Tanda Tula Field Camp | Best South Africa Safari Lodges

The place

We arrive at Tanda Tula Field Camp to discover that, technically, we’re the first people to stay at this luxury South African safari lodge. Not because it’s just opened, but because it’s been set up especially for us; we simply love the idea that the land gets to rejuvenate between bookings, minimising our impact. In the Greater Kruger, the setting for Tanda Tula Field Camp has been chosen for the shady trees leaning over the tents, but also for the diversity of the terrain around us. That allows us to spot game without really going anywhere, but also makes this eastern region of the Timbavati ideal for guided walking safaris as well as for game drives. Above our tent (one of just four, all occupied by our family) stands a long-dead tree. Later, as the sun sets, we’ll find that the camp staff have somehow hoisted paraffin lamps high up into its skeletal branches, adding new stars to the night sky. A little further away, the low bushes give way to a sandy riverbed, criss-crossed by animal tracks. We’re clearly not the only travellers here.

We arrive at Tanda Tula Field Camp to discover that, technically, we’re the first people to stay at this luxury South African safari lodge. Not because it’s just opened, but because it’s been set up especially for us; we simply love the idea that the land gets to rejuvenate between bookings, minimising our impact.

In the Greater Kruger, the setting for Tanda Tula Field Camp has been chosen for the shady trees leaning over the tents, but also for the diversity of the terrain around us. That allows us to spot game without really going anywhere, but also makes this eastern region of the Timbavati ideal for guided walking safaris as well as for game drives.

Above our tent (one of just four, all occupied by our family) stands a long-dead tree. Later, as the sun sets, we’ll find that the camp staff have somehow hoisted paraffin lamps high up into its skeletal branches, adding new stars to the night sky.

A little further away, the low bushes give way to a sandy riverbed, criss-crossed by animal tracks. We’re clearly not the only travellers here.

The room

Each of the Explorer Tents at Tanda Tula Field Camp is ideal for two people, and the camp easily accommodates three generations of my family. My mother and father are closest to the open-sided mess tent, my two kids (16 and 18) are next, my partner and I neighbour them on the other side, and my sister and her partner occupy the fourth tent. We all agree that the campaign-style furniture in each tent is perfect for the setting, and really adds to the sense that we’re on a wonderful voyage of discovery. Everything is designed to be folded away easily, yet our comfort is in no way compromised. The safari cots sit on a vintage rug, while the bathroom consists of a bucket shower (with hot water – heated over the campfire – supplied on demand) and an eco loo. A final splash of colour is added by the African fabrics, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find a polished wooden gramophone in a corner. For the record (ahem), there wasn’t one, but we do discover the wonderful bar in the mess tent when we meet up there with the rest of our family, our guide, and the team who’ll be taking care of us.

Each of the Explorer Tents at Tanda Tula Field Camp is ideal for two people, and the camp easily accommodates three generations of my family. My mother and father are closest to the open-sided mess tent, my two kids (16 and 18) are next, my partner and I neighbour them on the other side, and my sister and her partner occupy the fourth tent.

We all agree that the campaign-style furniture in each tent is perfect for the setting, and really adds to the sense that we’re on a wonderful voyage of discovery. Everything is designed to be folded away easily, yet our comfort is in no way compromised. The safari cots sit on a vintage rug, while the bathroom consists of a bucket shower (with hot water – heated over the campfire – supplied on demand) and an eco loo.

A final splash of colour is added by the African fabrics, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find a polished wooden gramophone in a corner. For the record (ahem), there wasn’t one, but we do discover the wonderful bar in the mess tent when we meet up there with the rest of our family, our guide, and the team who’ll be taking care of us.

What sets it apart

There aren’t many luxury South African safari lodges like Tanda Tula Field Camp – but then again, that’s why we’re here. The combination of a family-friendly approach to being on safari, and a genuinely eco-friendly attitude towards the bushveld, makes this a winner for us. The fact that we can have our own private family safari camp adds to the appeal, as does the idea that our experience will be unique to us. After our stay, Tanda Tula Safari Camp will be packed away again, and we’re grateful that it was pitched especially for us in such a magical setting.

There aren’t many luxury South African safari lodges like Tanda Tula Field Camp – but then again, that’s why we’re here. The combination of a family-friendly approach to being on safari, and a genuinely eco-friendly attitude towards the bushveld, makes this a winner for us. The fact that we can have our own private family safari camp adds to the appeal, as does the idea that our experience will be unique to us.

After our stay, Tanda Tula Safari Camp will be packed away again, and we’re grateful that it was pitched especially for us in such a magical setting.

At a glance

Four Explorer Tents with outdoor bathrooms (including hot-water bucket showers, eco loos and amenities), plus a welcoming mess tent, set in an evocative lowveld setting in the Timbavati.
Exclusive-use camp, erected anew for each booking, maximum of eight guests, flexible schedules, private meals and private activities. Operational from March to September each year.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, wildlife tracking on foot, children on safari, interactive cooking, sundowners and stargazing.
Children aged 10 and over are welcome, and children of 14 and above may join the walks. All guests may participate in the drives, and all tents have twin beds for maximum flexibility when it comes to parent and child sleeping arrangements.

Four Explorer Tents with outdoor bathrooms (including hot-water bucket showers, eco loos and amenities), plus a welcoming mess tent, set in an evocative lowveld setting in the Timbavati.
Exclusive-use camp, erected anew for each booking, maximum of eight guests, flexible schedules, private meals and private activities. Operational from March to September each year.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, wildlife tracking on foot, children on safari, interactive cooking, sundowners and stargazing.
Children aged 10 and over are welcome, and children of 14 and above may join the walks. All guests may participate in the drives, and all tents have twin beds for maximum flexibility when it comes to parent and child sleeping arrangements.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.