Highlights

• Riverfront tented camp on the banks of the Blyde River
• Morning Big Five game drives in the Balule sector of the Greater Kruger
• Afternoon game drives through the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve
• Private River House with hot tub for families and small groups
• Low-impact, environmentally sensitive design beneath ancient riverine trees
• 45-minute transfer from Hoedspruit airport

You Should Know

• Children of all ages are welcome at the River House
• Children aged four and over are accepted in the safari tents
• Children aged four and over may join game drives, subject to restrictions
• Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult rate
• Reserve fees of ZAR 310 per person per night are payable on booking
• The River House self-catering option carries a minimum stay of two nights

The Details

Location

Rukiya Safari Camp sits within the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, part of the Blyde Olifants Conservancy, about six miles outside Hoedspruit in Limpopo. Hoedspruit is widely known as the gateway to Kruger, and the camp's position on the banks of the Blyde River places guests within easy reach of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.

The camp is built beneath ancient riverine trees on the riverbank, with a low-impact, environmentally sensitive design that keeps the focus on the sounds and scents of the bush. Hoedspruit airport is a 45-minute drive away, making the camp an accessible yet remote-feeling safari base.

Accommodation

Guests stay in light canvas safari-style tents set along the river, or in the Rukiya River House, a private home that sleeps four to six. The River House has two en-suite bedrooms, a king and a twin, plus a lounge with sleeper blocks for up to two additional guests. A private verandah with a hot tub overlooks the Blyde River, and guests may still use the main lodge pool, bar and dining areas.

Dining

Meals are taken in the main lodge and out in the bush. On full-board stays, breakfast is enjoyed picnic-style during the morning game drive in Balule, lunch is served on arrival or back at camp, and dinner is taken under the stars on return from the afternoon drive. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day.

Activities

Mornings are spent on Big Five game drives across the Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger and is seamlessly connected to Kruger National Park. Afternoon drives explore the non-Big Five Wild Rivers Reserve, where the camp is based, ending with sundowners along the river. Bush walks and full-day excursions into Kruger National Park can be arranged on request, and the area is rich in birdlife alongside its larger game.

Price Includes

• Accommodation in a safari-style tent
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Morning game drives in the Big Five Balule sector of the Greater Kruger
• Afternoon game drives through the Wild Rivers Reserve
• Teas and coffees
• Wi-Fi throughout the lodge