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Notten's Bush Camp

A family-run Sabi Sand camp lit only by lamplight, offering an authentic, unplugged safari and excellent value.

Greater Kruger

Overview

Notten’s is one of the original private game lodges in South Africa, and the Notten family, now in its fourth generation, still runs it. It sits in the southern Sabi Sand, sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger, and looks out over open plains where elephant and plains game often wander past the decks. What sets it apart is the light: the camp has deliberately gone without electric lighting, so evenings are lit by paraffin lamps and candles. It’s warm, personal and unpretentious, it’s excellent value for the Sabi Sand, and guests come back again and again.

At a Glance

  • Type: Classic family-run bush camp

  • Location: Southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Greater Kruger

  • Suites: 9 suites, with a maximum of about 14–18 guests. Open-plan bedrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, private decks, ceiling fans

  • Lighting: Paraffin lamps and candles, no electric lights. Each suite has charging points

  • Children: 6 and older. Family suites and a triple room are available

  • Included: All meals, morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks

  • Wi-Fi: Yes, in the main area

  • Malaria: Low-risk area. Speak to your doctor before travelling

  • Best for: Couples, families, return guests and anyone wanting an authentic, unplugged safari

Activities & Dining

Days start early with tea and coffee on the deck or in the boma under the marula trees, then a morning game drive. Afternoon drives end with sundowners. Bush walks with a ranger are a quieter way to explore. The southern Sabi Sand gives excellent Big Five viewing, especially leopard. The camp can also arrange half- or full-day ranger-led trips into the Kruger and visits to the local Shangaan community.

Meals are generous, home-style and served throughout the day. Dinners are by lamplight in the boma or the main lodge. Between drives there’s the lap pool, the lounge and massages.

Getting There

  • By scheduled flight (recommended): Fly into Skukuza Airport, then a road transfer of about 20–30 minutes. This is one of the shortest transfers in the Sabi Sand.

  • Via Nelspruit (KMIA): About 1.5–2 hours by road.

  • By road: Via Hazyview on the R536 towards Paul Kruger Gate, then a gravel road to the Sabi Sand gate. Bring cash or a card for the gate fees.

Insider Tips

  • Fly into Skukuza. The short transfer means you can be on an afternoon drive the day you arrive.

  • Embrace the lamplight. It’s what guests remember most, but pack a small headlamp for reading.

  • Families should book the family suite early. There’s only one, plus one triple room.

  • Add a ranger-led day trip into the Kruger for a change of scene on a longer stay.

  • Notten’s is one of the best-value lodges in the Sabi Sand, so it can make a longer stay affordable.

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