What type of accommodation does the Tsendze Rustic Camp offer and what amenities/facilities are available at the Camp

The only accommodation option provided at Tsendze is for camping – in either campers, tents or caravans. The site has 30 shady camp sites, but sites do not have power points.

Each campsite is equipped with braai (barbecue) facilities and a refuse bin while water is provided on tap, with a tap shared among every three campsites.

Each site is marked out in the natural bush which gives you some privacy and a heightened sense of being ‘in the wild’ even though there is a perimeter fence for your security. Many of the sites are along the fence, so you may be entertained by passing hyenas, elephants or other animals.

The campsites are large, with ample room to spread out and braai, with a water tap nearby and shade for a large part of the day. A maximum of 6 persons are allowed per site.

There is no shop, ATM facility, restaurant or fuel station, but there are communal gas freezers for those who are not equipped with their own battery-powered fridges.

The two ablution blocks feature unique ‘open-to-the-skies’ showers (traditionalists can use the standard indoor versions) and facilities are also wheelchair friendly.

Probably the most famous feature about it, is its management couple, Rodgers Hobyane and Elina Mona, who look after the camp in such a friendly and helpful way that they have not only won numerous hospitality awards, but also the hearts of many campers.

Tsendze is clearly marked as a low noise impact facility, so no generators are allowed, and people can enjoy nature and listen to the sounds of the bush uninterrupted.

Tsendze campers need to check in at the nearby Mopani Rest Camp reception where a site will be allocated to them. Guests are allowed to reserve a specific site when booking, although that is always subject to availability and with its popularity, some sites are already booked up to a year ahead.

What do you need to know and bring for a safe and comfortable stay

It is listed among the top places to stay in the Kruger National Park if you are equipped to camp. It offers a completely rustic experience in a pristine area and even visitors who are new to the general camping experience, may tend to fall in love with the idea while staying at Tsendze.

The campsites are spread out under ancient Mopane, Leadwood, and Apple Leaf Trees for shade during almost all the hours of the day and the Tsendze and Nshwau Rivers, although both seasonal, pass close enough to the camp to lure animals of all kinds to the vicinity, which makes for more than the occasional phenomenal wildlife viewing experience.

Stayover guests should realise that, facilities are absolutely limited and with no restaurants or shops at the camp itself, they will have to travel to Mopani Rest Camp to stock up on food and other supplies when they need any.

Warm water is provided by gas geysers and lighting is provided by solar power, so there is no use bringing all kinds of convenience appliances because the camp has no traditional electricity supply.

Although the camp is fenced, there is always the possibility of wildlife getting into the camps. It does not happen often, but guest should not be scared if they wake up in the morning to find some smaller or larger antelope eating grass their tents.

Regardless of the kind or size of such an animal, you should never attempt to approach it, feed it or even just try to touch it. The camp official will remove any animal from the camp if they feel it poses a threat.

Guests should also never feed any animals through the fence, since by doing it they actually end up doing more harm than good as these animals may then pose a threat to humans in future. By feeding any kind of wildlife, you are actually signing a death warrant for them as they usually become aggressive in the long run.

There may be a variety of snakes, spiders and scorpions living in the camp area, and those small enough love to make their homes within the ablution structures.

Although not all of them are poisonous, some of their bites may be very painful. Since they will most probably bite when threatened or accidently stepped on, it is advisable that guests wear shoes when walking anywhere around the camp, and at night carry a torch with them to light the way.

Kruger National Park is situated within a general malaria area and summer times in particular can leave guests exceptionally vulnerable to this deadly infection. Malaria is carried by mosquitos and guests visiting the area must make sure that they protect themselves against being bitten and infected by this sickness.

It is wise to use reliable insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. Both are great ways to prevent infection, but if you want to make double sure, using preventative medication, prescribed by a doctor, would be the best way to totally avoid the sickness.

When planning a vacation that includes a stay at the camp, the season and temperature should also be considered. Summers can be very hot and humid, even if it doesn’t really rain, while winter days are cool to warm with cool to cold nights and mornings.

When packing your caravan or camping equipment for your trip, keep that in mind, as well as the fact that there is no electricity for air conditioners or fans.

Apart from the cost of the accommodation, guests should be aware of the daily conservation fees payable. There are different rates for South African citizens and residents (with ID), which is currently R100 per adult per day and R50 per child per day; for SADC Nationals (with passport), which is currently R200 per adult per day and R100 per child per day and the standard conservation fee for all other guests which is currently R400 per adult per day and R200 per child per day.