Chacma Bush Camp

Chacma Bush Camp, located deep within the heart of the lesser-known Maseke Balule Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger, offers the perfect Big Five safari experience in 8,000 hectares of undulating landscapes dotted with rocky outcrops. This family-friendly camp offers an authentic and intimate safari experience close to the Olifants River.

The camp’s perimeter is hugged by mopane woodlands which are a major drawcard for a wealth of wildlife. Elephants, bushbuck, kudu and plains game are commonly spotted in these woodlands. There's a natural waterlogged area in front of camp which provides wildlife with the much needed replenishment needed during the heat of the day.

In addition to the Big Five that are regularly sighted, other wildlife including giraffe, zebra, warthog, spotted hyena, baboon, hippo, impala, kudu, vervet monkey, waterbuck, wildebeest, bushbaby, mongoose, duiker and steenbok are common. During game drives guests will stop for coffee and snacks in the morning, and evening game drives will involve a sundowner stop with sweeping views.

There are 3 chalets at Chacma Bush Camp, constructed from a mix of stone and natural boulders. Each of the rooms is similar in its decor, amenities and finishings but differs slightly in its layout and views. All rooms have air conditioning, plenty of cupboard space and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

In total, the camp can sleep a maximum of 10 people. Klipspringer Chalet sleeps a family of 6 people and has an outdoor shower, Steenberg Chalet sleeps 3 people and is next to the main area with a direct view of the waterhole, and the Grysbok Chalet has 2 separate rooms sleeping 2 adults and 2 children.

Evening times are spent swapping stories around the roaring campfire in the boma area, and dinners are spent indulging in traditional cuisine in the rustic lapa. Meals are always a highlight at camp, and the menu includes a range of traditional food combined with a flair for the modern.

The main area has a swimming pool with stone decking overlooks the waterhole. Guests can relax on the sun lounger or under the lapa and watch plains game filter down to drink.

Featured Special Offer saf-05021

Stay for 3 nights for the price of 2 at Chacma Bush Camp in the Balule Nature Reserve.

Valid:   1 October 2020  -  19 December 2020.

Prices On Request

Rates Include

Full Board Package: All meals; tea/coffee; game drives and bush walks are included.

All Inclusive Package: All meals; local drinks (soft and alcoholic but excluding premium brands); tea/coffee; game drives and bush walks are included.

PLEASE NOTE: The Maseke Conservation levy of R265 per person per stay (payable direct at camp in cash or credit card and subject to change) is not included.

Children Policy

Children aged 5 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.

Directions For Drivers

From Hoedspruit: It’s roughly 50 km from Hoedspruit to chacma. Follow the R40 from Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa. continue on the R40 (the road eventually turns into the R530 as you get close to Phalaborwa) and on the right, slightly off-set from the road, you will see the Lamai Gate, Maseke Game reserve. Chacma is located 4.2 km from the gate. 

From Phalaborwa: Take the R71 from Phalaborwa and turn left onto the R40 (R530). After about 25 km you will see the Lamai Gate, Maseke Game reserve on the left hand side. Chacma is located 4.2 km from the gate.

From Johannesburg: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/ eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (toll Plaza), and take the Belfast  turnoff towards Dullstroom on the R540. Continue through Lydenburg and Ohrigstad on the R36, go through the Strydom tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R40. Follow the R40 towards Phalaborwa.

Continue on the R40 (the road eventually turns into the R530 as you get close to Phalaborwa) and on the right, slightly off-set from the road, you will see the Lamai Gate, Maseke Game reserve. Chacma is located 4.2 km from the gate.

Important: Self-drivers need to leave their car at the gate. A ranger will transport you back to camp, which is 4.2 km away from the gate. Guests will need to pay a conservation levy of R265 per person in the vehicle and R110 per vehicle, which is payable either at the gate or at camp.

General Information For Guests

All the chalets are en-suite and have air conditioning, lounge, fan, personal safe, tea/coffee making facilities, mosquito nets and a patio with a view of the waterhole and surrounding area.

The main area has a swimming pool, bar, dining area and mobile connectivity (3G reception).

The activites include daily game drives (day and night), bird watching and walks in the reserve with rocky outcrops overlooking the reserve and the Olifants River.

Each drive is about 3 to 4 hours long. Morning game drives normally depart between 5:00 - 6:00 depening on the season. There's always a pre-drive coffee and another coffee break in the wilderness during the drive. Evening game drives start at about 15:30 - 16:30, depending on the season.

Other activites include a traditional braai, sundowners experience and/or bush breakfast

There is also Wi-Fi.

Credit card services are available (Please note that only Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Camp).

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.