Friendly staff and security, well maintained and clean.
We really enjoyed ourselves and love the simplicity of the camp. A pool would have been lovely, but we are glad that there isn't one as the camp then has a lovely quiet and calmness to it. The view of the water hole means that you don't have to even leave the campsite and get to enjoy the animals from your campsite. We will definitely be returning.
Great camping weekend. Was very windy so worried about making fire for the braai. Didn't have hot water in the ladies until Saturday eve. Had a good shower anyway. The view point was magnificent and spotting the Ellies and Tsesebe a bonus. Back at camp on the Sunday morning has a perfect view of Rhino. Photographers were on top form. Thanks to the friendly staff.
baie droog diere min maar sal weer terug kom na reen het lekker gekamp baie dankie!
As always, I enjoyed myself.
Clean ablutions. Friendly staff. I loved the idea that the camp is not fenced!
Reception and cleaning staff efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. Facilities very clean and well maintained.Game viewing experience disappointing.
It was nice I would just like to say thaT ablutions are a bit of a problem if the camp is fully booked.
Very nice clean camp. Ablutions spotless.
There were maybe 4-5 sets of campers at any time and about 4 ablution blocks, but each day a gang of maybe 10 'cleaners' arrived, spent maybe 30 minutes doing the cleaning and then 4 hours sitting talking. A complete waste of money. Either fire or redeploy on other tasks
A pleasant and quiet place to have a short holiday. Did not travel around much, because of the weather. The indemnity form to be filled in by all seems to be the green light for Sanparks to neglect all road maintenance, especially upwards to Lenong outlook . I had the fortunate experience to have a herd of 5 rhino 5 meters around my camping site which made the whole stay worthwhile. Thank you Hannes van der Merwe
We had an awesome close-up experience with the rhinos next to our tent one night
The Marakele trip was satisfactory, however the time spend in the big five camp was a complete waste of time, we have spend two extensive daily trips per day in the camp, using all the roads available, including the 4x4 routes seeing none of the big five, and only a few antelope and zebra, worst game viewing we have ever experienced in SA. Bontle camp was to standard, and we have enjoyed the stay in the camp.
We were very disappointed it wasn't what we expected. When we planed on visiting Marakele with the Big 5 we were actually looking forward in camping with the Big 5. To our disappointment there are very few roads that we can travel on. The bird life was not that great and the bird hide looked terrible. The ablution blocks are well kept but need extra showers for the ladies. Marakele is such a big park but we were only allowed to travel on 1 main road and some gravel roads, which made game viewing very difficult we did not even spot any Big 5 animals on the other side of the tunnel. Very disappointing! That made our stay very boring and we were counting the days to return back home.
Camping site very nice - weather very hot , so a swimming pool could be a big attraction. Map could be upgraded as some roads are not shown.Trip up the mountain is spectacular.
Will definitely return for another visit, when not so hot!
Die kamp het aan al ons vereistes voldoen. Skoon wasgeriewe, altyd warm water, en... Renosters op ons voorstoep! Ons het baie baie diere gesien, en n onvergeetlike "Baie hoog" uitstappie na die Aasvoel uitkykpunt gehad. Ons het ook langs die 4x4 roete, die Cheetah se voetspore gesien! n Bonus, was die lekker donderstorm, en baie lekker reen daarna!! Ons het dit baie geniet!
I would just like to thank the National parks for the lovely stay that we had at the Bontle Camping Site. We loved the experience of the camp site being un-fenced and the animals being able to wander through the camp, sometimes right next to our tent. We were also very impressed with the cleanliness of the camp and the toilet facilities. Overall a very good experience.
I would just like to thank the National parks for the lovely stay that we had at the Bontle Camping Site. We loved the experience of the camp site being un-fenced and the animals being able to wander through the camp, sometimes right next to our tent. We were also very impressed with the cleanliness of the camp and the toilet facilities. Overall a very good experience.
Dis ons derde keer in Bontle karavaanpark en dis elke keer 'n wonderlike ervaring. Die aandstiltes en die sterreprag betower ons en die besoeke van die renosters in die kamp bly 'n besondere adrenalienervaring. Beveel die karavaanpark aan vir natuurliefhebbers.
Thorougly enjoyed Bontle and the whole Marakele experience. Will try during the week next time as the weekends are very popular. Would also like to try the tented ccamp. Thanks for a great weekend!
Thorougly enjoyed Bontle and the whole Marakele experience. Will try during the week next time as the weekends are very popular. Would also like to try the tented ccamp. Thanks for a great weekend!
The staff were friendly, polite and informative and we were made to feel very welcome. The camp is well situated close to a water hole with most of the camping sites under tree cover. The ablution blocks and washing up facilities are kept spotless with adequate hot water. The mountain drive is spectacular and although we didn't see 4 of the big five, we had a very close up sighting of 6 rhino which was magnificent.
We loved Marakele, such a beautiful place. The bathrooms were clean, dustbins and fireplaces at the campsites were cleaned daily. My only complaint would be that the staff running Bontle camp were unfriendly and arrogant and they drove around the camp at very high speeds disregarding the safety of children and animals.
What I like to share with you is the clean ablutions and the friendliness when you arrive at the gate that make a weekend excellent.
The camp site is in excellent condition. We enjoyed our stay a lot. It was extremely hot, I suggest a swimming pool. It was also very dry, and the animals was very thin. The park could benefit from a feeding scheme where the park buys Lucerne, and sell it to campers to put out at designated areas for the animals. It would be profitable for the park, as they could buy the Lucerne for R25 and sell for R70 for example.
The range of habitats in Marakele Nat Park made the birding good and the scenery great. We saw a good number of mammals as well. The staff, particularly at the reception and gate, were well-informed and helpful. The map provided was a bit difficult to follow, it was not to scale.
The unfenced camping area overlooking the water hole was a huge plus point as well as clean and neat ablution facilities. Some camp sites are not clearly demarcated with power points and braais awkwardly situated and also very little shade. Overall a very pleasant camping experience.
Toilet design and outlay not private add walls or partitions at all abblution blocs Bontle ?
Toilet design and outlay not private add walls or partitions at all abblution blocs Bontle ?
The floors of the ablution facilities are at present being tiled (not quite sure why, it was perfect before!). The quality of workmanship is extremely poor, obviously there is also no proper supervision of the work. Over weekends (your busy time) loose tiles, bags of tile glue etc are lying everywhere, making it difficult to use the facilities...
Always ecxellent, thanks.
Baie lekker stil en rustig. Stort was stukkend maar is vinnig en doeltreffend herstel. Baie dankie vir n goeie ondervinding.
What an awesome place. Our campsite over looked the watering hole. Facilities of a hig standard with lots of hot water. Did not drive around a lot, spend most of the time photographing the animals as they came for water. Can't wait to go back.
My familiy and I had the most wonderful stay in Marekele. Tha staff were friendly and helpfull. The ablutions were clean.When asowercertain was torn off in ths ladies sower, the staff replaced it the moment they were told of tha problem. The highlight of our visit was the klipspringers on the mountain and the fact that the there is no fences that give the true African feel. Marekele will see the Sauers of Groot Marico again.
We saw plenty of animals including rhino's three days in a row. Very neat and mordern ablutions, great weather during winter time.
We found the camp sites spacious and well situated. The ablutions were very clean and regularly serviced. The game viewing from our camp site overlooking the waterhole was spectacular! We will definitely be back.
Dit was regtig lekker om in Marekele te gaan ontspan. Ons het die hele park vol gery en die uitsig op en van die berg af was wonderlik! Ons het ongelukkig nie al die diere van die groot vyf gesien nie, maar daarvoor het dit wat ons gesien het meer as opgemaak.
Baie lekker gekamp ons kinders het dit vreeslik baie geniet en die speel in die bos was spesiaal. Die hoogtepunt van elke dag was die renosters wat kom water drink het en die kamp wat nie drade het nie was ons kinders se hoogtepunt. Baie mooi fotos geneem die pad op na die berge is n moet dis pragtig. Ook baie spesiaal vir almal was n ertvark in die dag defnetief iets wat vir altyd onthou sal word. Wanneer laas het jy een in die dag gesien? Sal verseker terug wees in die somer dit was regtig spesiaal. Baie dankie Willem Hoffmann.
Our two nights at Bontle were very comfortable. The ablution facilities were clean and well functioning - what we have come to expect from SanParks. We certainly did not have very exciting game viewing, but enjoyed the drive to the top of the mountain and the experience of seeing another South African National Park.
Excellent facilities, view over the watering hole - did not see many animals or birds, but the area is one of the most awesome; the mountains and plants in the early morning light made for some excellent photographs. We heard lions, hyenas and jackals every night and frequently.
First off all a big thanks to the two Guys at the gate who waited for us untill 17H45,as we phoned to tell them we will be late.Unfortunately they were the only friendly staff we met the weekend. The rangers we met in the veld could not get away from us quick enough and did not answer any questions we asked.Is there maybe a change that the camping area can get some attention.Just cut the grass around and it will be a lovely campsite. It was lovely and quiet and a good place to rest, I know that nobody pay any attention to the feed back but have a nice day.
First off all a big thanks to the two Guys at the gate who waited for us untill 17H45,as we phoned to tell them we will be late.Unfortunately they were the only friendly staff we met the weekend. The rangers we met in the veld could not get away from us quick enough and did not answer any questions we asked.Is there maybe a change that the camping area can get some attention.Just cut the grass around and it will be a lovely campsite. It was lovely and quiet and a good place to rest, I know that nobody pay any attention to the feed back but have a nice day.
Bontle camp is a true wilderness experience with the benefit of well run camp facilities.The seld drive 4x4 trail is recommendable, same takes approx.2 hours one way.
We had a very plecent stay at Bontle, we were surprised at the good condition of the ablution facilities and always having warm water. We also got wonderfull assistance from Carien du Plessis when we made the booking and changed it three times, she was always helpful and friendly.
Personeel baie vriendelik. Vrydagaand geen water; Saterdagoggend geen warmwater: Saterdagmiddag: warmwater geen druk vir stort. Ablusieblokke baie skoon. Terrein skoon. Kan vervelig raak indien jy langer as 2 dae daar bly. Slegs ritte vir wildsbesigtiging en voetslaan. Geen aktiwiteite vir kinders.
Personeel baie vriendelik. Vrydagaand geen water; Saterdagoggend geen warmwater: Saterdagmiddag: warmwater geen druk vir stort. Ablusieblokke baie skoon. Terrein skoon. Kan vervelig raak indien jy langer as 2 dae daar bly. Slegs ritte vir wildsbesigtiging en voetslaan. Geen aktiwiteite vir kinders.
We read about the no fence experience - and as this is rare in SA decided to go there. The website and entrance gate specify that this is big 5 country and even the list we got from the gate - the lady that assisted us as the gate confirmed all were there. It was only after 3 days when we decided to go on a sundown drive the ranger told us there were no buffalo. We would like to see this in the reserve. The facilities were clean until the weekend traffic arrived and messed up everything. We would recommend that the bushcamp become available again soon for people like us that wants to camp in big 5 country but without drunk neigbours and babies screaming all night. It would be great if a wild camp can be put up at the end of the 4x4 trial for the serious campers. We also see that the warthogs are not controlled well probably because there are little natural predators.Thanks anyway for a nice experience. The views are fantastic.
We read about the no fence experience - and as this is rare in SA decided to go there. The website and entrance gate specify that this is big 5 country and even the list we got from the gate - the lady that assisted us as the gate confirmed all were there. It was only after 3 days when we decided to go on a sundown drive the ranger told us there were no buffalo. We would like to see this in the reserve. The facilities were clean until the weekend traffic arrived and messed up everything. We would recommend that the bushcamp become available again soon for people like us that wants to camp in big 5 country but without drunk neigbours and babies screaming all night. It would be great if a wild camp can be put up at the end of the 4x4 trial for the serious campers. We also see that the warthogs are not controlled well probably because there are little natural predators.Thanks anyway for a nice experience. The views are fantastic.
Everything was well except the water level at the ablution was too low. In peak season you will experience a lot of problems and may be the ablution facilities will be not sufficient. No complaints further. Very nice.
Very peacefull and quiet - but not enough animals. Only Elephant and Rhino from Big 5.Directions and info in the park are very bad. The shop at entrance is not managed well.
We had a very short overnight stay however we were very impressed with the lovely bushveld park. the camp setting was great and we enjoyed viewing the animals on the open plain. Camping facilities were adequate and clean. Thank you.
One of the most peaceful and serene camping experiences ever,and I have had plenty.Clean ablutions,beautiful camping sites,friendly staff and then the cherry on top is the breathtaking scenery.
Lovely remote peaceful campsite.Well kept ablutions.Very beautiful scenery,mountains.We enjoyed our stay.We saw 2 caracul under the trees near some warthog.
Lovely remote peaceful campsite.Well kept ablutions.Very beautiful scenery,mountains.We enjoyed our stay.We saw 2 caracul under the trees near some warthog.
Marakele is beautiful plant and mountain wise, with wonderful bird life. The outlay of the camping site is clever and provides privacy. Saw very few animals, except for the ones who came to drink at the waterhole close by.
Marakele is beautiful plant and mountain wise, with wonderful bird life. The outlay of the camping site is clever and provides privacy. Saw very few animals, except for the ones who came to drink at the waterhole close by.
Ons was oppad van Mapungupwe terug na Gauteng en het baie van Bontle kamp gehoor en net besluit op te kyk hoe dit lyk. Dit was baie indrukwekkend. Ons vriende het summier nog 'n nag bespreek maar ons moes terug as gevolg van werksverpligtinge. Dankie vir julle moeite!Groete Ansie Zietsman
No barrier between the tensts and caravans, merely a line of poles and a board asking people not to go beyond that point - this is what we saw as we arrived, and every night. A rhoni cow and her 10-day old calf, 6 onther rhinos including an 18-month old calf, zebra, rooibok, warthog, kudu (massive bulls with 2 1/2 turn horns), a lone wildbeest, vervet monkeys, the cry of many a jackal, eland, meerkat... and ALL of that in the savanna busg a mere 5 to 50 metres away from us, every night! On game drives we saweveryhting the have, except lion, leopard, cheetah or elephant... nush far too dense for sighting thise. Will definitely go back towards end of winter/beginning of spring to camp...
I think this is the 10th time we camped in Bontle Camp. As usual it was excellent. But the only thing that bothered me this time. It was early Saturday morning when a person at the rangers campsite, decided to cut grass with a bush cutter. We all go to the bush to experience piece and quite not to be reminded of the sounds at home. He chased away all the birds etc. I do not think this is expectable.
I think this is the 10th time we camped in Bontle Camp. As usual it was excellent. But the only thing that bothered me this time. It was early Saturday morning when a person at the rangers campsite, decided to cut grass with a bush cutter. We all go to the bush to experience piece and quite not to be reminded of the sounds at home. He chased away all the birds etc. I do not think this is expectable.
We were 4 guys, had a wonderful time in the "wild". Could have been Serengeti, sitting watching buck going by. The rhinos in the camp - amazing!
Wonderful relaxing week. Particularly enjoyed the open camp-site and the rhinos. The mountain drive and scenery were spectacular, as were the vultures. Disappointing was the main section where very few animals were seen. Limited road access prevents visitors from getting to sections where game congregate. Seems all the good sections are off limits to public as they are allocated to private concessions. The front office and shop were dirty and neglected but the staff were very helpful and friendly.
Extremely hot but lovely. Game viewing and night drive were disappointing. Time is better spent at the camp site relaxing and enjoying the game that comes past. Not very kid friendly but they did survive. Over trip was great.
Too hot for December, but would like to come again in autum. The experience with the (7) Rhinos, grazing in the camp, just 5 m away from us, as we were sittin "rustig" on our camping chairs, was unique and exciting, thanks!
Too hot for December, but would like to come again in autum. The experience with the (7) Rhinos, grazing in the camp, just 5 m away from us, as we were sittin "rustig" on our camping chairs, was unique and exciting, thanks!
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