Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp

Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp

Follow The N2 From Port Elizabeth Carnarvondale, Amakhala Game Reserve 6130 South Africa
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Traveller (644)
Authentic tented experience.
Room & Suite (96)
Food cooked in traditional African style.
Dining (42)

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Avg. R 7,490 /night, 11/5 - 11/6
R 10,016
per night
R 8,736
per night
R 7,455
per night

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About

5.0
#3 of 7 lodges in Amakhala Game Reserve
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Quatermain's Camp is an intimate 6 bed tented safari camp situated on the beautiful Amakhala "Big 5" Game Reserve. We offer two four hour game activities per day, with knowledgeable and qualified rangers, fantastic South African bush cuisine and a friendly and personal experience. Come and let Julie and Riaan show you the delights of the African bush. Any game drive can be swapped for a ‘Wilderness Walk’ on the main game reserve with an accredited professional Trails Guide at no extra cost. This does need to be booked in advance before your stay and is subject to availability. For over 16’s only. Also available for guests who stay 3 nights or more is our incredible 'Overnight Trail and Cave Stay'. For one night of their stay, guests will join our qualified trails guides for a wild hike across the stunning Amakhala Game Reserve and spend the night in an equipped cave, overlooking the Bushman’s River valley. Tasty bush fare will be prepared for them as they relax and enjoy the view. Guests will be traversing on foot through 5 possible biomes of pristine Eastern Cape ‘Big 5’ wilderness. There is no extra charge for this activity.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Breakfast available
Outdoor dining area
Hiking
Walking tours
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Private check-in / check-out
Special diet menus
Room features
Housekeeping
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans

Location

Follow The N2 From Port Elizabeth Carnarvondale, Amakhala Game Reserve 6130 South Africa
Getting there
Port Elizabeth Airport
73.3 km•
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381Reviews5Q+A52Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
welshgirl49 wrote a review Feb 2020
Kent, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Well, that's how it seems.
Quatermain's is based in the Amakhala Game Reserve which was set up 20 years ago and is owned by five families.
The camp itself is owned by Riaan and Julie and what drew us to it was the idea that there was no electricity and that you slept in 1920s style tents. Having said that the beds are very comfortable and it is a real bonus to have an ensuite with a proper loo and shower! We were warned in advance to have everything charged up before we arrived! It is also very small so the maximum number of guests is 6. We were lucky to have the tent which is a little walk from then camp so, when we were relaxing between drives it was very peaceful, except for the baboons jumping round in the trees around.
We were collected from the car park which is just off the N2 by Eric, one of the rangers and taken to the camp which is tucked away in a hollow a couple of km from the parking area. There are two 4 hour drives a day both around the local reserve and another part which is across the N2. A little odd but as you talk to the owners and the rangers and start to understand the history of and the reserve itself you get used to it and become fully invested in what it is. In reality the reserve is very big and it is very easy to get away from it all.
The rangers are very knowledgeable and keen to approach the animals but only if it is safe and it doesn't upset them. One day we had a walk with Riaan and Craig which was fascinating and I would have been happy to have more! We drove all around the reserve and the views from the top of the escarpment were stunning.
What really set this place apart, apart from the food, the drink, the position and the game drives/walk was the people! Every meal either the one of the owners or one of the rangers has their meal with you and you get to find out more about them and the camp. Not only that all the staff are friendly and there are dogs wandering around as well so it feels as though you are a guest at their home. You are really made to feel that you are "one of the gang", which is delightful! I'd defiantly visit again and in any event I want to know what Eric's dog, Poseidon, is going to look like when he grows up!
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Dom Ford wrote a review Mar 2020
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My best friend of 15 years and I recently stayed that the Quatermains 1920s Safari Camp on the Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa. This was our first trip to South Africa and first ever Safari so being two 24 year old idiots from the UK, we were slightly anxious about what to expect.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by beautiful African staff and an incredible old school camp with no electricity (such a fantastic idea in today's generation) the whole site, including our tent was always kept so clean and tidy. The there are only 3 tents so this is such a private experience. On our game drives, we saw animals that you can only dream of seeing, in touching distance. The knowledge of the staff is admirable and every single drive we went on was completely different. Every meal we had, from the dinner Brai's to the light lunches and hugely tasty breakfasts were all cooked by Ace and his incredible kitchen team. The rangers, (special mentions to Lungi and Eric who both had such a positive influence on our trip and life) became family by the end of the trip, sharing not only knowledge but life experiences and their enthusiasm for the whole trip was something very speical. For me the highlight of the trip was to get to know these guys so well over dinner by having them host. They constantly went out of their way to make sure we were fully comfortable / happy and getting the most out of our experience. Small touches like the camp owners Rhiaan and Julie joining us for breakfast, having a couple of camp dogs on site were very nice.

This really is a 3 star resort with a 5 star experience. Would highly recommend to all and will certainly be returning. Thank you to the unbelievable staff.

Thank you to the whole Quatermains team. You gave two lads the trip of a lifetime.
I highly recommend going on this trip wanting to get as much out of it as possible. Ask questions, and most importantly, get involved with the team. Treat them as friends, not people working.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Adrian C wrote a review Mar 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We chose this safari experience because we liked the sound of a 1920s camp which is limited to 3 tents so only 6 guests. It was a great decision as this was far and away the highlight of our whole holiday. Run by Rian and Julie, this is a very personal experience where nothing is too much trouble for their guests. The tents were super comfortable with showers and a flushing toilet but still gave us what felt like an authentic safari and experience. What’s better than popping off to bed after a long day spotting animals to find someone’s popped a hot water bottle in the bed and left out a brandy miniature? The 3 rangers in the team, lead by the super experienced Arian were Johann, Lunghi and Liam and they took us out on the game drives which were fabulous. Thrilling to get so close to a male lion, to see a group of Rhinos, to follow the tracks of an elephant herd, it was so much fun. Lovely too to stop at sunset in the reserve and have a drink from the bar, to get back after an early drive for bacon and eggs and to have a delicious dinner bubbling away in the fire in the boma accompanied by a nice glass of wine each evening, great hospitality and amazing value. As we stayed for 3 days we were given the chance of staying one night in a cave in the reserve. We decided to do it ( with some trepidation) but it was the best experience we’ve ever had on a holiday. Don’t want to spoil the opportunity for anyone else but if you get the chance to do it, grab it! Our sincere thanks to the whole team for giving us such a marvellous time, we have wonderful memories which will stay with us forever!
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Date of stay: February 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Only 3 tents so no issues with rooms
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.
suearmitage2668 wrote a review Mar 2020
Saffron Walden, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We spent the last 3 nights of our South African trip at this. wonderful camp - a back to nature experience with a very comfortable tent minus electricity so it felt really authentic. The staff here are wonderful and so welcoming - game drives are amazing and the food incredible considering it is all cooked on a wood fire, even to the extent of having home made bread and rolls. Just having 6 guests means you get to know your fellow travellers really well and one of the guides always hosts the evening meal so we had interesting chats over copious wine after the late afternoon game drive. We absolutely loved it and felt like we were saying goodbye to true friends when we left. Thanks to Riaan, Julie, Craig, Lungi, Eric, Ace and the other staff who made our stay so enjoyable.
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Date of stay: March 2020
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.
M&S wrote a review Jan 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a wonderful 3 night stay in this unique setting. The accommodation is really well thought out, very comfortable and supported with what is undoubtedly 5 star service. The game reserve is very well run, the guides warm, humorous and knowledgeable, the food, which is cooked over in open fire, is particularly memorable as is the intimate dining experience. I would recommend this to anyone and defy them not to say the same.
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
Simon H wrote a review Oct 2022
London, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had simply the best experience here! Riaan and Julie have created a really magical place in Amakhala. From the first moment we arrived, we were made to feel special and were well looked after.

The camp itself is based on a 1920s experience and it has the perfect blend of feeling like you're 'off grid' but with some modern amenities. The tents are far apart so you have your privacy, they're warm (we always came 'home' to hot water bottles warming the beds, lovely touch!), comfortable and there's hot and cold running water, a shower and even a proper porcelain toilet.

We purposefully chose this place because we didn't really fancy being in a posh hotel and not really part of things apart from when we were in the cars. The Quatermain's camp completely delivered and then some! The guides are extremely enthusiastic about their work and still get really excited about any sighting, be it a bird or one of the lions. There's a lot of laughter in the camp among the hard work and it's a lovely place to just sit and be. The food is excellent and there's flexibility in the plans so you never feel rushed or stressed. One really great touch is that you have dinner with the guide who took you out during the day, it's a chance to relive your experiences and also to get to know the people. Riaan and Julie have outdone themselves with their choice of guides, they're warm, extremely knowledgable, fun to be around but also professional, they inspire trust and safety which is important at moments on the trip! Also, how they manage to drive on the rutted tracks and still spot things from hundreds of metres away astounds me.

Onto the drives themselves! We would go out for a few hours at a time and the guides would do their best to find the animals we were keen to see. All the while they'd point out things we'd missed and give interesting facts, be it about flowers, bird calls, tracks and poo! The whole park seems to be run really well, they're respectful of the animals so all the cars don't just crowd around when a lion pops his or her head up. We would have a drinks break on the drive, a quick glass of wine or G&T with cheese and biscuits! It all adds to the experience.

We were lucky enough to be offered a walk through the reserve and to stay in a cave on our of nights. This was an unforgettable experience, it's so much different than being in the car. You can hear the birds and the noise of the park in general, you see all the flowers, the animal tracks and you're certainly in the habitat. It feels safe but exciting, the guides are armed (just in case) but they're very serious about your safety and even go to lengths to explain about gun safety etc., we loved it! The cave itself was great, we got to watch elephants and buffalo mingle around below us while having our morning coffee and breakfast, also the steak dinner that was rustled up will live long in the memory!

There were so many nice touches throughout our stay that made us feel special and looked after. This is a team that really cares about your stay and I can't recommend them enough!
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Date of stay: September 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book for three nights or more and definitely arrange the stay in the cave with the walks through...
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.
Malin and Chris wrote a review Jan 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oh this is a very late review, excuse us!
We had an absolutely amazing time at The Quatermain's.

A real authentic safari experience, we loved it! 
We were the only client at the camp at the time so we ended up having private safari, such a luxury.

Lungi, our local main guide was excellent. Very professional and experienced with incredible knowledge and a great sense of humour. We were very lucky, got to see the big 5 and much, much more. 

We did an exciting walk tour with Riaan, the owner, highly experienced and truly passionate!

We learned so much about wildlife, nature, conservation and living in the bush from both Lungi and Riaan during the tours and also during the great diners spent together.

Ace and the super ladies cooked us delicious traditional South African food all day long!

There were so many great little details, attentions that made our stay even more special..but it has to be experienced so we won't tell you more, just highly recommend you to go do a safari at Quatermain's!!

We are truly grateful for everything, thank you!!
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
CorVan wrote a review Jan 2020
Birmingham, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed here from 16th-18th January. We arrived at midday where we were met by one of the Rangers, who drove us into the Bush upon where our adventure began. We were given welcome drinks on arrival and shown our tented accommodation which was truly amazing. We then had lunch prepared by the amazing camp manager/chef Ace. We were then taken out on our first safari. Throughout the safari we saw Rhinos, Giraffes, a Lion, two Lionesses, a Leopard ; two bull elephants play fighting, zebras, Warthogs, Monkeys, Jackal and various antelope. We were also lucky to be the first to see the new born baby elephant and the herd. On returning to camp we were greeted by Rian, the founder and a Ranger,with a welcome drink and a flannel to freshen up. After going back to our tents to change we had drinks around the camp fire and then a lovely evening meal.Every morning we were up at 515 had a quick drink and a homemade rusk biscuit and we were off again. The last morning we had breakfast with Rian, his wife Julie and their two boys and had our last safari We would highly recommend this experience of going back to a basic concept type of safari. A truly fantastic experience.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Kyle F wrote a review Oct 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the very first meeting at the car park with Mo, to the game drive with Craig who’s knowledge and statistics about animals and the bush was out of this world. The camp was spotless, the game drive was breathtaking. We saw a lioness stalking a hartebees, lots of Ellie’s and rhino. The snacks and drinks provided on the game drive was so refreshing and filled a nice whole for the wait until dinner. As we got back in the dark, Mo was waiting for us with a delicious warm drink of hot chocolate with a shot of amarula. The dinner was absolutely superb, being a foodie I can be quite critical but the potjie was epic. We then sat around the fire with Craig for a good few hours talking about life, he then gave us a detailed explanation on the stars which were stunning. We then made our way to bed which was very warm and cozy because of the hot water bottles that were prepared in advance. The bed was extremely comfy and breakfast the next morning was even better! A really amazing experience, so much so that we will be back for the cave walk and will be telling our friends all about it! Thank you so much to Mo, Craig, Ruan who made our stay so amazing, last but not least, thank you to the ladies who made the mouth-watering food!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Leo Baumgartner wrote a review Mar 2022
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Accommodation 5/5
Staff 5/5
Food 5/5
Game Reserve 5/5
Tours (hike and game drives) 5/5

Even after a few days my girlfriend and I can't really describe how wunderful our stay of 2 nights was. The accommodation itself is beautifully placed and surrounded by nature. The staff was actively trying to help and improve our stay. Everything was cleaned in our absence on of our tours and always neatly prepared to offer maximum comfort. The guides were always keen on telling a good story, fulfilling our sighting wishes and having our needs, whatever they may were, as their priority.
The food was on point and dining with the guides was a great opportunity to get to know everyone better.
The amakhala game reserve speaks for itself. The nature and animals are one of a kind in the eastern cape.
We were welcomed like family members and treated as royals.
I will always recommend everyone to visit this wunderful place for at least 2 nights.

Leo & Janna
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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Answer from Bob
Brighouse, United Kingdom671 contributions174 helpful votes
Hi, We stayed at Quatermains on the 1st and 2nd November, 2018. In a morning on the game drives it was very cold. My wife and I wore body-warmers and Rab jackets and needed gloves and a hat. Bearing in mind that November can be compared to Spring and July can be compared to mid-Winter I think it's fair to say it will be very cold whilst you are there!
Answer from QuatermainsCamp
Port Elizabeth, South Africa10 contributions3 helpful votes
Hi there, In February our game drives leave around 6.30am and arrive back at camp around 10.30 am.We ask our guests to check in between 1pm - 2pm as the afternoon game drive leaves at 3pm. Kind regards Julie Brand Owner
LizW_1956 asked a question Jul 2017
Ko Samui, Thailand17 contributions5 helpful votes
I know there is no electricity in the tents but is there an area to power up camera batteries etc
Answer from Corry v
The Crags, South Africa9 contributions
Hi Liz, No there's not. You'll have to take extra batteries or a (solar) power-bank. It's a great place to stay, have fun!
Answer from debs3812
Blackpool, United Kingdom24 contributions4 helpful votes
sorry I have only just seen this. we stayed for 3 nights & loved it. when you come back from early morning game drive you have breakfast & chat for a bit , we sat in the sunshine relaxing or looking around camp taking photos ect ect just relax for a bit or read. hope this helps
David B wrote a tip Oct 2024
Edinburgh, United Kingdom6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Take some ear plugs if noisy frogs might keep you awake, and some warm clothes for early starts. "
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Helen H wrote a tip Mar 2024
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Do consider a 3-night stay if you possibly can, the foot safari/cave experience is fabulous."
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Annabelle W wrote a tip Mar 2024
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"You can charge electrics in kitchens but batteries packs are good "
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codyhatcher wrote a tip Dec 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina3 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask about merch before leaving. The metal cups make a great reminder of the trip in my camping mess kit "
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Tim.brand505@mac.com wrote a tip Oct 2023
Langport, United Kingdom15 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you want to see wildlife in a great location, come here. If you want a spa hotel, go elsewhere."
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PRICE RANGE
R 7,190 - R 9,733 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeAmakhala Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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QUATERMAIN'S 1920'S SAFARI CAMP - Lodge Reviews & Price Comparison (Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, breakfast, and hiking.
What food & drink options are available at Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp?
Guests can enjoy breakfast and an outdoor dining area during their stay.
Is parking available at Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.