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.
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.
Notten’s Bush Camp is a jewel within the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, which means “the land of the rising sun” in the locally spoken language, Shangaan. Notten’s is an exclusive and private safari lodge personally run by the Notten family. This beautiful, intimate safari lodge is situated within one of South Africa’s finest natural sanctuaries the Sabi Sand Reserve and Greater Kruger National Park. It is a destination that will truly touch your heart and soul.Each private suite is elegantly styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. A magical atmosphere is created with the purposeful absence of electric lighting; the ambient candlelight and lanterns capturing an enchanting spirit of romance. With splendid panoramic views, this private game lodge is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching animals meander past.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Shaws Gate, Sabie Park, Kruger National Park 1242 South Africa
We were picked up at Skukuza airport by someone from Notten’s and taken to the lodge where we received a lovely welcome. We travelled in one of the game drive vehicles and even saw plenty of animals on the way. Our first impression of cottage (no. 4) was “dark and cluttered” with not enough room for us to easily have 2 suitcases open. We understand they are trying to create a nice romantic ambience with the very low lighting everywhere in the cottage, but I wear contact lenses and really struggled to find somewhere with enough light to take them in or out safely. We went on our first game drive and saw 4 of the “big 5” !! Our guide, Tinyoko, was excellent and got us within a few feet of the animals but at all times respecting the animals themselves because he was well aware of their behaviour. We stayed for 5 nights and all the twice-daily game drives were excellent, especially the late afternoon ones which included sundowner drinks. On one of these we were all enjoying our drink of choice and we spotted a hyena a few yards away from us. The morning game drives also included a coffee stop out in the bush with the most delicious African version of biscotti. We liked that, if possible, there were only 6 guests in each safari vehicle which meant everyone got a good view. We saw safari vehicles from other lodges and on some of these the guests were more packed in. At this point you may be wondering why we have only awarded a 4 star rating - this is mainly due to the food offering. Breakfast was our favourite meal of the day but even then brown toast was brought when we’d ordered white and we had to ask multiple times for hot water to weaken the coffee. My husband is a fussy eater and we did tell reception what kinds of things he didn’t like when we arrived, so on the first evening when his starter arrived with balsamic vinegar and his steak was covered in pepper sauce he was not impressed. Unlike other lodges we have stayed at in Africa on this trip, there was no menu available telling us what dishes were planned, therefore we didn’t know what the menu was until it arrived and parts of it had to be rejected. All my husband really wanted was a simpler version of what everyone else was having. The lodge manager did say we could have anything we liked, but without knowing what was available even this was frustrating. The only meal my husband looked forward to was breakfast. So in conclusion, although the game drives were more than excellent and Tinyoko a fantastic guide, our rating was let down by an attention to detail you would expect at this price-point. There is nothing in this review that we did not share with the manager and the owner during our stay.
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Date of stay: December 2022
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.
We had the pleasure of visiting Notten’s Bush Camp on a family trip recently and already look forward to the next one! The location is spectacular, set in the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a more authentic Safari experience, you will not find. Everything was outstanding- the food, the game viewing, the setting, the staff and hospitality but best of all is sitting under the stars with the little electricity taking in the magic. Many thanks to all for making our trip as fantastic as it was!
Ps Our Ranger Tom is in a league of his own... spectacular sightings with the highlight being a leopard right next to us!
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Date of stay: August 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.
In celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary, my wife and I decided once again to go on safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and this time to stay at Notten’s Bush Camp. Our suite with a comfortable king size bed was extremely spacious and clean, with a relaxing lounge area, en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower. Our suite had its own large private wooden deck with beautiful views of the bush. Notten’s has appealing facilities, including a lounge, library, bar, and a lovely rustic open plan dining/deck area, also with spectacular views of the bush. Both my wife and I had full body massages at the Spa, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Although the only pool was the secluded private spa pool, a large pool with a large undercover area was being built and was almost complete. Jan the “manager” and chef was brilliant, ensuring that everything was handled perfectly, going out of her way to ensure a memorable stay. The staff were also very attentive, efficient, and friendly, to ensure that we were well looked after at all times. The food was superb, and our specific dietary needs were well catered for. A special mention must be made of the tomato and carrot soup, the chicken salad, the beef fillet with pepper sauce, and the pear with red wine, all of which were absolutely divine. A real treat and surprise was that for our anniversary, Jan arranged a scrumptious lemon cake which was presented to us at lunch by the staff who also sang for us. A special turndown with bubble bath, candles and champagne was also arranged. The tasty braai/barbeque that was arranged for one of our evening meals, in the open-air boma with a roaring fire in the centre, with lanterns and candlelight adding to the ambiance, was also a great experience. Our ranger Thomas was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining. During our stay we shared our game vehicle with a couple from America and another couple from the United Kingdom, who were excellent company, and we had lots of fun and shared many laughs. The refreshments and drinks provided on the game drives were enjoyable. We had fantastic sightings and saw plenty game, including leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, baboon, monkey, warthog, dwarf and white-tailed mongoose, squirrel, crocodile, chameleon, and vulture. We also saw lots of antelope, including, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, impala, bushbuck, and steenbok. Besides being fortunate to observe the “big five” on our game drives, we were lucky to experience a cheetah kill involving an impala. We also went on a walking safari which was fascinating, whereby we learnt more about the flora and fauna of the area. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and had an incredible safari at Notten’s and definitely hope to be back again.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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.
Thank you Nottens for the most wonderful stay. Keeping to your policy over the years of hosting limited numbers makes for a very special peaceful time with plenty of space and open air relaxation. The swimming pool was the perfect place to rest in between drives and walks through the bush.
With the very experienced guides and off road vehicles we were able to follow a leopard track and kill an impala. We closely observed cheetahs, lions, elephants and buffalo on our morning and evening drives and were able to hear and watch a baby rhino making sounds indicating to it’s mother that it needed to drink milk from her. The sundowners, meals around the boma and sitting on the open verandah with views of the animals visiting the watering hole were magical. This is a destination that caters for everyone. I look forward to returning to Nottens next year in August.
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Date of stay: December 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.
Wow, wow and wow again!! What an incredible stay at Nottens Bush camp! We have been fortunate enough to experience over ten other lodges in the Sabi Sands and this is hands down the best lodge! Our ranger Tinky was outstanding and the sightings were unbelievable, all the big five and more. The best leopard sightings we have ever had and some amazing photographic opportunities. The lodge is beautiful, peaceful and staff are amazing, so professional, polite and attentive. I was blown away by how proactive the staff were. I have never experienced anything like this before, they are always thinking about what their guests might need next. It was also great to have drinks included in the cost so you don't have to keep track of all the extras you add on during your stay. The food was plentiful and so tasty, we longed for each meal, although we need to get back into the gym now. Nottens even has a gym if you have time during your relaxing stay to have a workout. The 20m infinity pool was the best, we loved relaxing here on the deck chairs with a cocktail, dipping in as often as we could. The spa pool was also great to enjoy and was a bit cooler in the midday sun. It was the unexpected things that Nottens did that made this stay so memorable. On our first night stopping for sundowners they had set out a beautiful setting for the guests with lanterns, drinks, snacks and stories around the fire. I would highly recommend this lodge to couples and families who are looking for a truly memorable bush experience with some very special touches.
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Date of stay: December 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.
We were met at the entrance by friendly staff and shown to our (simply huge) and generous accommodation. Our room was beautifully furnished and fully equipped. A nice touch was the bountiful supply of snacks, bottled water and the range of hot drink options available. The restaurant and bar were staffed by efficient and friendly staff. The food served over the three days of our stay was top notch and delicious; consistently to a very high standard. The spa offered a comprehensive range of services (albeit as an extra charge). We sampled the massage on offer and found the masseuse very capable. Turning to the safari drives; we were treated to amazing encounters with the wildlife within the greater Kruger park, seeing and enjoying the big five within hours. Our guides were excellent and frequently demonstrated their huge understanding and knowledge of the flora and fauna around us. The lodge owners were on site and were quick to offer support, advice and assistance at all times. Their friendly and charming manner made us feel welcome and very comfortable; the befits of staying at a family well run establishment. We are more than happy to recommend the lodge to all.
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Date of stay: March 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.
My husband and I absolutely loved everything about this magical place. Nottons Bush Camp made us feel like home, while at the same time keeping everything new, fresh and exciting. The food was spectacular! I have celiac disease, and the chef always made sure I had fresh gluten free options available for every meal. I never missed out on anything. I honestly ate better at Nottons, then I do back home. The wait staff are also amazing. I am not sure if, it is because we have all been so isolated with the pandemic, but the nottons staff reminded us how to feel welcomed and cared for, while making us feel safe. That honestly ment the world to us. Lastly, the wildlife!!!!!! So much wildlife! The game drives are miraculous. Different animals and drives everyday. We saw way to many to name, but the guides made certain that we saw all the big 5 and we also saw so many leopards, hyena, a hipo, and even Wild dog just to name a few. Even the wildlife at the camp was amazing! we had a massive lizard hanging out beside our deck when we first arrived. I also had a hyena run right by me while using the glorious outdoor shower. It even had rhino skin in its mouth! lastly, we had a water buck chilling outside our bathroom and back deck for a few hours. It did not mind us sitting out with it either. Pretty cool! To top this all off, we tried a walking safari, but only made it 10 minutes out of camp on foot when we stumbled into a pair of mating leopards! We had to slowly back away and head back for the Jeep, so we could watch from the safety of the jeep. lol. You are truly in leopard territory here. This was our favorite destination out of our whole Africa trip. If you get the opportunity to stay here, you are truly blessed.
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Date of stay: September 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.
Nottens Bush is a beautiful and luxurious camp with an endless supply of food and drink and the nicest possible staff. We were lucky to be looked after by Solani, Suzzie & Desmond who made sure we had everything we needed. The wildlife is the star, however, and we got close to so many animals - I don't think we will forget the sight - and smell - of four lions devouring a buffalo for a long time. But we didn't have to leave the camp to see elephants, hyenas and zebras as the view from our lodge and from the dining room was like a wildlife documentary. Our ranger, Chaes, was full of knowledge and made each drive, as well as the bush walk, a great and fun experience for everyone. Gideon, as well as pouring the best gin & tonic in the Kruger area, was a brilliant tracker with an eagle eye. We did struggle a bit with the low level of lighting in our room at night but it all added to the romantic atmosphere.
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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.
Even before we got to the Camp we saw Rhino, giraffe and zebra! On arrival we were greeted with scented cold towels and fizz. We were then shown to our lodge which was amazing, later that week we had an impala right by our out door shower and a herd of elephants within a 100yards of our Decking. The four poster bed was superb and we had good quality sleep throughout our stay. We took malaria tablets but I didn't see one mosquito the whole time we were in the Bush. The food and hospitality were 2nd to none, the family feel of this lodge shines through and we met David and cousin Guy who were fantastic. The evening meals I won't forget as you sat down with all the other guests and ambience due to the candle light was fantastic. Breakfast was always a delight not just because of the food but the animals you could see, one perticular morning we had Rhino, elephants, impala, zebras and wilderbeast to look at. I have saved the best for last, the game drives. Wow, what a team we had with Thomas and Gideon. We learnt so much from them and they ensured we saw the big five and lots more. Thomas even spotted a chameleon in a Bush on a night drive. He stopped the jeep and snapped the branch off and showed us it before putting him back safely. We were chased one night by a Rhino affectionately known as B10, but team Thomas /Gideon knew exactly how to shake him off our trail truly amazing experience. I think Thomas could even spot a Gorilla if you asked him nicely 🤣🤣. My wife and I will never forget this experience and will return. All the staff were so polite and friendly. Thank you all so much for such an amazing experience.
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Date of stay: February 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.
Notten's Bush Camp was the first lodge on our first trip to Southern Africa and proved to be an awesome start to our trip. Looking back over our entire trip where we stayed at 2 other lodges in other areas, I have to say Nottens was our favorite lodge of the trip. With there being only 9 rooms, its a more intimate experience than bigger lodges. Everyone was welcoming and friendly from the managers Dale and Jan through the staff like Guest and especially the guides. Our guide Jeffrey was outstanding. He was knowledgeable about the animals and the environment, got us to all of the best animal sightings. Not only did we see all of the Big 5, several times, but we got to see a cheetah two days in a row! I celebrated my birthday at Notten's and they made it very special from the bottle of champagne waiting in our room through the special sundowner bonfire and dinner on the boma with singing and birthday cakes for me and the other guest celebrating a birthday that day. One of the things that impressed me before we even arrived was their concern for our experience. I had wanted to book their optional tour of Kruger National Park even though it meant I would miss the morning and afternoon game drives. When our booking agent contacted them to book it, they said that it was high season for Kruger and it would undoubtedly be busy. So they were recommending a shorter tour that could be accomplished between the morning and afternoon game drives. To me this was the best of both worlds. It also proved to me that they were more concerned about our experience than the economics. I would highly recommend anyone considering a safari trip. If we ever get the chance to travel to South Africa again, Notten's Bush Camp will be at the top of my must go list.
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Date of stay: 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.
if you fly into Skukuza airport one of the drivers from Nottens will collect you their and take you the short distance to the lodge. I did see some elephants on this route. You will have to arrange this with Nottens. Nespuit airport is approx 3 hours drive from the lodge and you will have to arrange a taxi. I believe I paid around €50.00 each way for the transfer. You will see a lot of the African countryside from nespuit to nottens.
There are more places to choose from in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
notten`s bush camp hotel sabi sand game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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