AfriCamps at Karoo 1 in Hex Valley offers a family-friendly escape into the Karoo within only 2 hours from Cape Town. Apart from the extraordinary landscape, the tranquil rock pool and the friendly staff, this location is a firm favourite due to its proximity to Aquila Private Game Reserve, which means you can venture on a Big 5 day safari during your AfriCamps glamping getaway!
Your glamping adventure begins the moment you check in at AfriCamps at Karoo 1 which is nestled between remarkable rock faces in the Hex River Valley. On arrival, settle into your fully furnished tent and set off on foot to explore the beauty of this Karoo farm. A short walk from the tents takes you to our iconic kloof pool – an oasis during the hot summer months, and a beautiful sundowner spot year round.
Back at the tent, light the braai and unwind in your outdoor wood-fired hot tub under a blanket of stars. Listen to the peaceful Karoo night sounds and get cosy by the indoor fireplace with your loved ones. Tomorrow an extraordinary wildlife adventure awaits.
The friendly staff at Karoo 1 are ready to arrange your booking at Aquila Private Game Reserve, less than 15 minutes’ drive away. Upon arrival at Aquila, the sight of majestic horses greets you. Check in at reception where you will meet your guide who will whisk you away on a journey through the expansive 10,000-hectare reserve where you will witness the Big 5 in their natural habitat.
Regular sightings include majestic lions basking in the sun, elephant herds grazing in the distance, or rhino making their way across the plains. Aquila’s experienced guides will lead you on unforgettable safaris, and you can choose from experiencing this from either an open-air 4×4 vehicle, an adrenaline-pumping quad bike, or on horseback.
After your dose of adventure, check in at Tranquila Spa and indulge in African wood massages, hot stone massages, manicures, pedicures, deep cleansing facials, and more.
Aquila guest review:
On your return back to AfriCamps, settle in for the evening and make memories over a traditional South African braai. Don’t forget to order our Cook-Your-Own braai baskets, packed with fresh goodies to prepare on the braai. In the morning, prepare our sumptuous Cook-Your-Own breakfast basket, or finish off with a farm breakfast at the restaurant before hitting the scenic road home.
AfriCamps guest review:
While you’re there – Other activities in the area
Die Veldskoen Farm Stall (20km)
Whether you’d like to stock up on preserves, snacks and fine wines, you need to fuel up on coffee, or you’re in for a sumptuous sit-down lunch in the cosy restaurant or the beautiful garden – Die Veldskoen (translating to ‘The Field Shoe’) comes highly recommended. Don’t forget to explore their unique selection of gifts and antiques before you hit the road again!
Matjiesfontein (78km)
The 50-minute drive from AfriCamps at Karoo 1 to the historic town of Matjiesfontein is certainly worth the trip. Step back a century as you explore iconic landmarks like the Lord Milner Hotel, the Old Post Office, the courthouse and jail, and the old bank building. Don’t miss the railway station and the legendary red bus – remnants of a bygone era. Refuel with a cup of joe at the Coffee House, housed in the town’s historic general store. Matjiesfontein is a must-see pitstop and a journey through time.
How to get there
From Cape Town to AfriCamps at Karoo 1
AfriCamps at Karoo 1 lies just after De Doorns on the N1. From Cape Town, keep on the N1 until you reach the farm’s entrance gate after 141 km. You will pass through the Huguenot Tunnel (toll fees apply), Worcester and De Doorns. From De Doorns, continue another 27 km to the farm’s turnoff (after a pit stop at Die Veldskoen Farm Stall of course). You will spot the white entrance gate with AfriCamps signage just before the Montagu road sign. Continue straight on the gravel road until you reach reception at the hotel.
From AfriCamps at Karoo 1 to Aquila
Your Big 5 safari awaits just a short drive away! Aquila Private Game Reserve is conveniently located 12 minutes from AfriCamps at Karoo 1. Simply head back to the main entrance on the N1, turn left and continue for 12,6 km. Turn left onto R46 for 2.9 km before making another left turn leading you straight to Aquila Private Game Reserve.
This escape will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the Karoo. Book your stay, pack your bags, and get ready to create your own unforgettable glamping story at AfriCamps at Karoo 1!
Have a look at what Jennifer and Jeroen Peeters got up to on their latest adventure at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve. Get ready to dive into a world of stunning wilderness scenery, thrilling encounters and unforgettable memories. Here’s what they had to say about their latest AfriCamps experience.
Rolling into Pongola Game Reserve
We set out from Sala Beach House, a boutique hotel along the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, for a scenic drive lasting about 3 to 4 hours. Our destination? AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris in Pongola Game Reserve, the oldest private reserve in Africa, dating back to 1894. It’s a haven for wildlife, with zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, antelopes, and more roaming freely! It’s alsohome to 4 of the big 5: the magnificent buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard. What’s even more remarkable? Pongola boasts the rare opportunity to spot both the white and black rhino, complete with their formidable horns! The last 30 minutes of our drive were extra special. As we passed through the gate of the reserve, we were already greeted by some impalas, warthogs, ostriches, and other wildlife.
Glamping in South Africa: luxury in the wild
As we stepped into our chic glamping tent, we were greeted by an oasis of comfort and style. Complete with air conditioning to beat the African heat, a fully equipped kitchen for culinary adventures, and a bathroom for added convenience, every detail was thoughtfully designed to ensure a memorable stay. But the magic didn’t stop there. Stepping out onto our wooden deck, we were treated to sweeping views of the game reserve stretching out before us. And what’s a camping experience without a cozy fire pit to gather around? Who knew camping could be this glam, right? Our boutique glamping tent at AfriCamps was more than just a place to rest our heads – it was a retreat where we could unwind, connect with nature, and create memories to last a lifetime!
Night falls over the savanna
As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was time to fire up the grill for a classic South African ‘braai’ with a view! With a braai basket ordered from AfriCamps – loaded with treats like garlic bread, potato salad, assorted meats, coleslaw, and marshmallows – we were all set! From the comfort of our wooden deck, overlooking the savanna, we soaked in the breathtaking views of a waterhole right in front of our tent where wildlife gathered to drink. Little did we know, we were in for an unexpected treat during dinner: a lucky encounter with a buffalo family making their way to the waterhole – a moment we’ll cherish forever! (Disclaimer: Unfortunately, we don’t have any pictures to share as we were fully immersed in enjoying our braai! 😉 )
Day 1: Cruising Lake Jozini on a boat safari
We started our day with a cup of coffee on the deck, watching the sunrise over the savanna. Then, we joined Sipo, our guide, for a boat safari on Lake Jozini – our first safari ever! In no time, we spotted 2 big fives: a white rhino with her calf and a herd of buffalos. We also saw crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks, birds, zebras, giraffes, and more – it was truly amazing! After the safari, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast basket filled with eggs, meats, yogurt, fruits, bread, cornflakes, etc. – just what we needed to fuel up for the day. In the afternoon, we cooled off in our hot tub. Surprisingly, we had company: a male nyala joined us for a drink! It was a funny moment that added to the uniqueness of our experience at AfriCamps.
Day 2: Unforgettable game drives
Our second day was all about exploring the wilderness on thrilling game drives led by Sipo, our guide with eagle eyes! We kicked off with a sunrise game drive, and luck was truly on our side as we were treated to a rare sighting of a Black Rhino! This magnificent creature came super close to our vehicle, and the sight of it ‘charging’ towards us left us in awe. Even the experienced Sipo was amazed by this unique encounter. After the morning drive, we enjoyed some well-deserved chill time by the main pool, with nyalas and warthogs as our companions. In the afternoon, we set out on a sunset game drive with our trusty guide Sipo once again. This time, our mission was to spot the mighty elephant, and Sipo delivered! We were treated to a magical sight as we watched an elephant family march into the sunset.
The perfect spot for glamping in South Africa
In short, our experience at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris was nothing short of extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of Pongola Game Reserve, this glamping haven offered us a perfect blend of luxury and adventure! The location couldn’t have been more ideal – just 50 minutes south of Swaziland’s Lavumisa border post and two hours north of St Lucia, AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris is perfectly situated if you’re looking to explore the wonders of Zululand, the Elephant Coast, or Swaziland.
During our stay, we were lucky enough to spot 3 of the big 5! And while we didn’t catch a glimpse of the elusive leopards, the sight of warthogs and nyalas roaming around our tent added to the magic of our stay. But the adventure doesn’t end there. AfriCamps offers a range of other activities to suit every taste, from bush walks to fishing, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment during your stay. With 17 boutique glamping locations across South Africa, we’re already planning our next AfriCamps adventure. There’s no doubt about it, we’ll definitely be going back for more!
AfriCamps is about to get a whole lot wilder with unique glamping options in three wild locations! We are very excited to announce that we are opening a new location, AfriCamps at Hoedspruit this November, 40 minutes outside Kruger National Park! With the opening of AfriCamps at Hoedspruit in November, the opening of AfriCamps at White Elephant in Pongola Game Reserve in December, and the already popular AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview, you will soon be able to take a wild glamping safari and experience the best of South Africa’s wildlife in three beautiful provinces.
Bookings are now open! Hoedspruit is becoming increasingly popular among visitors to Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route as it is conveniently located between Kruger and the Blyde River Canyon. 11 tents will be opening on a remarkable property currently known as the Klaserie Caravan Park, a well-known spot among fishermen in the area with a large dam equipped for catch-and-release fishing of Carp, Bass, Bream, and Barbel. All 11 tents will look out onto this dam, which will make for peaceful views from your outdoor wood-fired hot tub or braai. Bring your canoe for a relaxing paddle, and spot Nyala roaming freely on the property, or unwind with a drink by the pool.
Essential to the Hoedspruit experience is a self-drive or guided game drive in Kruger National Park, only 40km away. Camp owner, Louwtjie Roux guides tours departing from the camp. AfriCamps at Hoedspruit is also in close vicinity to well-known private game reserves like Timbavati and the area is known for many conservation and wildlife rehabilitation projects.
Stop #2: AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview, Mpumalanga
From Hoedspruit, depart for the next stop, AfriCamps at Mackers. This camp opened in July 2018 and has fast become a favourite among local and international guests. Tours to Kruger, The Panorama Route, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre & Blyde River Boat Cruise and Seronera Crocodile Farm depart from the camp and can be arranged by your hosts, Ryan and Michelle.
Travel tip: When touring from AfriCamps at Hoedspruit, take the scenic route through Kruger National Park and exit via the Phabeni gate. A further 25 minutes and you’ll reach AfriCamps at Mackers in Hazyview.
We strongly suggest setting some time out to spend at the camp where you can book a spa treatment from the comfort of your tent, explore the Sabie River on your doorstep, spot 250+ bird species and relax at the gorgeous infinity pool.
Stop #3: AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari in Pongola Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Another camp on your glamping safari bucket list should most definitely be AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari in Pongola Game Reserve opening 16 December 2019. From the moment you enter the gates, you’ll experience the tranquil atmosphere of the oldest private game reserve in Africa. The reserve is home to buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, and over 350 bird species, which can be spotted during White Elephant Safari’s range of game viewing activities.
AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari will be one of a kind by offering water safaris on Lake Jozini and the Pongola River. On the water-based elephant experience, your guide and researcher will take you to the shores of Lake Jozini where various elephant families come for their daily drink of water. On the boat cruise, you will be able to spot various bird species, hippo pods, and crocodile.
The safari experience at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari is slightly different from our other camps as all tours are guided by highly knowledgable and qualified guides and no self-drive game viewing is allowed. This is due to the conservation projects on the Game Reserve and the safety of all guests.
Other activities include guided bush walks, the black rhino range expansion project, where guest will track black rhino on foot, game drives, and fishing/boat hire. For the locals, feel free to bring your own boat for a relaxing day of fishing on the lake.
Back at the camp, unwind among Nyala grazing by the pool or soak up your surroundings from your own private outdoor wood-fired hot tub.
AfriCamps offers luxurious self-catering tented accommodation on the most beautiful farms, reserves or estates in the country. Each tent has two bedrooms with extra length, queen size beds, and an extra single bunk bed in one of the rooms – perfect for a family of 5! The open plan living room, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen are perfect for your self-catering stay and extra comforts like the indoor fireplace and air conditioning will make you feel right at home. Each tent has a private bathroom with fantastic hot shower, washbasin and flushing toilet. The magic truly happens on the spacious decks looking out over unique South African landscapes. Light the braai and outdoor wood-fired hot tub (at selected locations) and get closer to nature for the ultimate glamping experience! This is the perfect way to experience your South African safari!
AfriCamps is off on yet another exciting journey. This time we’re heading to the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal where the world’s second-oldest private game reserve lies on the shore of the shimmering Lake Jozini. It’s here where you’ll find the popular White Elephant Safaris. You may already know the established White Elephant Safaris from a visit to their bush camp, cottage or safari lodge, but your next visit will be slightly different… It’s official – we’re building 12 AfriCamps tents on the reserve and forming part of the White Elephant Safari experience by December 2019!
Bookings for AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari in Pongola Game Reserve will be opening soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!
The game reserve has countless remarkable stories to tell and a stay at AfriCamps at White Elephant safari will pull you into those stories like never before.
Game viewing at Lake Jozini Shoreline. Photo supplied by White Elephant Safaris
AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari will be our second spot in KwaZulu-Natal. This time you can enjoy the AfriCamps concept you have come to love while experiencing all the thrills of an established game reserve where buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, and over 350 bird species roam the plains and grace the skies.
Think land and water-based safaris, guided bush walks, tiger fishing on Lake Jozini and being accompanied by Nyala antelope at the pool! Spend a day in the life of a rhino or elephant researcher and uncover all the mysteries of these majestic, vulnerable creatures. The experiences at this camp are both thrilling and insightful and will give visitors a practical view of conservation and why it is so crucial.
Rhino Research experience at White Elephant Safaris. Photo: Supplied
On The Reserve
Pongola Game Reserve is a go-to destination for KZN weekenders as well as visitors from afar, seeking adventure, serenity and that ‘African sunset’. The 30 000 hectare reserve shows off with beautiful views, glorious sunsets, therapeutic silence, game drives, guided walks, boat cruises, unique elephant and black rhino research experiences, and behind-the-scenes conservation operations.
Hippos on Lake Jozini. Photo: Supplied by White Elephant Safaris
Pongola Game Reserve and White Elephant Safari tell the story of nature’s amazing ability to restore despite human interference. As soon as hunters and explorers first reached the lands, the seemingly inexhaustible game started dwindling until President Paul Kruger proclaimed the area the Pongola Game Reserve in 1894, the first of its kind in Africa.
Wars, drought, and pests came and went which had many effects on the land. One of these effects was the eradication of game on the reserve. In 1993 game re-introductions began. Two elephant herds including one albino (or white elephant) were re-located to the “new” reserve. Today, after 100 years, the sounds of nature rule the lands once again and man aids to support rather than exploit it. Conservation lies at the heart of White Elephant Safari where ‘animals have right of way’.
Don’t miss these exhilarating experiences on the reserve:
Safari boat cruises White Elephant Safari offers unique water-based safari activities on the 15000-hectare Lake Jozini – the focal feature of Pongola Game Reserve. Spot herds of antelope, hippo, crocodile as well as an enormous variety of bird species and the occasional elephant enjoying a relaxing bath.
Safari boat cruise on Lake Jozini. Photo supplied by White Elephant Safaris
Safari game drive Game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, early in the morning or late afternoons by a professional guide who will show you larger game and the many varied and interesting smaller species in the game reserve.
Guided walk Walking trails are very much a part of the White Elephant Safari experience and a favourite among the more active visitors. Being on foot provides a ‘close-up’ encounter with nature. Inhale the smells, be soothed by the sounds and explore the minute details of the wilderness. The duration and speed of your walk will be tailored by your professional guide to suit your fitness and stamina.
Guided walk. Photo supplied by White Elephant Safaris
Tiger fishing/boat hire Lake Jozini is the most southern lake where tiger fish are endemic. It’s the ideal location for the novice fisherman or expert angler for a tiger fish catch of a lifetime, strictly catch and release, of course. Tilapia, Barber (sharp toothed catfish), Yellowfish, Grass carp, Mozambique and Red Breasted Bream are also found in The Lake. The best time for tiger fishing at Lake Jozini is September through to April.
Elephant research project The Elephant Research Project is a unique activity offered at White Elephant Safari as an alternative to game drives, walks, boat cruises and fishing. This activity is educational, interactive and visual, and includes spending time with our research and conservation staff. After breakfast, guests depart for a cruise on Lake Jozini to locate and watch the elephants from the boat. After a few hours on the water, guests return to camp.
Elephants grazing the plains on the shore of Lake Jozini
The activity continues in the afternoon with a visit to our Research Centre. The BBC production “Operation Elephant – The Mission” documents the initial re-location of our elephants from the Kruger National Park. Guests will watch this documentary, examine elephant skulls and bones and participate in discussions and debates. Gain insight into the reserve’s history, the re-wilding and re-stocking of animals and find out about the reserves research projects.
Black rhino range expansion project An adrenalin-raising experience that provides an insight into the rhino’s fascinating world and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. With the use of a Telemetry device, follow the rhino’s signal, look for tracks and dung middens and examine our camera ‘trap’ locations as part of our rhino monitoring and conservation project.
You will be welcomed by the White Elephant Safari Team led by camp owners Dr Heinz and wife Debbie Kohrs. White Elephant Safari is situated on Leeuwspoor farm, where Dr Heinz Kohrs grew up. Dr Heinz and his wife Debbie, have three daughters – Kirstin, Andrea and Clara. The team has a passion for conservation and eco-tourism and is committed to responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustaining the well-being of locals and promoting education.
Dr Heinz (BVSc) is a veterinary surgeon with a practice in Pongola dealing with domestic and wild animals as well as cattle. Dr Kohrs’ special interest lies in the co-existence of man and wildlife. He has also been the driving force behind the reintroduction of elephant, buffalo and rhino into the reserve. He is a founder of the Pongola Game Reserve ‘Space for Elephants’ initiative, which is a partnership between the Pongola Game Reserve and the Space for Elephants foundation (SEF). This project supports conservation and community projects in and around the Pongola Game Reserve. One of the main objectives of SEF is to develop corridors (or ‘highways’) between protected areas to reinstate historic elephant migratory routes.
The accommodation
The 5-star White Elephant safari lodge will close its doors on 31 August 2019, and the new AfriCamps will open in December 2019, offering guests an experience to remember in our luxury 2-bedroom tents, fully equipped for a self-catering stay for up to 5 people. Here you can get closer to nature while enjoying all the comforts of home – like an indoor fireplace, electric blankets, and air conditioning.
AfriCamps at White Elephant Safari will be the 11th location in the AfriCamps portfolio and will share the design of our current luxury tents. For those new to the AfriCamps concept, each fully equipped tent consists of an open plan kitchen, a dining room and a lounge area which leads into two separate bedrooms. Each bedroom has an extra length, queen size bed, and one of the two rooms has an extra single bunk bed. Both bedrooms lead to a spacious bathroom with a large hot shower, basin and flushing toilet.
Inside your AfriCamps luxury canvas tent sleeping up to 5 people. 12 tents will be opening at White Elephant Safari Lodge in December 2019.
Outside, spend some quality family time on the spacious deck with excellent braai facilities, or soak up the views in our outdoor wood-fired hot tubs. After a long day of exploring, unwind at the cristal clear lodge pool looking out over the Savannah-like landscape towards Lake Jozini.
The pool area at White Elephant Safari. Photo: Supplied
White Elephant Safari is easily accessible from the N2 between Johannesburg and Durban.
Quick Facts: Distance from Pongola: 48km (54 mins) | Distance from Jozini: 43km (50 minutes) | Distance from St Lucia: 150km (2 hours) | Distance from iSimangaliso Wetland Park: 103km (1 hour, 50 mins) | Distance from Swaziland border (Golela): 31,5km (43 mins) | Distance from Durban: 342km (4 hours) | Distance from Johannesburg: 464km (5 hours, 40 mins)
