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Chacma Bush Camp, enviably located deep within theheart of the Maseke Game Reserve (a management area of the Balule Private Nature Reserve), offers the perfect Big Five safari experience in undulating landscapes dotted with rocky outcrops. This family-friendly camp sleeps a total of 10 people, and thus offers an authentic and intimate safari experience close to the Olifants River.
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The experience here was worth the trip to South Africa. You enter the Grietjie Balule private reserve from a gate, where passports, international driving licenses and Lodge reservations are checked. It is a complex of only 3 houses, max 10 guests, so an intimate and family atmosphere is created. We all eat together at a long table next to the swimming pool, overlooking the icing on the cake: a pool of water (surrounded by electrified wire, therefore impossible for the animals to get close to people) where elephants and buffaloes regularly come to drink. I spent a lot of time on the deckchairs, enchanted, staring at that show, worthy of a documentary. Our accommodation had a kitchenette (fridge, tea and coffee making facilities), two bedrooms and a bathroom with a huge shower. The whole house was made of stone, so it maintained the optimal temperature. We had all inclusive with 2 safaris per day; tea, coffee and drinks (soft drinks, iced tea, beers, wine) during the game drive. A typical day went like this: _Wake up at 6 with the ranger knocking on the door _Quick tea and coffee in the reception relaxation area _Departure at 6.30am for the game drive on a 4*4 open jeep, with a tracker and a guide _Halfway, light breakfast with tea, coffee, instant chocolate, biscuits _Return to the Camp around 9am, substantial breakfast (yogurt and savory part such as toast or eggs) _Free time until 2pm, to rest, admire the elephants at the pool, play board games taken from the reception _Lunch 2pm _Game drive from 3pm to 6.30pm (last bit at night with torches) _Dinner h7-7.15pm, one evening we had the Braai around the fire _Relax in front of the pool or in reception Once in the room, you couldn't leave until you were called the next morning.
In the 3 days in which we did the game drives with the rangers (JD and Charlie), we saw all the Big Five (Buffalo, Lion, Elephant, Rhinoceros and I can't tell you the emotion of the ranger in having seen the Leopard, very difficult to spotting for them too), hippos and crocodiles in the pools of water, giraffe and zebras, warthogs (friend Pumba!), hyenas, impalas present everywhere, herons, colorful birds and a guy who reminded me of Zazu from the Lion King, a vulture , wild cat at sunset, all those South African species that are similar to antelopes and chamois (springbock, waterbuck, kudu...).
A special thank you Skye and all the Chacma staff for giving us unforgettable days.
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chacma is a beautiful private luxury lodge, & what sets apart Chacma from other lodges is that it is so private and quiet, so you get a better chance of the animals coming to the water hole. We saw tons of elephants every day come up so close to the property.
From the moment we checked in, we were greeted by the most amazing staff, which took our bags on arrival and placed them in our room. We then headed to the front office to check in, and were given a welcome drink. Afterwards, lunch was ready for us underneath a beautiful dining area, and after we went on an afternoon game drive!
We had just recently got engaged, and after dinner the staff set up this beautiful private balcony dinner where we had a romantic dinner and got to watch elephants drinking from the water hole. The staff were so kind and attentive.
Our safari guide Edward was so knowledgeable & we really had the best few days with him! The food was fresh and we enjoyed every meal. The turn down service was wonderful, we loved receiving a little story and treat on our pillows each night.
The boma night was probably my favorite, sitting around the fire and enjoying the braai. Chacma was an amazing stay, I'd recommend it to any of my family and friends! I definitely want to come back!
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Date of stay: January 2025
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Spend some time by the pool in the afternoon, you'll notice lots of animals come up to the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is just perfect if you looking for Authenticity and unique Experience. Lodges are very nice, lot of space, decorated with elegance and very clean. The exterior space is so nice, appeasing with the swimming pool and all the opportunities to meet animals in their natural environment. the managers Nadine and Hanry are so nice, warm welcoming ant their staff with the chief, James , so nice : food is beautiful , when you come back from safaris with so tasty and authentic barbecue is so amazing. Well, regarding Safaris : you MUST do it : Hanry is the most amazing ranger on the earth : know everything about animals, find the good places, show you all the animals, understand their body language an their behavior : so he make your safari so exciting and authentic : it's just a UNIQUE experience . Thank you Nadine and Hanry for your hospitality, our conversation during Lunch and comprehension regarding insectes reactions :-) : All te family is so pleased to have met you ! Wish you all the best for the future.
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Date of stay: February 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 20 Apr 2022
Hi Julien, Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We hope to see you again soon. Kind Regards, The Chacma Bush Camp Team
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OK so where should I start. Probably with the best two guides in the business. Keegan and Marko where just outstanding. Friendly, knowledgeable,accommodating and above all we felt safe and confident in their hands. They expertly guided us around the reserve and we were treated to some amazing experiences. These included having a pride of 7 or so lions surrounding the landcruiser, tracking down a leopard and a night time encounter with Elephants. We saw the big 5 and will never forget that. We are also interested in birds and the knowledge the guys showed in this area was amazing as well. The camp itself is lovely and all the staff so welcoming. The food also was excellent and tucking in to a hearty breakfast after a 4:30am start for the morning drive was a treat. I would not hesitate to recommend this location to anyone wanting a real experience with wild animals. Simply outstanding
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay at Chacma Bush Camp - as part of a trip to introduce the beauties of South Africa to my daughters and young grandson - was fantastic! Staff, Food, Rangers, Site plus the pleasant company of other guests, were all top notch. We were extremely lucky to get to see 4 of the Big Five, an infinity of other species and even had elephants and buffalo bathing and drinking in the waterhole just outside our door. My grandson was elated. A truly wonderful experience. Awesome!
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 13 Nov 2023
Hi There, Thank you so much for your 5-star review of our camp. We're happy to hear that you had an incredible safari experience and got to see all of the "big things". Our camp's small waterhole in front of the pool is a major drawcard for wildlife - elephants and buffalo LOVE the easy access to water. It's always amazing to be up close to these beauties. Kind Regards, The Sun Destinations Team
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I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but we had an amazing experience here! The daily schedule of early morning and late afternoon game drives was different, but we had mid-day to rest and catch up. From the moment we arrived, Nadine was welcoming and gracious. Our room was beautiful and rustic at the same time. We went on a game drive within 3 hours of arrival, and saw a leopard right away! The camp itself has a water hole where animals just show up, we saw elephants, wart hogs, buffalo, and kudu within 20 feet of us. The food was varied and delicious, and always served elegantly outdoors. The room was lovely, and included daily turndown service. Our game drives were the highlight of the five days, we saw 32 different kinds of animals, not counting birds. Our guides were quick to spot, point out, and give us information on all of them. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The room that is attached to the office has a private verandah with a view of the waterhole.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 16 Nov 2022
Hi There, Thank you for taking the time to write such a glowing review about charming camp. We aim to create a warm and hospitable environment, which only adds to the overall safari experience. Our waterhole in front of camp is an absolute hive of activity for wildlife - guests are never disappointed with the sightings in camp! It seems you managed to see a lot of wildlife. Regards The Sun Destinations Team
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Being at Chacma bush camp after a long lockdown period was definitely refreshing...Clean,warm,welcoming cottages with Eddie and Shirley who were very friendly hosts.There was Collins who talked about his experiences as a tracker during lunch and dinner.Eddie and Collins went out of the way to make our safari experience wonderful.When we spotted a lion near the waterhole at the dinner area, they happily took us on s short drive at night to see if we can track the lion.They slso walked into the bushes for a bit and used their expertise to move the lions towards our line of sight.Quite exciting! We missed a kill but the kids got to see the animals in action.Our youngest who is 4 got to go on the early morning and evening safari as we were a group of 7 members and he was fairly quiet for 3+ hours of safari.So the experience in all was enjoyable.We also had a child with gluten free requirements and it was catered to.The pool kept the kids busy between the safari trips!
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 14 Feb 2022
Thank you very much for your review - it was an absolute pleasure hosting you. Hope to see you again soon. Best Regards, The SD Team.
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Chacma bush camp was wonderful. Nadine and Henri were very accommodating and fabulous hosts. The food was delicious, we ate very well and the serving sizes were very big. It was amazing eating all meals outside being watch by the elephants at the water hole.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 19 Feb 2023
Hi There, Thank you so much for your glowing review of our camp. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the food, and the game viewing. Our local waterhole in front of camp is frequented by elephant herds, and is a major highlight for most guests. Kind Regards, The Sun Destinations Team
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What a great lodge. Small and very fine. Excellent food, clean, very nice people. We spent two great nights there and saw many animals. Josh and Sky were two great guides and Christy took care of everything as manager. When our suitcases didn't arrive, she did everything she could to find them. Super👏
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Of three camps on this trip, I thought this setting the most appealing. The buildings were rock construction, landscaping fit perfectly. A maintained water hole attracted lots of wildlife right to the patio! You could sit and enjoy animal antics for hours. The management staff we met were helpful and very pleasant.
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Date of stay: October 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sun Destinations, Owner at Chacma Bush Camp
Responded 14 Feb 2022
Thank you very much for your review - it was an absolute pleasure hosting you. Hope to see you again soon. Best Regards, The SD Team.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cape Town Central, South Africa54 contributions1 helpful vote
Hi
I am afraid that the age limit at Chacma Bush Camp is 5 years and older. If the camp is booked out exclusively then children of all ages are welcome.
Regards
The Chacma Team
There are more places to choose from in the Balule Nature Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$802 - AU$1,003 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkBalule Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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