This place blew us away. Stunning location under gigantic baobabs. It was immaculate and the attention to detail and care put into the facilites was evident everywhere. Cherry on the top was a meal in the charming community on - site restaurant.

Stayed in April 2024

Going home!!

Being so close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday live in the city, this is a absolute jewel in the bush!!

Stayed in March 2024

The host was very friendly and helpful. We arrived very late in the evening so sadly just had a braai, a swim in the beautiful pool and went to sleep. A short walk around the property in the morning to see the amazing baobab trees was a lovely way to start the day. Wish we had stayed longer.

Stayed in February 2024

Traumhafte Natur, wunderbare Lage am Fluss, rustikal & autentisch! Loved it!

Stayed in October 2023

portable LED lanterns would be very helpful

exquisite location, attentive management, community links, sign posted hiking trails within property,

Stayed in April 2023

The region doesn't support Vodacom (same with the northern Kruger Park region) so in order to get signal, once you exit the camp, turn right onto the main road and travel a few hundred meters to the tin shack taxi rank and park under the tree. Voila! You will be reconnected to the rest of the world :D And do remember to medicate or take precautions to mitigate malaria (we used insect repellents copiously). These issues are easily overcome. We strongly recommend anyone to stay at this amazing camp to get a true South African experience. Looking forward to our next several visits!

Nthakeni Bush & River Camp had been the best accommodation we had so far. The camp is situated safely in a warm and friendly place where there are no disturbances. Our little family accommodation was perfectly selected for us - a single room and a double room villa facing a calm and flowing river, that is often visited by grazing cows and donkeys (as well as not-so-grazing crocodiles) with their melodic bells reminding us of their presence. At night, the hyenas remind us that the real Africa is still very close by and frequently curious elephants will venture up to the camp but rest assured that you are in safe hands. Each room has a touch of individuality, with interesting artwork created by Oom Koos. The place is well maintained with clean water supply and efficient energy for basic usage. We support and salute to the owners' sustainable living effort! The camp's mini mart has all the necessities (we love the boerwors!) and works on an honesty basis. Kobus and Annaliese, owners of Nthakeni, are the best hosts one could ask for. They are hospitable and attentive, with their every concern towards the local rural community. If you order your meals (separately charged) a day in advance, you will get to taste the scrumptious food prepared by Gloria and Thelma who run the restaurant in situ. We also appreciate the daily housekeeping staff who made sure we had a clean and comfortable stay. The trail in the camp is very well thought out. We enjoyed trekking it not once but twice and had endless sightings of skinks, flat lizards and two round eared elephant shrews, apart from the myriad birds that we saw! Beautiful, gigantic baobab trees dotted the forest. Nthakeni is minutes away from Pafuri Gate, which makes it convenient to visit Kruger Park.

Stayed in March 2023

Just keep in mind that it is so remote to maybe not having wifi every day and to take enough food for cooking as the next supermarket is 90 km away.

Top hosts and staff! So helpful! Very remote close to the border! Lovely place with many lovely details! Hiking! Birding! Kidsfriendly! Wonderful pool! 100% Eco-tourism! 100% privacy! Small inside shop for basic food, drinks and sweets.

Stayed in March 2023

Well there is nature and then there is nature. Lol. Did not get on with the ants that pounce on every bit of food that is left for a minute. It's to be expected at a place where nature is the buzz word.

The camp is a stone throw away from Pufuri gate into Kruger right in the heart of the local community. The road to the camp is very well sign posted and it twists and turns until you arrive at the gates of the camp. The river is the frontage to all the camps and it is beautiful. The pool is clean and looks like it was carved out of the rocks. There are hikes of different levels and duration that those that wish can do. The shortest takes you past the most magnificent baobab trees and is worth the sweat. The shower is heated by the donkey but gives hot water for at least 2 hours, more than enough for the biggest family to get clean. The accomodation is placed strategically so there is no overlooking your neighbours. The moon and stars are brilliant at night.

Stayed in March 2023

I would have liked to know more about the facilities before I got there but unfortunately there were communications issues. There was no to little connectivity which made it difficult for family to keep in touch with us in case of an emergency

The place was very peaceful and quiet. The staff were very friendly and helpful

Stayed in December 2022

Nothing

Nature! Solitude!

Stayed in December 2022

Nothing. Keep it as it is

I had never heard of this place before and when we left I could not understand why. We have stayed in a variety of types of accommodation around all parts of SA and this is truly out of the top drawer. The attention to detail and the work that has gone into this establishment is really an eye-opener. The environment is fairly hostile, very hot, out of the way and the owners have gone the extra mile to make the place extremely presentable and very pleasant. Situated on a river bank a couple of km from the Pafuri gate, it is ideal for day trippers into the northern section of the Kruger Park. Accommodation is a mixture of chalets (only two I think), tented accommodation with shared ablutions and camping. This place is highly recommended, we stayed two nights and would have been happy to spend a week there. The owners were friendly and engaging. There is a little restaurant on site catered for by the local community. A shop works on an honesty system which is settled when you leave. What a lovely place

Stayed in November 2022

Nothing.

Nthakeni is a beautiful, peaceful and immaculately maintained property. Close to Pafuri Gate (15 minute drive), beautiful setting on the river and stunning walks on the property. Rustic restaurant served the most delicious T-Bone steaks. Perfectly equipped for self catering too. Outstanding hosts and staff. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

Stayed in November 2022

It was a very authentic african experience in the middle of the bush. The two hiking trails are awesome after long safaris in the northern Kruger. And the hosts Annelize and Kobus give the local community the opportunity to work and develop their talents. A considerable contribution to improve a small part of the world that might easily be forgotten…Thanks for a lovely stay 🙂

Stayed in September 2022

I absolutely loved the peace and quiet of this place. Also loved the fact that Kobus and Annelies seem very involved in helping the community!

Stayed in April 2022

Nothing. Had a great experience!

Great attention to detail and very well maintained.

Stayed in March 2022

It can obviously be very hot in the summer time, and during the night our solar power ran out so the fan did not work the whole night and our fridge went off, but when you choose to stay in the bush, that's the "price" you pay.. Worth it.

What an absolute gem! We were there for 2 nights and it was absolutely amazing. We used it as our base for visiting Crooks Corner in the KNP, but it was way more than just a sleepover spot, it made our whole trip so much more special. The view from the chalet, the surroundings, Annelize and her team. The chalet was equipped with everything we could need. The swimming pool was perfect for cooling down (and we even took a swim in the river!), the little shop was fully stocked and very convenient. I can without a doubt recommend this establishment to anyone who loves the bush.

Stayed in March 2022

all good.

great signposting on access road. Charming hosts. Immaculate unit with large windows with effective mosquito netting and great through draught, so i didn’t have to use the ceiling fan even though the night was hot and humid. Great kitchen, excellent refrigeration, spacious shower. Very private units overlooking Levubu River. Not aware of neighbours.

Stayed in February 2022

The road to the lodge was the only down side.

Stayed in January 2022

The cottage was exceptional, clean, neat, and spacious. There are family friendly hikes which are clearly marked. The owners were very helpful and friendly. I mostly liked the self-service tuck-shop, where you just take anything you want and pay later, it operates based on trust.

Although is far, the location is good for people who want to quietness and unwind from the busy of the city life, The river that flow through the camp make it exceptional.

Stayed in December 2021

Nothing

It was just amazing and all the staff was so friendly. The accommodation was out of the books and you'll definitely see us again. The stay was just too short and will stay much longer next time.

Stayed in October 2021

Nothing.

Private, perfectly maintained accommodation with great service.

Stayed in September 2021

Kitchen area was a little cramped, but well equipped.

Great location for Pafuri Gate, Kruger

Stayed in August 2021

Absolutely nothing! Everything was just perfect.

Wow! Fantastic! Extraordinary! Beautiful! We loved everything! The cottages were absolutely gorgeous with exceptional surroundings. Excellent value for money!

Stayed in September 2021

Great location close to the Pafuri Gate into Kruger. The hosts were most welcoming and very pleasant to engage with. All the spaces were super clean, and the chalet was very comfortable. Loved the bird life and view onto the river.

Stayed in August 2021