Talamati bushveld camp,
place of the roaring Lions

The area around Talamati bushveld camp is an excellent game viewing region.

Regular encounters with the Big 5, the Cheetah, the Wild Dog and plenty of other game on the guided bush walks and game drives offered by the camp, are quite common.

Learn more about this great Kruger Park bushveld camp by clicking on the items in the menu below;

GENERAL INFO	CLIMATE
MAP	ACCOMMODATION AVAILABILITY
FACILITIES	RESERVATIONS
ACCOMMODATION	TARIFFS
ACTIVITIES	HOW TO GET THERE

The "Lion King"
Photograph by Arno meintjes
General info,...

Nestling in a large open valley on the banks of the Nwaswitsontso river, The camp lies about 31km to the south of the Orpen entrance gate to the Kruger National Park. The region is known for its superb game viewing opportunities. Talamati is a Tsonga word that means "Lots of Water", which appears to be somewhat of a misnomer, because the Nwaswitsontso river is actually dry.

Dirt road in evening sun in the Kruger National Park

Dirt road in evening sun in the Kruger National Park

Dirt road in the evening sun in the Kruger National Park
Photograph by Chris Eason
There is however an immense reservoir of underground water which is held by the clayish soil acting as a gigantic sponge. The water keeps the vegetation in the region delightfully lush all year round, resulting in luxuriant grassy plains in the area. These in turn attract large herds of grass eating animals, with the predators not far behind. The flora in the region is dominated by Knob Thorn and Bushwillow trees.

Elephant encounter on a game drive
copyright © South African tourism
There are two game and bird viewing hides along the perimeter fence of Talamati bushveld camp, overlooking a waterhole and the surrounding bush. Animal activity at the water hole is a 24 hour around the clock happening. Some of the animals to be seen in the Talamati area are Giraffe, Kudu, Eland, Impala, Zebra, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Hyena. Cheetah, Wild Dog and a variety of antelope species are also frequently spotted.

Crested Barbet
copyright © South African tourism
The two hides at Talamati bushveld are perfect to watch and study the extraordinary bird activity around the camp. In the camp one can see many passerines coming in for a drink at the water hole, joining the ubiquitous Hamerkop, Green-backed Heron and Great White and Little Egrets. In the camp the Crested Barbet, Arrow-marked Babblers, Hadeda Ibis, Burchell's Starling and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater are regular visitors.

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Map,...

Saddle-billed Stork
Photograph by Arno Meintjes
CLICK HERE... to view a map of the Kruger National Park showing the location of Talamati bushveld camp, then click on the map to enlarge.

CLICK HERE... to view a map of the Talamati bushveld camp showing the lay out of the camp itself, then click on the map to enlarge.

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Facilities,...

Elephant against tree
copyright © South African tourism
Talamati bushveld camp offers the usual bushveld camp facilities, which include information and reception, public telephones, basic first aid assistance, mini shop (no foodstuffs) and a boma. The boma area is an ideal venue for family or group get togethers. If dining outdoors in the open air appeals to you, each cottage has its own barbecue facility. The nearest shop is at the Orpen rest camp.

The information desk at the reception of the camp can give you detailed information about all the facilities available, which include the following;

Information at Reception
Public Telephone
Mini Shop at Reception stocks basic items such as firewood and Telkom phone cards.
There are no foodstuffs such as meat available.
Electricity (plug points) for appliances in rooms
Boma - communal “braai” (barbecue) area in camp
Muzandzeni Picnic spot (23km from camp)
Nhlanguleni Picnic spot (3 km from camp)
Bird Hide (in camp)
Each accommodation unit has it’s own “braai” (barbecue) facilities.

The camp is within easy reach of the Orpen rest camp, where guests can make use of Orpen's larger range of amenities if needed.

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Accommodation,...

Sunset game drive near a dam
Photograph by Chris Eason
Accommodation at Talamati bushveld camp comprises 4 cottages and 11 guest cottages, scattered amongst trees on the banks of the N'waswitsontso River. All units are fully equipped and self-catering and together they can accommodate a maximum of 80 guests. Meals can be enjoyed on the open veranda together with excellent game viewing and sightseeing right from the comfort of your doorstep.

All lodging units are serviced daily and supplied with bedding, towels and soap. The accommodation of Sirheni bushveld camp comprises the following;

GUEST COTTAGES

10 x 2-bedroom units. Both bedrooms have ceiling fans and 2 single beds in each bedroom. One bedroom has a bathroom en-suite (shower, toilet, and washbasin) and there is a separate toilet and a separate bathroom with bath, shower and washbasin. The kitchen has a gas stove (with oven), refrigerator, sink, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. There are two sleeping bunk beds in the living room. The dining room is an open veranda.

Lounge of a guest cottage at the camp
copyright © SANparks

One 2-bedroom unit has recently been rebuilt. One bedroom has two single beds with bathroom en-suite (shower, toilet and washbasin). The other bedroom has a double bed with bathroom en-suite (bath, toilet and washbasin). Both bedrooms have ceiling fans and a double sleeper couch can be found in the lounge. The kitchen has a gas stove (with oven), refrigerator, sink, cooking utensils, microwave, crockery and cutlery. This unit does not have a veranda.

COTTAGES

4 x 1-bedroom units. The bedroom has two single beds and a ceiling fan. There are two bench-beds in the living room, as well as a ceiling fan. The bathroom has a bath, toilet and washbasin and inter-leading doors to the bedroom and living room. The kitchen/dining room is an open veranda and has a two-plate gas stove (without oven), sink, refrigerator, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.

Accommodation at Talamati Bushveld Camp caters to a variety of guest requirements and is well suited for those guests that are looking for a self-catering bushveld experience.

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Activities,...

Game rangers in the African bushveld
Photograph by Thomas Sly
Learn and observe fascinating facts about the African bush on a guided bush walk or game drive, accompanied by well trained and armed game rangers. Encounters with the Big 5, the Cheetah, and the Wild Dog on bush walks and game drives are not uncommon. For those who prefer a more relaxed way of experiencing the African bush and its wildlife, the two viewing hides at Talamati bushveld camp may proof to be a very rewarding alternative.

All bookings, as well as further details for these activities are available from reception. Activities offered at the Talamati bushveld camp include the following;

Guided Bush Walks
Game Drives (in the company of trained field guides)
Self-drive game viewing.

Talamati’s guests may also take part in the main camp activities available at Orpen, the nearest main rest camp.

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Climate,...

Hippo love is in the air
Photograph by Arno Meintjes
Kruger Park lies in a summer rainfall area with occasional bursts of quick summer storms (which can be quite heavy) occurring later in the day, cooling the air and settling the dust. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often quite humid. Winters are warm and mild with cool evenings. Visitors going on night drives during the winter period may require warm clothing.

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How to get there,...

The N4 highway from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park and Mozambique
BY AIR:

The closest airport to Talamati bushveld camp is Eastgate Airport which is situated at Hoedspruit, approximately 68km away from Orpen gate, Kruger National Park nearest to Talamati bushveld camp. South African Express Airways runs daily scheduled flights between Eastgate Airport and OR Tambo International Airport at Johannesburg and less frequent flights to and from Cape Town.

Talamati bushveld Camp is 31km away from Orpen gate. With the speed limit on the main roads inside the Park set on 50km/hr, you should allow about 1 ½ hours for the drive to the camp. However if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time!

BY ROAD VIA ORPEN GATE:

Head towards Nelspruit on the N4 and take the R540 Belfast turn off. At Lydenburg turn left onto the R36 heading north, via Orighstad and the Abel Erasmus tunnel towards Hoedspruit. 30km before Hoedspruit turn right onto the R531 and head to Orpen gate. If you are travelling from Johannesburg or Pretoria, allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip to Orpen gate.

Talamati Bushveld Camp is 31km away from Orpen gate. With the speed limit on the main roads inside the Kruger National Park set on 50km/hr, you should allow about 1 ½ hours for the drive to the camp. However if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time!

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Accommodation availability,...

Pack of Hyenas on the hunt
Photograph by Arno Meintjes
CLICK HERE to view a monthly calendar with accommodation availability details of Talamati bushveld camp.

You will then be able to view the accommodation availability page of the South African National Parks (SANparks) website, for Kruger National Park’s Talamati bushveld camp.

If you click on the accommodation type, you will see the facilities and content of that particular accommodation unit.
The accommodation code enables you to book a specific type of accommodation, if you provide it with your booking request.
The figure between the square brackets [ ] is the number of units available at the specific time and date of your visit to the accommodation availability page.
Please Note that the information is updated and therefore changing real-time on a continuous basis and that requests for reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Reservations,...

Two male Giraffes fighting it out - Talamati bushveld camp
Photograph Arno Meintjes
CLICK HERE to book your reservation for the Sirheni bushveld camp in the Kruger National Park on the official reservations page of the South African National Parks website.

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Tariffs,...

CLICK HERE to view the tariffs applicable for Talamati bushveld camp on the official tariff page of the South African National Parks (SANparks) website.