp | Children R250 pp

Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 10 guests per boat

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Game Drive

Embark on a thrilling sunrise or twilight game drive through our Big 4 Game Reserve in open vehicles, guided by expert guides. Along the way, enjoy a scenic stop for a sundowner in the stunning Fever Tree Forest. 

Cost (2025): Adults R495 pp | Children 4-12: R245 pp

Duration: 3 hours

Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 10 guests per vehicle

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Game Drive for Kids

Young explorers can head out on an unforgettable game drive—no grown-ups needed! With expert guides leading the way in open safari vehicles, kids will discover the wonders of the Big 4 Game Reserve.
Cost: Children (6-12): R180 pp

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Group Size: Minimum 4 guests per vehicle

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Self-guided Game Drives

Enjoy a self-guided game drive on Bonamanzi Game Reserve. Upon check-in, all guests receive maps to help navigate their adventure. Please note that a 4X4 is required for self-guided game drives. A call-out fee of R1000 applies in the event that towing is required.

Birding 

With over 400 bird species in diverse natural landscapes, Bonamanzi Game Reserve is the ultimate spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Guided Walks

Perfect for birding enthusiasts, these guided walks offer the chance to spot some of the 400+ bird species found on the reserve. These walking trails offers an up-close experience of the reserve’s rich biodiversity.

Cost (2025): Adults R250 pp | Children R125 pp

Group Size: Minimum of 2 guests

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Boma Braai 

Enjoy a traditional South African boma braai under the stars. The crackling fire is a short walk away from our restaurant and bar. (Subject to availability and weather.)

The Lalapanzi Restaurant 

Lalapanzi Restaurant offers a diverse menu with venison specialties and traditional African sides. The restaurant is surrounded by Lala Palms and antelope like Nyala and Impala roam freely. Unwind by the outdoor bar and fire pit. Open daily from 07h00 to 21h00.

Group Activities/Conference Facilities

We offer versatile conference facilities on-site, perfect for team-building and engaging group activities, including bush braais and exciting challenges like ‘Minute to Win It’ and ‘Survivor.’

The Lookout Deck

The property offers a lookout deck with incredible views, making it the ideal spot for birdwatching. Come relax and soak up the serenity.

Swimming Pool

Take a refreshing dip in our pool, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s the perfect spot to unwind during our hot summers.

Wood-fired hot tubs

All 10 tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the stunning surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.

Bush Weddings

Tie the knot in a serene bush setting, surrounded by a rare Sand Forest. From water-side sunsets to vast savannas and lush forests, it’s the perfect backdrop for your special day.

TOURS DEPARTING FROM THE CAMP

A selection of tours are available to pre-book and prices include transfer to and from AfriCamps at Bonamanzi Game Reserve. Please notify us in the ‘Notes’ section of your booking if you are interested in booking any of the below tours.

A deposit will be required prior to your stay to confirm the tours.

*Please note, all tours are subject to availability.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Game Drive

Take a guided game drive to Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and a cornerstone of wildlife conservation. Learn about the park’s historic efforts to protect endangered species while searching for the Big 5 in this iconic landscape.

Cost: Adults R850 pp | Children R425 pp

Group Size: Minimum 4 guests per vehicle

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Wild Cat Interaction

Join us for daily educational tours where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close. Afternoon tours include feeding sessions, along with insightful talks from our knowledgeable guides about the animals and the conservation project.

Cost (2025): Adults R350 pp | Children R190 pp

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Zulu Village

Step into the heart of Zulu culture with an immersive experience showcasing time-honored traditions. Enjoy live displays of basket weaving, beadwork, spear and shield making, pot crafting, Sangoma bone reading, and the energetic rhythm of traditional Zulu dance.

Cost (2025): Adults R375 pp | Children R195 pp

Please note: Pricing varies depending on group size. For rates for smaller or larger groups, kindly contact AfriCamps directly.

Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise in St Lucia

Observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species from up close on a 2-hour Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise on the estuary in St Lucia.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the 3rd largest protected area in South Africa, spanning 280km of coastline and home to four of the Big 5. With Lake St Lucia at its centre, guests can spot the country’s largest hippo and crocodile populations.

St. Lucia Turtle Tours (iSimangaliso Wetland Park)

Guests can join a turtle nesting tour, which involves a thrilling nighttime drive along the beach, from iSimangaliso Cape Vidal to Leven Point, in search of the elusive turtles.

Sodwana Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park)

Sodwana Bay, one of the world’s top 10 sport-diving destinations, is a must-visit for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and within 90 minutes of the camp, it offers stunning underwater landscapes, vibrant corals, marine life, beautiful overhangs, drop-offs, and mushroom rocks, making it truly spectacular. 

St Lucia Town

St Lucia is a charming estuary town within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to hippos, crocodiles, and rich wildlife—a must-visit!

Cape Vidal iSimangaliso Snorkeling Adventures

Explore the vibrant marine world with Cape Vidal iSimangaliso Snorkeling Adventures and discover over 50 fish species, including angelfish, lionfish, and rays. You may even spot octopus, crayfish, and turtles!

Igwalagwala Walking Trail 

There are plenty of fantastic hikes in the area, and we highly recommend the Igwalagwala Walking Trail, a scenic hike through the lush, indigenous forest for a peaceful and immersive nature experience.

Mazuri Pineapple Farm and Distillery

Embark on a unique 40-minute pineapple distillery tour and tasting, where you’ll explore the exceptional local flavour of pineapple-infused spirits.

DumaZulu Cultural Village 

Experience traditional KwaZulu-Natal hospitality at Gooderson DumaZulu Traditional Zulu Village, South Africa’s biggest cultural village. Watch as locals make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots.

Zulu Croc Reptile Park

The Zulu Croc Reptile Park offers an immersive experience that includes expert-led talks and demonstrations. See the crocodiles being fed and gain fascinating insights into their behaviour.

Rafikis Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of dishes a Rafiki’s Restaurant, from pizza and burgers to sushi. It’s the perfect spot for families, with fun activities like ceramic painting and mini golf.

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre

The Wild Cat Rehabilitation Centre is the only one of its kind in the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal. The centre provides a safe haven for orphaned or injured wild cats, including cheetahs and lynx.

Breakfast Baskets

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each breakfast basket includes the following:

Eggs
Breakfast sausage*
Bacon*
Two slices of ciabatta
Jam and butter
Cheese
Fresh pastry (changes daily)
Muesli
Yoghurt
Fruit
Juice
Milk

*Vegetarian or other option is available on special request.

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

Braai Baskets

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each braai basket includes the following:

Boerewors*
Steak*
Garden green salad
Side starch dish (pasta salad, potato salad, or bean salad)
Bread side (roosterkoek, braaibroodjie, or garlic bread)
Marshmallow skewers

*Vegetarian or other option is available on special request.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

DINING OUT:
Savour a variety of delicious dining options, from local favourites to gourmet delights.

The Lalapanzi Restaurant – On-site
The Boma Braai (Subject to availability and weather dependent) – On-site
Rafikis Restaurant – 20km away
Delish Restaurant – 24km away

In order to mitigate the effects of load shedding on our guests, we’ve installed battery power backups in each tent for your convenience. These backups ensure uninterrupted lighting and warm water during load-shedding periods. Please note that wall plugs won’t be operational during power outages. 

Our tents sleep up to five guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online booking calendar to check live rates and availability. A minimum stay duration may apply. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

Cleaning Fee: All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions/

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of five people. The following items or services are not included in the price unless otherwise stated:

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

We do not allow pets at our camp. Please note that there are wild animals roaming certain areas of the property.

Music

No noise, parties or music are allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp for a function.

Day visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent. 

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1564 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 September 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1840 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 September 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 Dec 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.

3-NIGHT GLAMPING SPECIAL

Save R500 per stay!

From R5320 per stay, excl. fees 

• From 1 May until 30 September 2025
• Excludes public holidays, school holidays, long weekends and peak season.
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• Select the 3-night special option (the nightly rate will automatically be discounted).