Bushmans Trail
Bushmans Trail
4.5
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
2
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Davey
1 contribution
Jun 2021
After our planned trip to the Olifants trail walk was cancelled due to renovations, my partner and I recently completed the Bushman's trail walk. We were supposed to be a group of eight, but the other six had backed out due to the transition from Olifants to Bushmen's at Orpen Dam.
The setting of this camp is second to none; after each day in the low veld heat, we were entertained by a herd of elephants drinking at the water's edge. Unfortunately, our head ranger, Oris, did not contribute to our wonderful experience. Everything appeared to be too much trouble for him. Perhaps it was because we were only two young people, but the truth is that we were not treated as clients.
At dinner, he would scoop food out with his hands, which was completely unacceptable in my opinion since we had to eat the same food on our plates afterwards. My partner enjoyed the food so much the second night that she asked for seconds, but he responded with "ag shame" as there was non left after he had already gone for thirds.
Furthermore, he used my partner's scrub after she left it in our shower, which is completely unacceptable. With all of his comments to us and talking loudly while on the trail, he made this trip very unpleasant, resulting in few to no sightings over the course of three days. We know people who had done the trip a few weeks before us and they had the best time, possibly because there were more than two people on this trip.
However, there was some light on our trail. Unlike Oris, our second game ranger, Jack Dori, was very pleasant and polite, and he didn't hesitate to assist us. I'd also like to sincerely thank our chef Elson, who consistently produced some of the best dishes I've had around the campfire.
The setting of this camp is second to none; after each day in the low veld heat, we were entertained by a herd of elephants drinking at the water's edge. Unfortunately, our head ranger, Oris, did not contribute to our wonderful experience. Everything appeared to be too much trouble for him. Perhaps it was because we were only two young people, but the truth is that we were not treated as clients.
At dinner, he would scoop food out with his hands, which was completely unacceptable in my opinion since we had to eat the same food on our plates afterwards. My partner enjoyed the food so much the second night that she asked for seconds, but he responded with "ag shame" as there was non left after he had already gone for thirds.
Furthermore, he used my partner's scrub after she left it in our shower, which is completely unacceptable. With all of his comments to us and talking loudly while on the trail, he made this trip very unpleasant, resulting in few to no sightings over the course of three days. We know people who had done the trip a few weeks before us and they had the best time, possibly because there were more than two people on this trip.
However, there was some light on our trail. Unlike Oris, our second game ranger, Jack Dori, was very pleasant and polite, and he didn't hesitate to assist us. I'd also like to sincerely thank our chef Elson, who consistently produced some of the best dishes I've had around the campfire.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonny m
Maarn, The Netherlands69 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We were the only two participants, that had possibly effected the trail. The camp was amazing. The tents are brand new, with comfy beds. You have your own deck and shower with hot water. There is a communal eating area wit an outlook at the waterhole. There is a boma and an braai area. The shower is not always hot: the geyser has not enough pressure, so you have some hot water in the beginning, and then it turns cold. The bathroom is poorly build, so within a few years it will deteriorate. The eating area is open, when it gets dark bugs are all over your food. Some mosquito nets will be a big improvement.
The food is made for south africans, with pap and a stew. Not very suitable for international guests. There should be a braai the last day, i was expecting to sit around the braai were the meat is freshly made. No, the meat was roasted in the morning and kept warm for diner. No warm fire at the boma. I did requested a fire, but it was made under a tree, not the boma.
The walks are okay. The first walk was 4,5 hours and very interesting. The guides Oris and Loyd have amazing knowledge about all the flora and fauna. Even the smallest details are interesting. Although they specifically asked us to stay behind them because of safety matters, they were often looking at their phones, or one of them stayed behind to make a phonecall.
The Bushman paintings are very interesting, i learned a lot from Oris. Loyd seemed to be a bit reserved, but with some encouragement he was a very pleasant person.
We were not very happy ith the food, the phone use of the guides and lack of warm water. But when we spoke to the other guests from the Wolhutter trail, we realized we were very lucky to have two guides with so much knowledge and enthusiasm to share it with us. With some small adjustments (a bit more hospitality), this trail can be the best trail ever!!!
The food is made for south africans, with pap and a stew. Not very suitable for international guests. There should be a braai the last day, i was expecting to sit around the braai were the meat is freshly made. No, the meat was roasted in the morning and kept warm for diner. No warm fire at the boma. I did requested a fire, but it was made under a tree, not the boma.
The walks are okay. The first walk was 4,5 hours and very interesting. The guides Oris and Loyd have amazing knowledge about all the flora and fauna. Even the smallest details are interesting. Although they specifically asked us to stay behind them because of safety matters, they were often looking at their phones, or one of them stayed behind to make a phonecall.
The Bushman paintings are very interesting, i learned a lot from Oris. Loyd seemed to be a bit reserved, but with some encouragement he was a very pleasant person.
We were not very happy ith the food, the phone use of the guides and lack of warm water. But when we spoke to the other guests from the Wolhutter trail, we realized we were very lucky to have two guides with so much knowledge and enthusiasm to share it with us. With some small adjustments (a bit more hospitality), this trail can be the best trail ever!!!
Written 22 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rylita593038
2 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
we enjoyed the luxury of having Nico and Alby to guide us - their knowledge about plants, animalsand the history was outstanding. If someone is looking for a luxury this is not the place. This is more about being part of the nature even for a short period of time. Especially the long morning walks were inpressive.
Written 11 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cat & Nik
71 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
The greatest experience we ever had. Our guides Nico and Alby were perfect. They knew everything about vegetation, landscape, history and animals around. However the kitchen got destroyed by lightning the food was exceptional good.
We had four walking tours: in the morning (5am to approximately 11 am) and in the afternoon (16 pm to sundown). We saw a lot of animals.
We had four walking tours: in the morning (5am to approximately 11 am) and in the afternoon (16 pm to sundown). We saw a lot of animals.
Written 10 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMac
Clarens, South Africa42 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Our first trail in the Kruger National Park and we loved every minute. The camp is situated in thick bush, surrounded by several rocky outcrops and overlooking a waterhole regularly visited by elephant, zebra and other general game. The walks were brilliant, thanks in large part to the outstanding rangers, Oris and Rodney. Their knowledge and professionalism are exemplary. We saw lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, baboon, and a wide variety of birds. The San rock art is well worth seeing, set in a visually spectacular part of the Kruger. The walks are long, but not particularly strenuous. A fair degree of fitness is recommended. The meals were wholesome and filling. We will definitely be doing more trails and hope to be back at Bushmans.
Written 3 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alastair R
London, UK9 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
You wont see sign of another human for over 48hrs. The guides are brilliantly knowledgeable on everything including the mammals, birds and insects that populate the park through to the geology and vegetation around you. You have the time to really immerse yourself into the bush. Whilst you may not get the proximately to the animals that you do from a vehicle you feel much closer to them.
Incredibly well fed with comfortable beds and pleasant ablution area distinguishes it from a campsite. Niku and Obie were great.
Incredibly well fed with comfortable beds and pleasant ablution area distinguishes it from a campsite. Niku and Obie were great.
Written 6 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcelle09_11
Edenvale, South Africa76 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
We hiked the Bushmans Wilderness trail in Kruger. It is one of the most amazing experiences. Our rangers Rodney and Oris were extremely knowledgeable about the bush and the animal and plant life. They are extremely professional and take every precaution for your safety. Your life is literally in their hands and I trusted them 100%. Our cook Elson was charming and served delicious wholesome bush food- very welcome after hiking for a few hours. While the accomodation is simple it is perfect for this setting. It was a priviledge to have had this wonderful experience
Written 15 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey22462241291
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
We had an amazing 3 days on our guided Bushman’s trail. Oris and Obi were great. They went out of their way to make our trail memorable and exciting. We came very close to rhino and elephant. Oris was very knowledgeable about the area and could answer any question. He grew up in the area and his local knowledge is incredible. Obi enjoyed telling us all about the bushman paintings we walked to. His talk was very informative. The beauty of the bush, the silence and the hyena kill in camp on the last night will stay with us all for years to come.
There was an issue with the back up vehicle and. hopefully this will be sorted. out.
There was an issue with the back up vehicle and. hopefully this will be sorted. out.
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk F
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Me and my brother booked the Bushman Wilderness Trail from
19. to 22. of April 2023.
We met our two guides Oris and Obi at Berg-en-Dal Restcamp.
From here we drove to the camp. About 10 minutes after we started
Oris phoned someone because something with the car was not ok.
But we could go on and reached the camp.
The camp is new and really nice! The location is great and they´ve got
a waterhole in front that is regularly used by elephants and other wild
animals. It´s nice to watch them from the common area while having
a cool drink (or a glass of wine)!
After we arrived Oris told us where our room is and said we´ll get an
introduction at dinner.
Around 7pm we met again in the common area for dinner and our
introduction was basically the rules for bushwalks. Both of
them were stoned what is totally disrespectful and unprofessional!!
After a quick dinner they told us what time they´ll wake us up and
went to their rooms.
On the 2nd day we did a 4 hour bushwalk with a break of an hour included
in the morning.
At lunch Oris told us that Obi had to bring the car to the service and he
will hopefully be back at 4pm. At 4.30pm, Obi was still missing, he suggested
to go on a koppie, a small hill next to the camp to enjoy the view.
At 6pm we were back at the camp and had dinner around 7pm. Right after
dinner both of them went to their rooms.
The morning of the3rd day was similar to the day before. A 4 hour bushwalk
with a break of an hour. On both walks we realized that both our guides
were really exhausted and happy to be back at the camp where they
immediately went to their rooms!
At lunch Oris told us we will meet at 4pm and go on a nice long gamedrive.
We said we want to start earlier because at 6pm it´s dark and we also
want to walk instead of driving. He said we can start at 3.30pm but
we take the car and if we see something interesting we can get off.
So we drove in the afternoon and about 10 minutes after we
left the car started to make loud mechanic sounds. We stopped and
they decided to walk. So we got our bushwalk but only because of a
broken car which was at the service the day before!
The walk was only about 1 ½ hours but Obi was totally exhausted.
At one point Obi fell down, don´t misunderstand me, everybody can
fall on a bushwalk. But our two guides were obviously totally done!
Coming back with the broken car, the mechanic sound luckily got better,
we had dinner and they disappeared.
On the last day we had breakfast and drove back to the main camp.
So that was our experience on the Bushman Wilderness trail. The
only thing we enjoyed was the nice new camp and the food. The
activities in the mornings were ok but the walks in the afternoons
were definitely too little! The physical conditions of our guides were
bar far too little! We booked a trail but you get a morning
bushwalk and an afternoon gamedrive. Our guides were stoned at
the first evening, we had barely no conversations at the table and
our car was broken! Remember you don´t only book the trail, you
also pay for flights and a rental to get there. We will definitely go
again on a 3 to 4 day trail but never again with sanparks!
19. to 22. of April 2023.
We met our two guides Oris and Obi at Berg-en-Dal Restcamp.
From here we drove to the camp. About 10 minutes after we started
Oris phoned someone because something with the car was not ok.
But we could go on and reached the camp.
The camp is new and really nice! The location is great and they´ve got
a waterhole in front that is regularly used by elephants and other wild
animals. It´s nice to watch them from the common area while having
a cool drink (or a glass of wine)!
After we arrived Oris told us where our room is and said we´ll get an
introduction at dinner.
Around 7pm we met again in the common area for dinner and our
introduction was basically the rules for bushwalks. Both of
them were stoned what is totally disrespectful and unprofessional!!
After a quick dinner they told us what time they´ll wake us up and
went to their rooms.
On the 2nd day we did a 4 hour bushwalk with a break of an hour included
in the morning.
At lunch Oris told us that Obi had to bring the car to the service and he
will hopefully be back at 4pm. At 4.30pm, Obi was still missing, he suggested
to go on a koppie, a small hill next to the camp to enjoy the view.
At 6pm we were back at the camp and had dinner around 7pm. Right after
dinner both of them went to their rooms.
The morning of the3rd day was similar to the day before. A 4 hour bushwalk
with a break of an hour. On both walks we realized that both our guides
were really exhausted and happy to be back at the camp where they
immediately went to their rooms!
At lunch Oris told us we will meet at 4pm and go on a nice long gamedrive.
We said we want to start earlier because at 6pm it´s dark and we also
want to walk instead of driving. He said we can start at 3.30pm but
we take the car and if we see something interesting we can get off.
So we drove in the afternoon and about 10 minutes after we
left the car started to make loud mechanic sounds. We stopped and
they decided to walk. So we got our bushwalk but only because of a
broken car which was at the service the day before!
The walk was only about 1 ½ hours but Obi was totally exhausted.
At one point Obi fell down, don´t misunderstand me, everybody can
fall on a bushwalk. But our two guides were obviously totally done!
Coming back with the broken car, the mechanic sound luckily got better,
we had dinner and they disappeared.
On the last day we had breakfast and drove back to the main camp.
So that was our experience on the Bushman Wilderness trail. The
only thing we enjoyed was the nice new camp and the food. The
activities in the mornings were ok but the walks in the afternoons
were definitely too little! The physical conditions of our guides were
bar far too little! We booked a trail but you get a morning
bushwalk and an afternoon gamedrive. Our guides were stoned at
the first evening, we had barely no conversations at the table and
our car was broken! Remember you don´t only book the trail, you
also pay for flights and a rental to get there. We will definitely go
again on a 3 to 4 day trail but never again with sanparks!
Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yasemin K
11 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Our 3 days with Rodney and Oris were amazing, best decision we made when choosing between safaris. Nothing beats the thrill and beauty of the wilderness in early morning, walking between the bushes, noticing all details, getting to know the plants, the small animals, the footprints of the big. The camp accompanies the feeling of the wilderness and our cook made us very happy everyday with delicious meals!
Written 6 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am aware that for wilderness atmosphere purposes, we’re not supposed to bring phones. Can I still bring mine for camera purposes only? I don’t want to have to buy a camera specially to capture this leg of my trip.
Written 11 July 2022
Hi, we are gonna live this amazing experience for our honey moon in October. Do you know the weather at that time, and do you have any advice of how/what to pack? How is the camp to stay and how long/difficult are the walks?
Thank you for your feedbacks!
Written 20 August 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing