About Hamiltons Tented Camp
INCLUDES DRINKS! A superb old-school luxury experience staying in 6 exquisite traditional safari tents, now with private plunge pools and outdoor salas so you can enjoy game viewing from the comfort of your own deck – Hamilton's is a wonderfully romantic camp that evokes the golden years of going on safari!
Hamilton's Tented Camp is located in the Mluwati concession within the Kruger National Park - this private 10 000 hectare area of land borders the Manyeleti and Sabi Sands - renowned for outstanding game viewing! Named after Colonel Stephenson Hamilton who was instrumental in establishing the world famous Kruger National Park, Hamilton’s Tented Camp is inspired by the “Out of Africa” nostalgia of safari adventures of the early 1900’s where grace and style are created through the use of classic safari tents draped dreamily in white linen, not to mention the extensive use of old period antiques which lie scattered around the camp. You almost expect to see Robert Redford stroll in with Meryl Streep on his arm!
The six magnificent canvas tents evoke at atmosphere of pure romance whilst blending old-style glamour with bang-up-to-date luxury features - including recently added private plunge pools! Reached by raised wooden walkways from the main lounge area and accommodating a maximum of 12 guests, they boast romantic slipper baths, stunning teak floorboards and dreamy mosquito nets which hang over a spacious canopy bed – that's before you get to your private outdoor showers (a definite boost to any passionate weekend away in our book!) as well as a spacious private deck area complete with a comfortable shaded outdoor lounge/sala area as well as the aforementioned private plunge pools! You’re treated to sensational views of the seasonal N’watsintsontso river from the comfort of your deck which is shaded by age-old Jackalberry trees - in the summer months there's usually plenty of water in front of you, whilst as the drier winter months roll by, a multitude of animals are attracted by the dwindling pools in the river bed as they represent some of the last remaining water in the increasingly parched surrounding bush. It really becomes an almost constant parade of animals coming down to drink - absolutely some of the finest game viewing we've ever had the pleasure to experience (and all from the comfort of our own deck!)
The tents might have a very old-fashioned retro feel inside, complete with those romantic standalone slipper baths, antique trunks and oh-so-romantic draped mosquito nets, but you'll no doubt be relieved to find out that they still come equipped with air-con perfect to take the edge off the summer heat commonly experienced in this area. When you do decide to leave your luxurious suite, the cozy tented main lounge area with its scattered colonial mementos invites you to sit back with a cup of tea whilst you put on your best Meryl impression – this truly is an experience to take you back a generation (or three!)
The good news though is that unlike the old sepia photograph days of safari, you're not going to have to slog through the bush on foot with a party of porters carrying your hunting rifles – instead you'll head out on twice-daily game drives in an absolutely bang-up-to-date 4x4 open vehicle through prime “Big Five” country. As part of the world renowned Kruger Park, this area offers one of the most diverse game viewing experiences in South Africa and is home to lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino (black and white) not to mention a host of smaller game. One thing to note is that some of your game drives utilise the normal park road network, so you perhaps lack the real feeling of isolation offered by other camps in the private reserves. It's not all about big game though – your ranger will be happy to teach you to identify birds and trees, taste edible fruit and even track animals on foot. Other exciting activities include bird watching, guided bush walks, picnics, champagne breakfasts as well as spa treatments.
Back at the lodge after your morning game drive, you’ve got the chance to relax around your private plunge pool, the perfect place to cool off from the sweltering summer heat (definitely not an option that would have been available to those original safari pioneers!) In keeping with the lodge's upmarket and exclusive feel, the dining experience is similarly memorable – what could be better than enjoying silver service from your butler as you savour a romantic candlelit dinner for two on your private deck! In fact, romance is very much what Hamilton’s is all about (especially given that children under the age of 12 aren’t allowed to stay here) Whilst the game viewing experience is excellent, it really does have a unique feel completely unlike the vast majority of more “normal” game lodges – and for that reason it gets an emphatic thumbs-up from us as being perfect for any couple looking for an intimate break away in the bush!
