Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp-Amakhala Game Rese

The hot tub beneath the stars is unforgettable, and so is hearing a male lion roar at night from your tent. It gets chilly, but there was always a hot water bottle waiting at bedtime or for a drive. The tents have everything you need, and it’s so peaceful there. My friend Karen and I stayed three nights in July. We’ve both been to SA before, four times for Karen and five for me. Riaan is a fantastic teacher, and we learned a lot from him and his guides. We tried a short walking safari for the first time and felt safe. On foot you notice different things, including a tortoise! The guides were knowledgeable, relaxed, and friendly, and we saw a lot on the drives. We especially loved getting a glimpse of a bat-eared fox and a brown hyena. We got such a lovely warm welcome. This is a place you need to see and stay!

We only managed to book one night at Quartermains at fairly short notice, and we’re so glad we did. It was wonderful to see what Julie and Riaan had imagined and built, about 20 years after I first met them at Amakhala during veterinary work experience from my UK university. The camp feels intimate, the guides each bring a different personality, and the thoughtful little touches really add to the experience. It’s a setting unlike other lodges. We lay in bed listening to all sorts of bush critters chirruping. The next morning Riaan tried to work out which calls I’d heard from my description, and did it incredibly well. We felt lucky to spend an evening in such a magical place. The game drives were lovely, and the sundowners were welcome in the scorching weather. If you want an authentic safari with hosts who are truly invested in making your stay faultless, book Quartermains. We’re counting down the days until we return. It was the highlight of our South African trip.

We did five game drives and one walk or hike during our three nights at Quatermain's Camp. Every drive, even the last one, brought something new to see. We’d have missed a lot if we hadn’t stayed, so we recommend at least two nights and a hike, though three nights gives you the fuller experience. The food was excellent, the accommodations were great, and the crew were terrific. The guides knew their stuff, and the camp staff were attentive and helpful. Definitely recommend this safari experience.

With only three guest tents, Quatermain's Camp feels familiar and restful, and it’s a really unique place. We had a great stay, lots of animal sightings on the game drives, and a great crew. I can definitely recommend it!