Sun Destinations

There’s no other way to describe Nokana Safari Camp other than as ‘an experience’. It is quite unique in the sense that guests go on game drives, bush walks and river cruises in a number of different areas; in 27 000 hectares of private game reserve, and in the endless extent of the Kruger National Park. This unusual itinerary opens guests up to a world of new experiences that would just not be possible on the regular safari routine.

(Watch the video of the Nokana experience here)

2 Days a week are spent gallivanting in the Kruger National Park; 1 day takes guests on a cruise down the Olifants River within the Kruger; and 3 days offer game drives in either Karongwe, Thornybush, or Tshukudu Private Game Reserves. (Read about these Kruger Park day trips, the Olifants boat cruise, and the private reserve game drives)

All these activities are under an hour’s drive away from Nokana Safari Camp itself. The transfers to the reserves are smooth and enjoyable, and the game viewing value is well worth the drive. Michel Laforet (owner and host at Nokana) has an endless supply of facts and stories, and unfailing energy that carries guests through the early mornings.

Michel has something special going on in his home Blyde-Olifants Conservancy, which is dotted with waterholes and sprawled with trees. Zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, warthog, vervet monkey, as well as a resident genet make themselves comfortable around Nokana Safari Camp, and it is not unusual to pass any number of them on the short walk to the tents.

Accommodation at this inviting home of bush luxury is in raised tented units, constructed beautifully of canvas and wood. There are 6 units in total, 4 of which have double or twin beds fit for 2 people, while the remaining 2 have adjoining ensuite bedrooms suitable for families of 4. Additionally, there are 2 Africa-inspired thatched chalets, each sleeping 2 people, bringing the total capacity of Nokana up to 20.

The point of being on safari (well, one of the points) is to have constant access to the sights and sounds of the bush that surrounds you. Private verandas and wooden decks extend from each accommodation unit offering a quiet place for its occupants to relax, look and listen to the activity that surrounds them.

All the feasting at Nokana happens in the traditional fireside fashion, either in the wilderness at a bush dinner site or at the lodge beside a roaring boma fire. There is a fine selection of wines, as well as an option for a ‘light’ meal instead of the regular decadent dishes. Sundowners are enjoyed from the tall ‘sunset tower’, which is a thatched-roof platform standing on high stilts and overlooking everything up the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance.

There are a few days out of the week that provide afternoons and mornings for relaxation by the pool, or in the privacy of your own rooms. (Bear in mind there is room service and each room as a mini-bar, so there is little to want for). Michel also takes his guests out on game drive in Nokana’s reserve, which introduces guests to a number of the species that reside here. Evenings at the waterhole are particularly exciting with a diversity of animals coming together.

Falling asleep to the sound of jackals and in complete bedroom comfort, it is hardly a challenge to answer to the 530am wake-up call that introduces the next day of exciting safari activities.