Hamiltons Tented Camp is a traditional but luxury safari camp in the Kruger National Park. It is fantastic for honeymooners as it is a small camp with no children allowed. And each tent has it’s own private plunge pool! A true 5* colonial “Gem in Kruger”.
Transport yourself back in time. To an era when the African safari was beheld as the epitome of elegance and style. Hamiltons Tented Camp embodies luxury with an outstanding safari experience. This canvas tented camp is set amidst age old Jackalberry and Sausage trees. Hamiltons Tented Camp is a safari experience that will remain etched in your memory.
Activities include Nomadic African Spa treatments and open vehicle safaris. Where, guests will enjoy some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, birdlife and plant life. A fine tradition of luxury in true ‘Out of Africa’ style.
The 6 x exceptionally private luxury elevated tents overlook the seasonal N’waswitsontso River. All the spacious luxury tents are decorated in true “Out of Africa” style. These include antique style baths, brass light switches, steamer trunks with vintage labels revealing exciting journeys and sepia-stained photographs. All enhance the tradition and style of this ‘turn-of-the-century’ luxury safari tent. Modern comforts such as electricity, and air conditioning are the only clues that we live in a different time. Each tent also has a radio, hairdryer, ceiling fan, and personal safe. And an outdoor rain shower.
Suite
The décor is light and neutral. Teak furniture and floors, gilded mirrors, crisp white linens and flowing mosquito nets deliver a classy luxury tent experience. The recent addition of exclusive Sala lounges for each tent boasts leather couches and hospitality cabinets. And include mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities. Private plunge pools are suspended upon the extended teak decks which have been positioned to enjoy the breath-taking views.
Suite Deck with private plunge pool
Why choose a private concession lodge in the Kruger National Park
The Mluwati Concession is one hundred square kilometers of exclusive safari space. Only the camps in this concession are able to traverse this area. Therefore, no overcrowding but excellent sightings. There is an extensive road network to access the concession. And game vehicles are permitted to leave the road to get closer to the wildlife to capture that perfect image. And get closest to the wildlife. The Mluwati Concession is adjacent to the Sabi Sands and Manyeleti Game Reserves. Therefore, they enjoy the some of the most productive game viewing anywhere on the planet. Safari walks are available to guests accompanied by highly qualified guides.
Hamiltons Tented Camp Activities
The Mluwati Concession is one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park. They have worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of this pristine wilderness. A sanctuary for over 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five. With some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, bird life and plant life. Each safari experience is unique. Many hours can be enjoyed watching these animals in their natural habitat.
Mluwati is set over the basalt plains of the Satara Region. On this magnificent basalt range, you find a well-established Mixed Bushwillow Woodlands Eco-Zone. This Eco-Zone features some iconic Trees of Kruger Park, which include the following trees: Baobab, Marula, Leadwood, a variety of Bushwillows, Tree Wisteria, Jackal Berry, Fig Trees, Knob Thorn and a variety of acacia species.
There is sweet grass (Low Lying Areas) as well as Mixed grass on the midslope to upper crest areas. This attracts a wide variety of Plains Game (From Duikers to Elephants and everything in between). Which provides the perfect variety of food to the flagship predators of Kruger! Plus, Wild Dogs which are Africa’s most endangered mammal.
Safaris
Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time. Antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals and perhaps even the elusive Leopard.
Leopards playing
Witness the excitement of the first rains. The terrapins playing in river pools. The call of the Pied Kingfisher. And the steady chirping of sociable tree frogs. Savor the rich smells of the bush. Hear the shrill calls of the Magpie Shrike. And see the wind blowing through the feather grass dotting the Savannah plains.
Bird Watching
Keen birders will delight in the hundreds of bird species that call Kruger National Park home. There are over 500 species, many of which occur in the Mluwati Concession. Including the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Crested Barbet and Burchell’s Glossy Starling. Guides are more than happy to share their knowledge of feathered friends with guests.
Crested barbetFish Eagle
Guided Bush Walks
Join your guide on a one and a half hour walk in the Concession. Here you will be able to smell, touch and feel the natural surroundings you have traveled so far for. Your guide will spend time teaching you more about the tracks and signs of the bush. As well as about the smaller animals often overlooked in pursuit of the Big Five.
Walking safari
Wining and Dining
Dine as you would have in the 1900s. Hamiltons Tented Camp ensures, whatever the occasion, meals are a classy affair. From fine crystal wine glasses to pewter silver water jugs. Revel in the dining traditions of old in spectacular bushveld surroundings.
Butlers dressed in traditional colonial uniforms anticipate your every need. Dine on deck in relaxed surroundings. Or enjoy a bush picnic. The choice is yours!
Homemade baked goods and local specialties are served in beautiful surroundings. The sounds of the bush providing the accompaniment you need for a memorable dining experience.
From champagne breakfasts to High Tea with a delicious selection of cakes and pastries baked freshly at the lodge. Even the most discerning foodie will adore Hamiltons international and African flavors.
A day at Hamiltons Tented Camp
Kickstart your day before the sun rises, dunking a homemade rusk into a steamy cup of coffee. Before setting off on your morning safari with your assigned ranger. Watch as the bush awakens around you. The dew glistens on the webs of the Golden Orb spider. And Lilac Breasted Rollers flash their startling sky blue bellies as they flit past your vehicle.
See wild dogs laze under the Acacia trees. And elephants leave their distinct trail as they chomp through the bush at a leisurely pace. Steal a glance at the leopard eating its prey high up in an old Tamboti tree. Zebra foraging alongside herds of wildebeest and impala.
Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the comfortable dining room. A stylish affair complete with crystal water glasses and pewter teapots. Then retire to your luxury tent and relax. Or, enjoy a Swedish massage or request a bush walk for an up-close encounter with the Kruger.
Lunch is on the deck. With beautiful views of the bushveld and river. The resident hippo making an occasional appearance to much applause. Retire to your room for an afternoon siesta. Or a dip in your private plunge pool.
After high tea, depart for your special evening safari through the Mluwati Concession. Spot a pride of lazy lions lounging casually in the tall grass. And the associated warning call of nature’s tattletales, the Grey Loerie. As they inform the surrounding species of impending danger.
Sip a sundowner G&T or other preference. As you watch the sky turn from the brilliance of an African sunset to a bright band of stars. The persistent call of frogs, owls and nightjars. Back at the lodge enjoy a romantic dinner on the deck. Or in the outdoor boma dining area.
A large array of gin on safari
Community Projects
The Mluwati lodge have partnered with the Mirantha Youth Development Project. To empower the youth of local communities through life skills programs. The Mirantha Youth Development Project is a registered non-profit organization that cares for, and educates, neglected orphans and vulnerable youth. The “forgotten children”. In the town of Acornhoek. The Project is run by Happiness Lubisi, a champion social worker. Who currently supports more than 80 orphans and vulnerable youth in her community. Offering them food, clothes, and emotional relief.
Left without the guidance, financial support, and protection of their parents, the “forgotten children” are disproportionately vulnerable. To poverty, abuse, crime, and extortion. The large majority of the children have dropped out from school due to a variety of socioeconomic reasons. Which further increases their vulnerability due to poor literacy, the inability to find jobs due to lack of skills. And the inability to integrate well in their community.
Several staff members of the team and their families hail from this town just outside of the Kruger National Park. The survival of the surrounding communities is directly reliant on the business and investment. That comes from the presence of ecotourism activities in the area. In order to secure the stability and prosperity of these communities, the empowerment and protection of their youth is a fundamental requisite.
The Mluwati Family and the Mirantha Youth Development Project share the core value of the spirit of Ubuntu. That is in sharing resources and knowledge for the benefit of all.
The aims of the project are to provide life skills such as:
Computer Literacy and Preparations for Interviews for Employment Opportunities
Promotion of Food Security through starting home food gardens and teaching knowledge of permaculture. This is about utilizing land, resources, people and the environment in a manner that doesn’t produce any waste
HIV awareness campaigns and workshops
Fundraising to build a physical Youth Development Centre for school drop-outs
Getting to Hamiltons Tented Camp
Most people fly on scheduled flights from either Johannesburg or Cape Town to Skukuza (SZK) or Hoedspruit (HDS) airports. As they are the shortest transfer time to the lodge. We say short but can be up to a 3 hour drive. If you are coming into Nelspruit Mpumalanga Airport (MQP), it is just over a 4 hour transfer time.
Guests will fly into the Manyeleti airstrip for charter flights adjacent to the concession. We’ll arrange a transfer to the lodge. Driving time is approximately an hour.
Driving from Johannesburg will take about 7 hours with a short stop en route.
Hamiltons Tented Camp Accommodation Rates
1st January – 31st December 2024: R14 448 per person sharing per night (R21 268 for single tent) 1st January – 31st December 2025: R 16,182 per person sharing per night (R 23,820 for single tent)
Rates are quoted per person per night and include: Accommodation, three meals, selected beverages (soft drinks, water, beer, selected wines & spirits), Two safaris daily and VAT at 15%
In addition, return complimentary transfers from either Skukuza or Hoedspruit Airport. This is subject to availability so it is important to book it early.
Rate Exclusions: Transfers not specified, premium brand beverages and gate entry fees
Hamiltons Tented Camp doesn’t have triple rooms and the minimum age is 12 years and older. They pay the full adult rate.
Hamiltons Tented Camp Special Offers
Bushveld to Table Mountain Package
Hamiltons Tented Camp is a part of the Extraordinary Collection of lodges and hotels in Southern Africa. Create combination packages and get discounts or free nights. For example:
Stay for a minimum of three nights on safari & get three nights free at the luxury boutique Cape Milner Hotel
Valid until 31st August 2024 and 1st April – 31st August 2025
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge offers luxury all inclusive accommodation in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa – perfect for honeymoons and even weddings
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is Richard Branson’s safari lodge located in the western Sabi Sand Game Reserve, for an incredible Greater Kruger National Park safari. Lots of offers and packages including family and honeymoon.
