Tshulu Wilderness Camp

Tshulu Wilderness Camp is situated on the banks of the Mutale River in Hamakuya in the far north east of South Africa. Located near to rural villages, the camp is in a pristine natural area, surrounded by lebombo ironwood groves, baobabs and mopane woodlands. The camp is located outside North Kruger Park, only an hour's drive from both the Pafuri and Punda Maria gates and 40 minutes from Makuya Provincial Park.

Accommodation is in spacious 'meru-style' tents on raised platforms with en-suite outdoor type bathroom with shower. Self catering can be done in the communal kitchen with a gas stove, fridge and large freezer; basic crockery and cutlery is provided. The kitchen opens out onto a spacious central area for eating and relaxing. Solar power is available to charge cell phones, cameras and laptops, and provides light in the central area and tents. There is no mains electricity.

Tshulu Wilderness Camp is a wonderful place to rest and recuperate, and the birding is excellent. There are also several short walking trails from the camp, including a tree walk, and guides are available if you would like to venture further afield. Several kilometres from the nearest village, the soundscape is dominated by cowbells, baboon calls and the rush of rapids as the river spills out of the deep pools that mark the end of a dramatic gorge.

The camp is managed and run by the local community through Tshulu Trust. Homestays in a Venda village household can be arranged through Tshulu Trust in advance. Homestays give visitors an experience of Venda traditional cultural practices and are an important form of income for families in HaMakuya.