Machampane Wilderness Camp

Guided wilderness walks are a feature at our intimate en-suite luxury tented camp that overlooks the Machampane River. Nestled in a secluded forest where bird and wildlife abound, set out on foot on early morning and late afternoon game walks embracing the waterholes in this pristine wilderness area. Replete from a three-course ‘bush cuisine’ dinner with its Mozambican flavours, the boma and its friendly fire beckon you to experience the tranquillity of the night sky and the sounds of the African bush.

Machampane Wilderness Camp is located in Parque Nacional do Limpopo, the 1,1 million hectare Moçambique sector of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is an unfenced luxury bush camp nestled under trees on bank of Machampane River stuated in a Big 5 pristine wilderness area stocked with game from the Kruger National Park. The fence between the two National Parks has not yet been removed in this area, but is scheduled for removal by 2010. As a consequence no repair work is being done and animals move freely through the holes in the fence line.

Accommodation comprises of five en-suite tents, sleeping up to 10 people and offering an intimate wilderness experience. Each tent has its own deck, with chairs and table, overlooking the water. All tents are equipped with twin beds, good quality linen and duvets, bedside tables with12 volt bedside lamps, a wardrobe, writing table and chair, luggage rack, and Kelim rug.

Please kindly note that there are no hair dryers in the tents, nor air-conditioning as power is only 12 volt. Water is drawn from the river in front of the camp and is a scarce resource. For this reason laundry is done in Phalaborwa 125 km from the camp and linen and towel changes are limited to the duration of a guest’s stay unless circumstances require otherwise. Guests are encouraged to use water sparingly.

Bathrooms comprise of a large shower, wash-hand basin, and flush toilet, and rooibos soap, sandalwood moisturizing hand-cream, and shampoo are provided. Hot water is provided through gas water heaters.

All guests are seated together at one table on the central dining deck for meals which are prepared and served from a tented kitchen. The fire-lit Boma is open to the night sky, and pre and post dinner drinks and snacks are served here. Breakfast is served on the day guests depart from camp at approximately 07.00, brunch is served on the days that guests are out on wilderness walks at approximately 10.30, and a three-course dinner with Moçambique/Shangaan influence is served at approximately 19.30. Complimentary tea, coffee, and rusks is available throughout the day.

Activities at Machampane include morning and afternoon wilderness walks, accompanied by a guide and armed ranger. Wilderness walks are intended as an environmental awareness experience and not as a ‘route march’, and guides set the pace to accommodate the individual’s walking pace and interests. Complimentary trail snacks and beverages are provided. Morning walks start 15 minutes after sunrise and take 3 to 4 hours, while afternoon walks start at around 15:00 and take about 2.5 hours.