Upon your arrival at Skukuza airport, a sense of anticipation fills the air as you’re transferred to Notten’s Bush Camp, nestled in the eminent Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Recognized as the original Kruger Concession and a beacon of safari experiences, Sabi Sand spreads across 65,000 hectares of rich savannah, holding within its bounds South Africa’s most cherished natural treasures.

Notten’s Bush Camp, a place of familial legacy and intimacy, welcomes you with elegant suites, each thoughtfully styled to resonate with the surrounding wilderness. The subtle embrace of ceiling fans replaces the intrusion of air conditioning, and the deliberate absence of electric lighting weaves a magical tapestry illuminated by candlelight and lanterns.

The panoramic views from this private lodge create a serene backdrop where the hustle of everyday life recedes, replaced by the unhurried passage of animals. An enchanting spirit of romance lingers here, making Notten’s Bush Camp not just a stay, but an entrancing experience.

Enjoy your first afternoon game drive in the reserve.

At Notten’s Bush Camp, the day begins with the promise of discovery. As dawn paints the sky with soft hues, you embark on your first game drive, wrapped in the gentle chill of the African morning. Expert guides, intimately acquainted with the landscape, steer you through the meandering paths of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each turn reveals a new marvel, whether it’s the graceful stride of a giraffe, the stealthy stalk of a leopard, or the thundering charge of an elephant.

Midday brings a respite as the bush settles into a languid rhythm. You return to the camp for a delectable brunch and some leisure time, perhaps by the pool, gazing at the panoramic vistas.

As afternoon mellows into evening, the bush awakens once more. The second game drive of the day offers a different palette of experiences, with nocturnal creatures beginning to stir. The setting sun bathes the landscape in golden light, providing perfect photographic opportunities.

Returning to camp, the flicker of lanterns welcomes you to a dinner under the stars, the sounds of the night serenading you. The day’s experiences become stories shared around a crackling fire, the essence of Notten’s Bush Camp captured in every shared smile and glance towards the wild yonder.

Embarking on a walking safari at Notten’s Bush Camp is an immersion into the pulsing heart of the African wilderness. Guided by seasoned rangers with a profound knowledge of the landscape and its inhabitants, your footsteps tread softly on trails worn by generations of wildlife.

The walking safari is more than a mere journey through the bush; it’s an exploration of the subtleties of the ecosystem. It’s about the rustle of leaves, the perfume of wild herbs crushed underfoot, and the intricate workings of a termite mound. Every sound, scent, and texture becomes an intimate connection with nature.

As you walk, your guide interprets the signs left behind by animals: the scrape marks of a lion, the delicate footprint of an impala, or the complex song of a bird. The slow pace allows for deep observations, engaging with nature in a way that transcends the usual safari experience.

The thrill of encountering wildlife on foot, feeling a part of the surroundings rather than an observer, is a sensation that stays with you. Pausing to enjoy a refreshing drink in a scenic spot, you feel the rhythm of the bush resonating within you.

The second day of game drives at Notten’s Bush Camp carries a renewed sense of anticipation, a fresh opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As dawn breaks, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, you set out on an early morning drive, cool air caressing your face.

With skilled guides at the helm, the safari vehicle winds through the meandering trails, where every turn can bring an unexpected sighting. Perhaps a leopard lounging languidly on a tree branch, its eyes glinting with a primal intensity, or a family of elephants, the young ones playfully jostling, their trunks intertwining in a dance of affection.

Lunch back at the camp is a delicious affair, the flavors enhanced by the thrilling morning experiences. The afternoon brings a different ambiance as the shadows lengthen and the bush takes on a golden glow. Animals prepare for the night; predators begin to stir, eyes sharp for potential prey.

A highlight of the day might be witnessing the drama of a hunt, the raw energy of life and survival played out in a fleeting moment that leaves you breathless. As darkness falls, the night drive reveals another world, the beam of the spotlight catching the reflective eyes of nocturnal creatures, a different symphony of sounds filling the air.

Returning to the camp, the warm glow of lanterns welcomes you back to a place of comfort and reflection. Around the fire, stories of the day unfold, a communal sharing of the wild’s gifts. In the silence of your suite, the sounds of the night lull you to sleep, a soothing reminder of nature’s continuous cycle, and a promise of more discoveries to come.

The third day at Notten’s Bush Camp in the heart of Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers yet another chapter in your unfolding safari tale. Each day brings new layers of understanding, deeper connections to the environment, and today is no exception.

As you set off on the morning game drive, the bush is alive with the calls and songs of creatures great and small. Your guide, now familiar with your interests, tailors the drive to explore different habitats, perhaps focusing on birdlife or tracking a specific animal you’ve expressed a wish to see.

This is the magic of the game drives at Notten’s Bush Camp: the personal touch, the sense of being on a shared adventure with those around you. Today might be the day you find a pride of lions, lazily basking in the sun after a night of hunting, or perhaps a rare sighting of a shy nocturnal animal caught in the transition between night and day.

Back at the camp, lunch is a relaxed affair, and the afternoon is yours to savor as you wish. The afternoon game drive beckons with the allure of the unknown, and the bush does not disappoint. Maybe you’ll witness a herd of buffalo, their imposing presence a testament to their role in the ecosystem, or a rhino, its majestic horn a symbol of both beauty and tragedy.

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of fire, you stop at a chosen spot to take in the sunset, a moment of reflection and gratitude for the wild’s many lessons.

Returning to the camp, the evening unfolds in its familiar, comforting rhythm, the shared experiences forging bonds with fellow guests. The night air, fragrant with the scents of the African bush, wraps around you, a gentle reminder of the wild’s embrace. The stories, the laughter, the silences – they all weave together, creating the tapestry of memories that will remain with you long after you leave Notten’s Bush Camp.

Today marks the culmination of a remarkable journey at Notten’s Bush Camp. As dawn breaks, the anticipation of one last game drive stirs within you. Venturing into the wilderness one final time, the morning is filled with poignant beauty and a sense of reflection. With your expert guide at the helm, the safari’s last chapter unfolds in a dance of light and shadow, where creatures great and small bid you a subtle farewell.

Returning to camp, breakfast awaits, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the bush coming to life. Each bite is a savoring of memories created and friendships forged.

In time, the moment comes to bid adieu to the camp that has been your home. A seamless transfer to Skukuza airport ensues, where the onward flight awaits. As the landscapes recede below, the essence of the safari experience lingers, imprinted in your soul, forever a part of you.