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Main camp waterhole definitely worth a visit

Review of Bhubesi Camp
4.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 02 Jun 2024
Arrived at the reception to be told that they were busy doing renovations at our camp. It was strongly suggested that we pay extra and stay at the main camp and eat at the restaurant, which was not suitable for self catering and had no electricity in the huts (and no fans) which are the reasons why we chose Bhubesi camp in the first place as it was late February and hot. This left a bad taste in our mouths.

But despite this we loved Bhubesi and there was no construction going on during our stay. It took about 40 minutes to drive to the camp from the main camp. We were the only ones in the camp, so had no noise, just nature. The 2 bedroom unit was lovely. The braai area stunning, but with little to no view of the river bed in front as the bush was a little overgrown in that direction. The bush between units was well cleared and you felt very safe, even though the camp was not fenced.

We enjoyed using the map we were given to traverse the property. Didn't see that much game and felt a touch uneasy having to get out the vehicle and open and close many gates as we drove. The north section had vast spaces where the weeds not only encroached but covered the dirt road. This growth was above 60cm high in places, scratching the vehicle. Bare in mind its a one way track, and often difficult to work out where to drive. We did report these roads and showed photos and it appeared the rangers would get on top of it soon.

The waterhole. picnic spot and birdhide near the main camp were beautiful, and well worth the visit. The main camp itself was where one had to go to get wifi. But this was a lovely spot to go. The waterhole was teaming with game and white rhino wallowing and was always a great place to visit and take photo's. We spent most of one of three days just watching this waterhole . A lovely relaxing game visit. Will definitely go back.
Date of stay: February 2024
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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1 - 6 of 38 reviews
Reviewed 26 November 2018 via mobile

The food was very good but has a limited variety of dishes. But the staff is very helpful and friendly. Place is neat and tidy so manageable for a two days tour. Big room and clean room. Food was very good.

Date of stay: June 2018
Trip type: Travelled with family
Thank Saroj8161
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.
Reviewed 6 November 2018

The camp is absolutely lovely, fabulous accommodation, secluded and peaceful and well maintained, a real highlight. Situated in a quieter part of the reserve, none of the big five, it us lovely, although I wish the staff had been more clear on the division of the park into various animal sections, as a result the game viewing was not great. Do not take the Siteki road to the park if you are travelling via South Africa, rather the longer Manzini route. The Siteki road is potholed beyond belief and really dangerous.

Date of stay: October 2018
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank GailC1415
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.
Reviewed 16 October 2018 via mobile

The cabins at this camp are amazing! Tucked away at the far end of Hlane National Park they are a secluded paradise. They have everything you need, including a fridge, freezer, microwave and stove so be sure to bring plenty of food. There is also an indoor fireplace and brie pit but bring firelighters if you plan on using them. The cabins have big windows looking down to the river and the bedrooms have wonderful mosquito nets to keep the bugs out. The bathrooms are out of this world with a shower and a bath! Seeing the sun set over the river or waking up to the birds in the morning, it is well worth the drive through the camp (which incidentally passes through an area frequented by the rhinos as an added bonus). Our cabin was also thoroughly cleaned every day and the area around it swept which was lovely to come back to.

Date of stay: October 2018
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
1  Thank kiwiboyLondon
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.
Reviewed 27 January 2018 via mobile

This camp is really lovely. Our unit was very clean and comfortably furnished. Our unit was serviced daily by friendly staff. Firewood is provided and was topped up daily. There was an abundance of bird life around the camp. We saw an impressive amount of rhino in the reserve, but not much other game at all which was a bit of a pity. If peace and quiet is what you are after then this is the place for you. The drive through the reserve to get to the camp is doable in a normal car, but do take it slowly. There is a supermarket just a short drive from the gates of Hlane.

Date of stay: August 2017
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank I4353TQlauraw
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.
Reviewed 16 January 2018

The camp itself was clean and peaceful and the the bngalows where spacious. However it is far away from the main camp (30 min drive) and the roads inside the park are mostly not suitable for normal cars. To get to the Bhubesi camp you have to druve through a sugare cane factory with all the big trucks speeding on those roads. In addition the part of the camp does not have a lot of animals, as it is outside the fenced off NP.
It was not possible to see the river from the bungalows that meant we could not watch any animals coming for a drink.

Date of stay: November 2017
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Jolanda K
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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