Griffons Bush Camp

Nestled in a mountainous amphitheater, at the highest point in the Waterberg, lies Griffons Bush Camp. On its own exclusive and private property within Marakele National Park, the gigantic views stretch forever, and the local residents have made the most of the views too, with the largest Cape Griffon colony in the world inhabiting the cliffs above the camp.

Griffons is set in a fig and acacia forest on the slopes of the mountain on over 1000 hectares of Waterberg bushveld. Here visitors can enjoy many guided nature trails, from steep and demanding to leisurely and relaxing. Griffons lies within Marakele National Park which hosts Africas Big 5 game species. The lodge also offers game walks and trails, and from Griffons Bush Camp as a base, visitors have a choice of self-drive in the main park or guided game drives in our sector. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for some of the roads, and our guided game drives into the park are undertaken with Griffons four-wheel drive game viewing vehicles. Good news is that many of the roads are being re-surfaced at the moment.

For the birder there is of course the opportunity of viewing the Cape Griffon colony, consisting of hundreds of breeding pairs, and their unique behaviour. There are numerous specials in the area and sightings of Gurneys Sugar-bird, Orange-breasted Bush shrikes, White Helmet shrikes, flapper larks and breeding pairs of Verreauxs eagles are fairly common. Less common sightings of Gymnogene and Brown Snake eagle and Black-breasted Snake eagle have also been recorded from time to time.

Predator sightings include lion, leopard, civet, genet, caracal, brown hyena, buffalo and black-backed jackal. Other wildlife you are likely to see at Marakele Lodge includes zebra, wildebeest, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, impala, klipspringer, bush pig, baboon, monkey, common duiker, and numerous other small animals. In summer the mountain cascades with several mountain streams, offering many pools for the hiker to cool off in. A circular guided trail commencing near the vulture colony in the east and circling west to return to the colony would take the average hiker about five or six hours. Shorter walks up the mountain and to other scenic spots could take as long, depending on the level of fitness.

This is a rustic bush camp, we have solar energy and all water is natural spring water from the mountain streams, when the flow is up to standard or when we have a bout of rain we fill up our cement and stone splash pool for a relaxing chill in the middle of the forest camp. We offer chalets made of the local stone and thatch, each with own ablutions and coffee station and braai, and there is a communal kitchen with all facilities, too. As we are within the boundaries of a national park, the chances of meeting wild animals is great, even en route to the bush camp!

We recommend the use of a high clearance vehicle it doesnt have to be a 4x4 but as long as it doesnt have low suspension.

We look forward to welcoming you to the peace and beauty of Griffons.

booking enquiry no obligation!

Reviews

"Marakele nearby"

13 April 2021

"Too expensive for no fridge nearby."
"Tranquil peaceful setting & Exceptional camp manager"

06 January 2020

"The tranquil setting of this bush camp is absolutely amazing. Sitting on the deck watching wildebeest, zebra, warthog, bush buck was a rear pleasure. In the early evening kudu's and steenbok made an appearance. Bird life was prolific with the cape griffon vultures soaring in the thermals above the camp in the early evening. This is a bird lovers paradise.For those that like there creature comforts, cell reception electricity this is not for you. The camp has solar lights in the rooms and gas fridges in the main entertainment area. Outside shower and toilet was a new experience not unpleasant. The camp manager Alois service was exceptional through out the stay."
"Seclusion"

18 July 2019

"The bush and rustic facilities. Attentive host"
"Quiet getaway"

20 June 2018

"We enjoyed the remote location and the silence. We had antelope walking past our cottage. The road is not really suitable for a sedan. One has to come prepared knowing that there is no electricity and no cell phone reception. There is a solar panel for lights only."
"What a wonderful Camp Manager!"

04 April 2018

"We were lucky to be upgraded to the guest lodge, with more space and private amenities. On arrival however, we were a little disconcerted as to the aged state of the old farmhouse. Everything was clean and there were plenty of rooms, kitchen utensils etc, but the building needs a lot of TLC - e.g. a few leaks in the roof, some tiles missing from the walls, ceilings in disrepair. It needs modernising, and clearing up of personal paraphenalia. We did not mind the rustic feel, however it was not the "bush getaway" that we expected.On the positive side, Alois, the camp manager, was a true gem! He was smiling and pleasant throughout, couldn't do enough for us, and really looked after us superbly. The bush walk he took us on was excellent, and he really made the weekend a pleasure."
"Tranquil,amazing cenery."

19 November 2017

"Everything was very nice, a little bit of electricity would help."
"Connecting with Nature"

12 November 2017

"We had a lovely stay, thank you for hosting us. A special thank you to Alios, you made us feel super welcome."
"Peace and quiet...."

26 October 2017

"Griffons Bush Camp was just what we needed. The camp is small and private which means peace and quiet for a tired city dweller. Time seems to stand still at the camp... bird song and beautiful vistas fill your day and by night, stars and stillness. Bathroom on suite and under the blanket of bushveld sky, solar and gas powered chalets and fully equipped communal kitchen made for a perfectly restful holiday. Thanks to a very welcoming and accommodating caretaker for being so hospitable. We will be back!"
"Griffons is well worth a visit."

08 August 2017

"We enjoyed the peace and quiet and to have various game species wandering around the chalets. It is encouraging to see the great number of Cape Vultures soaring above and around Kranskop."
"Cape Griffon colony and beautiful scenery"

24 June 2017

"The people that run the place are attentive and considerate. Plenty of good quality firewood was provided as well as drinking water. The King size bed was also very comfortable.The scenery is incredible, with a view of the highest point in the Waterberg onto the Cape Griffon vulture colony. One of the highlights was a guided bush walk! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and recommend it to those looking for a rustic bush getaway!"
"An escape to the bush"

08 August 2016

"Griffons is in a beautiful setting - feels like you're in the middle of the bush.<br/><br/>You can make it up there but we'd recommend a 4x4 as our saloon car struggled. <br/><br/>If you are staying there to visit Marakele, be aware its 9.5km of dirt road away from the National Park entrance (meaning it took us 45min each way to get there in the morning in our car - would be shorter in a 4x4). Make sure to book your Marakele Game Drives before you arrive as they book up quick and get confirmation of payment.<br/><br/>Wonderful staff and clean accommodation. Kitchen well equipped and we loved sitting round the fire each night with a braai and looking at the stars :)"
"peaceful bush experience"

14 July 2016

"We enjoyed our 3 night stay at Griffons. Its a beautiful and peaceful spot. The quiet nights under intense starry skies were simply magic. It has the best views of the Cape Vultures- you cant access the cliffs from the Marakele side. It has a communal kitchen so it may be a bit awkward if all four chalets are booked- we were the only folk in the camp so it was not an issue for us."
"good stay, little off track"

04 June 2016

"the location of the camp is a little "off track" , so not that easy to find. Upon arriving you should call a phone number, but there is no signal of the operators in this area .... but then we were welcomed by very friendly staff, who guided us to the camp.<div><br /></div><div>the camp itself was a good experience ; beds were OK ; central fire place is good to relax. All stuff you need in the central kitchen to prepare your meal are there. We did not do the walking safari as we left next day early.</div>"
"Griffons Bush Camp"

16 November 2014

"What a spot of beauty in nature. Under the mountain. I really enjoyed this.Unfortunately there is a but. But somewhat neglected camp. Hardly any glasses. Only two unmatched wine glasses and what looks like two sherry glasses. Cheap and blunt cutlery. No electricity to charge a phone. A small piece of "blitz" to light a fire. No coffee sachets, salt or other. One would have expected a little more for the price. However, the natural surrounds kind of made up for this neglect."
"A wonderful time"

24 March 2014

"What a beautiful and peaceful place. Stunning mountain views! We both really enjoyed the piece and quiet! Thanks again to Thoma for being such a wonderful and knowledgeable host."