Hamiltons Tented Camp

We only stayed three nights and wished we could have stayed forever. From our rooms with private plunge pools, we watched elephants, giraffes, hippos, Cape Buffalo, crocs and lions. We were lucky enough to see the Big Five in the first two days, including a leopard. Nick was a legendary safari guide, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout. The food was AMAZING. Breathtaking, magical and unforgettable. We’re coming back!

The wildlife viewing deck was beautiful. We saw herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, kudus and wildebeest, plus at least four hippos and lots of bushbucks. From the bath there was also a view of the animals. The outer deck had a dip pool and relaxing chairs, along with a surprisingly large sitting area, sofa, well-stocked all-included mini bar and a second tea and coffee station. The rooms were large but felt cramped with the big bed, desk, two armchairs and two chests. They were charming enough, though I wished the lighting were better. The bathroom was good, with a bath and a lovely shower in its own room between the deck and bathroom. There was hardly anywhere for our things apart from the cabinet under the sinks. This is a lovely camp, but I wouldn’t return. The safari guide struck me as a bit arrogant. The waiters were pleasant and mostly willing to please, but service was painfully slow and housekeeping a bit sloppy. You have to ask for used supplies to be replenished. The management may not be as kind to non-white guests, though it’s hard to be sure. I also expected much better service for the price and size of the lodge. The dinners looked fancy, and most people seemed to enjoy them. I didn’t: too much meat, not enough vegetables, and too rich for me. The daily menu was limited, especially for vegetarians, and not very imaginative considering African food traditions. I’m not vegetarian and eat most common meats, fish and poultry, but the game meats and lack of vegetables got me down. On a couple of days, there was nothing on the menu I found acceptable. Given the small lodge and high prices, I expected the kitchen to make me a simple main from their lunch menu, but they didn’t, so I had very little for dinner. Pasta was always overcooked, and the fettuccini was even broken into small pieces. The chefs and all the attending staff changed every day. I may have expected too much. We’d come from Shalati camp, which had a larger, varied menu for many guests and was always ready to customise. I might not have made a special request if Hamiltons weren’t so small and pricey. Waiting was incredibly slow, too. I was also upset by how management handled a room move. I’d repeatedly asked for a room close to the common areas and got the closest one. After our second safari, the manager told me to vacate it so an older lady and her daughter could move in from their room farther away. On safari, we’d been paired with them, and we’d happily offered her the front row in the vehicle every time to make getting in and out easier. The manager announced the room change in front of everyone without discussing it privately with me first. If they’d asked on the first day, when both parties arrived, I would gladly have taken a room a little farther away. But by then my things were spread out and arranged for my comfort. I have my own physical challenge, though it isn’t visible, and managing it takes time and energy each day. The request, or order, bothered me, especially since moving me to the next tent would only have saved the older lady about two minutes of walking. Hamiltons is above my price range, and I should have stayed away. I’m over seventy and like a bit of extra comfort when I can afford it, which is why I chose it. No more!

The wildlife in lush February was everywhere. Over six game drives in three days, our family of eight adults counted an astonishing 1,800 animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos and lots of newborns. We booked four of the six luxury tents and had a special, private safari experience with our own guide and dining setup. The tents looked just as beautiful as the photos, and the food was outstanding. Hamiltons Tented Camp took care of every detail, including our airport transfers, and the service was impeccable. It’s a premium experience, but worth every penny. We made memories to last a lifetime in just three days. Spectacular five-star experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!

The camp is right in the heart of Kruger National Park, so the moment you leave for a drive, you’re in the action. There are morning and evening drives each day, about 3 to 3.5 hours each. It felt like we had the park to ourselves, and the early starts gave us a chance to look for the Big 5 before the crowds came through the gates. Hali was a great guide, a real expert in tracking and the bush, and a fun person to spend time with. We stayed as a couple for three nights in July. It was easily one of our most incredible travel experiences. From the start, Thomas and the staff took care of every detail with warm, attentive service that never felt forced. The tented suites were spotless, stylish and very comfortable, giving us the adventure of the wild without giving up any luxury. The meals surprised us most. We came with realistic expectations, but the chefs at Hamilton’s served actual fine dining three times a day, with thoughtful menus and several options at every meal. Every dish was beautifully presented and delicious. If you have the budget, this is miles ahead of a typical lodge, whether outside the park or at one of the other lodges onsite. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari, and it exceeded even our dreams.