Review: Tamboti Tented Camp

Tamboti Tented Camp

Location:

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Getting there:

Approx 400km Drive from JHB on good condition tar highway with tolls to a total of about R210.00. Check in at Orpen Gate where there is a small shop with basics. Then approx. 4km drive on tar and gravel good enough for any vehicle.

Arriving at Tamboti Entrance

Arriving at gate

Most gates have a little convenience shops like this

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Privacy:

The units are hidden away along the river bed, although closely set out, all effort has been made to hide tents from one another unfortunately the over growth could only cover so much. From our tent the tent on the right of us was completely hidden but on the left we had full view of the occupants whilst on the deck and cooking.

Facilities:

Accommodation - Tents:

All units are canvas tents on wooden deck containing a braai area   

Braai Area

With minor electricity, fan and plug point supplying 220v power, internal and external lights

Full bed, pillows  and towels. Even though lights are available I most def suggest bringing some form or a few forms or backup lights. The large lights attract major bugs so a small lantern set on the side saves one the hassle of flapping arms  and running away from these lil buggers, they also provide the best bush feeling one could imagine. 

Please bring a spot light/torch doesn't have to be the biggest but effective up to 30m at a minimum walking around at night is not encouraged but sometimes when bathroom calls there's no option. There will be night animals along the fence the spotlight needs to provide enough light to view the animals.

Kitchen:

There is no kitchen at the tents them selves but do provide a small fridge freezer combo and food cage is provided, the communal kitchens are scattered evenly near the ablution blocks and contain the basic stove water boiler and sinks. No utensils whatsoever are provided.

Its worth checking the temperature setting on your fridge when you arrive they often switch them lower to save electricity when there are no occupants.

Bedroom&Beds:

Well this is pretty much the whole tent so if you require privacy from one another at night and getting ready bring a blind fold or push the cupboard in such a way it creates a wall to change behind but that’s the most privacy you will get unless you meander in your sleeping togs or not togs at all up to the ablutions, but that's up to you. The beds were extremely comfy and firm, plenty of blankets were available for winter chilly evenings

Bathroom:

The ablutions a small meander away from the tents, please wear shoes at all times when walking around especially at night.

The toilets and all ablution facilities were in very very good condition, Toilet paper and soap was never and issue. Hot water in abundance for the long shower takers. 

Staff:

There were no staff based at this camp and if there are very unobtrusive, but they do come and clean and make up beds during the day. The staff at Orpen whilst checking in were very friendly. Mutual respect and politeness always on the top of the list.

Service:

Service wad very good and effective, I would suggest not to leave any valuables out in the open whilst you are not there rather avoid temptation, although we never had anything go missing. Service whilst checking in was good, however check in times at 2 as well as last minute check ins nearing gate closing times were slow.  

Food/Restaurant:

There is no food/restaurant you need to be fully self sufficient what you want to eat you bring. No charcoal or firewood is available or provided. You can buy when you check in from the gate at Orpen.

Parking:

Parking spots are available and are a good few meters away from the tents. There is generally only one spot pert tent so more than one vehicle per tent could prove tricky. 

Family Appropriateness:

Infant/Child/Mature Child/Adult Only: Although no rule stating a certain age restriction, This camp is very much based on relax and recuperation based there are no activities except to sit and relax having active kids or crying babies will not only irritate you but also your neighbors as well.