Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp is an intimate trails camp in the heart of South Africa’s Kruger National Park. With access to explore a 12 000 hectare private concession on foot in ‘Big 5 territory’. That was not previously open to the public. Experience Africa’s wildlife. Its sights, sounds, scents and textures on foot.
Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris is not your ordinary Kruger Park camp. This exclusive lodge offers two of the most unforgettable and adventuresome activities. Walking safaris through the park and the option to sleep-out in tents on wooden decks. Either way, you are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime.
Most walking safaris either involve carrying and pitching tents. Or staying in a reasonably basic base camp. With shared ablution facilities, simple meals and no bar facility (though you may bring your own drinks). Plains Camp differs in that it offers the comfort of a camp with large en-suite tents, comfortable extra-length beds and quality linens. An honesty bar (with soft drinks, beers, ciders and house wines), and a plunge pool in which to cool off on a hot day just adds to the ease of camp living. The chef prepares a hearty brunch, tasty high tea and a three course dinner from fresh ingredients. Served at a table set with white linen, candles and silverware. This is the best way to end an exciting day in the bush.
Plains Camp has four comfortably furnished en-suite African explorer tents in the shade of a Knobthorn trees. Each accommodating two persons in twin beds. The screened en-suite bathroom has a toilet, brass shower and basin with hot running water. Each suite has its own private deck with comfortable chairs overlooking the Timbetene plain. Relax and enjoy the African wilderness on your doorstep. With mod cons such as gowns and slippers.
Exterior and Interior of tentsTent Interior
Activities
Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris is an activity based destination specializing in walking safaris. These are led by dedicated, armed guides with years of experience and training. With a maximum of eight people – over the age of 12 – per walk. As you explore all the wonder and intrigue the Kruger has to offer. Plains Camp is not about a variety of activities. It is about the incredibly liberating experience of immersing oneself in nature and the astounding biodiversity of the Kruger National Park. If your interest is even mildly sparked by wildlife and nature, there is no chance of getting bored!
Walking safaris have become a much sought-after activity. The ultimate way to experience nature first hand. They are in general, very popular. Several lodges offer a short walk during the quieter part of the day (after breakfast or lunch). Still, for the enthusiasts, we recommend a full length walking safari. As you experience nature intimately, using all five of your senses. Marvel at the miracles of nature. From the fascinating minutiae of insect life, vibrant birds, and the fragrance of wild herbs. To the adrenaline injecting exhilaration of colossal animals and sinewy predators as nature intended.
Kruger walking safari package
About the walks
Morning walks take place early to ensure that you return to camp before it gets too hot. The average morning walk takes 3 – 5 hours, totaling 5 – 12kms.
The terrain is fairly even, but comfortable walking shoes are a necessity. It is advisable to walk in long trousers to protect your legs from grass and thorn scratches. Before departure, your guide will issue you with back or hip packs to carry, containing water and juices. The assistant trail guide carries a first aid kit. As well as snacks for a refreshment break on the walk.
Afternoon and evening activities usually comprise a combination of a short walk and game drive. The afternoon activity is decided upon between the rangers and the guests. This may include a short walk and after sundowners jumping onto a vehicle and completing the activity with a short game drive before heading back for dinner!
Walking Safari Fitness Requirements
The guide will adjust the walking speed to accommodate the ‘slowest’ person in the group. However, to be fair to others, a fair amount of fitness is required to participate in the walking safari. We say if you can walk 18 holes on a golf course or some serious retail therapy at a shopping mall, you most certainly will enjoy a safari walk. The guide will structure the trail, considering the fitness level of the group and taking into account any special requests.
As a guideline; should you be under the age of 65, an average level of fitness is required. If you are above the age of 65, an above-average level of fitness is required. But, 65 is the new 40 so don’t let that deter you!
Kruger Sleep-out
For a completely different and unrivaled wilderness experience, guests can walk from Plains Camp to the Sleep-Out decks with their guides. Part of the adventure is enjoying a meal cooked over an open fire whilst looking out for animals drinking at the waterhole below. Before curling up to sleep, lulled by nature’s nocturnal sounds. This is a wonderful adventure for those who want to get close to nature. These are 4m high elevated wooden platforms with shade cloth tents on the top level where guests can sleep out under the stars. Imagine a giant tree house with flush toilets and running water! This is the only place in Kruger National Park offering this unusual accommodation.
Sleep-out
There are 4 platforms available with two mattresses per platform. Sleeping bags and duvets are provided. With an elevated communal dining area and 2 x bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. 2 x armed rangers stay at the Sleep-Out.
Stargazing
Enjoy the breathtaking skies on a clear night. And for the enthusiasts, make use of a XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide to view the magic of the southern hemisphere constellations. Unspoiled by light pollution.
Typical Day at Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp
Early morning walking trails depart the camp at sunrise. Either on foot, or driving out to an area hand picked by your guide. And then walking from there. You will walk accompanied by two armed guides who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
Enjoy tracking animals, identifying spoor, dung and plants, learning about animal behavior and bird watching. And the medicinal and traditional cultural uses of various plants and trees. Make the most of photographic opportunities. All the while keeping an eye out for general game and predators.
Stop to study the small things, smell and taste wild herbs, and enjoy refreshments in the shade of a tree.
Until you have walked in big game territory, it is hard to conceive the actual height of a giraffe. Or just how enormous, silent and gentle an elephant really is. It is also a heart-stopping privilege to round a corner and surprise sleeping lions or buffalo grazing.
Giraffe on walking safari
Return in time for a hearty brunch, followed by a swim, nap or time spent spying on nature from the comfort of the camp.
Enjoy high tea in the late afternoon. Followed by a short walk, sundowners in the bush and a game drive. Returning after dark with spotlights to view nocturnal animals on the prowl.
Share drinks and stories around the fire before a delicious dinner with a South African twist. Then turn in and tune out. Lying between cotton percale sheets on a comfy bed with nothing but a canvas to filter the night sounds of the bush.
How to get to Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp
Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris operate on a 12,000 hectare private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. The nearest domestic airport is Skukuza, only 30 minutes away. The alternative is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is 2.5 hours from Rhino Post Safari Lodge. From where you will transfer to Plains Camp. Rhino Post is accessible in a regular 2×4 vehicle. It is about a 7 hour drive from Johannesburg.
1st July 2023 – 30th June 2024: R7 700 1st July 2024 – 30th June 2025: R8 320
Rates are per person sharing on a full board basis & activities.
Rates Include:
Accommodation, Meals (brunch, high tea & dinner), Teas & coffees, 2 x activities per day. Each guest will receive a complimentary sundowner drink of their choice on the late afternoon/early evening game drive. Transfers between Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp at scheduled times (11 am & 2 pm), VAT at 15%. TOMSA tourism levy, Activities Included: Morning and afternoon guided bush walk/game drive (12 years and older).
Rates Exclude: Other than the transfers stipulated above; any additional, early or late transfers, Kruger National Park conservation fees, All drinks (excluding the drink on the evening game drive as described above), Laundry, Optional gratuities; items of personal nature. (Guests who want a drinks inclusive rate can purchase a drinks supplement)
Rhino Post Safari Lodge Special Offers and Packages
Long Stay Discounts
Valid for one lodge or a combination of Seolo Africa lodges. These include: Kruger – Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp/Rhino Walking Safaris Victoria Falls – Chundu Island or Masuwe
Stay at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris or Chundu Island and 1 person is free!
Valid from 1st – 28th February and 15th November – 15th December every year.
Minimum 2 night stay (can be a combination of Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris) Max 2 rooms per night
Stay 3, Pay 2 OR Pay 3 Stay 4
Stay 3, Pay 2 is valid from 1st – 28th February and 15th November – 15th December Pay 3 Stay 4 is valid from 1st May – 30th June
Exclusive use Offer
Book exclusive use at Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris. The first 7 people pay full rate. While the rest will get 50% discount.
Kruger Honeymoon
All honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a private dinner and a romantic turn down at no extra charge.
Valid all year.
Rhino Walking Safari Trails
For a comprehensive safari experience, one can also combine your walking safari at Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris with a stay at Rhino Post Safari Lodge. The sister camp in the same concession (within 10kms). The ideal place to start or end your walking safari. With in-room massages, a deep freestanding bathtub and an outdoor shower to ease you back into (or out of!) civilization.
RP = Rhino Post Safari Lodge PC = Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris
Walking Safari Package Rates
1st July 2023 – 30th June 2024
1st July 2024 – 30th June 2025
Adult
Child sharing with an adult
Adult
Child sharing with an adult
12 Years
13-16 Years
12 Years
13-16 Years
3 Night Trail Package
1 night RP 2 nights PC
R22 638
R18 865
R20 752
R24 461
R20 384
R22 422
4 Night Trail Package
2 nights RP 2 nights PC
R29 568
R22 176
R25 872
R31 949
R23 962
R27 955
5 Night Trail Package
2 nights RP 3 nights PC
R36 575
R29 260
R32 918
R39 520
R31 616
R35 568
Single Supplement is 30%. No children under the age of 12 can be accommodated at Plains Camp unless a family or group booked exclusive use of the camp.
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