Rukiya Safari Camp is located in the 3,000 hectare Wild Rivers Nature Reserve near the Greater Kruger Park, about 10 km from the town of Hoedspruit and 45 minutes from the Hoedspruit Airport. It is an intimate, tented camp built beneath old riverine trees on the banks of the Blyde River.
There are hyena and leopard on the Wild Rivers Reserve, and lions from the neighbouring reserve can be heard calling in the distance. Nile crocodiles are present in the river in front of camp, and some of the smaller nocturnal predators can be seen out on night drive in the reserve such as jackal, mongoose, civet, and genet, among others. The reserve, however, is not home to the Big 5, but daily morning game drives take place on an exclusive section in the neighbouring Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, so all of Kruger’s wildlife species can be seen - including elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, numerous antelope species, giraffe and zebra.
Rukiya’s location on the banks of the Blyde River is the perfect residence for the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, while other speciality water-orientated birds here include African finfoot, African fish eagle, trumpeter hornbill, various kingfishers, herons, black crakes, storks, and bee-eaters.
There are 6 canvas tented rooms built on timber decking and elevated off the ground overlooking the Blyde River, which flows in front of the camp. Décor is simple, stylish and in tune with the natural ambience of the camp. Wooden walkways lead the path from the tents to the main camp area, where you will find a large rim-flow swimming pool with sun loungers. Excellent 3-course dinners are served at the dining table, which shares the large timber decking area with a comfortable lounge and casual bar.
The camp prides itself on being 'low impact', with environmentally friendly construction, beautifully reused timber for decking and furniture, and light canvas for the tents.
Featured Special Offer saf-05023
Stay for 3 nights for the price of 2 at Rukiya Safari Camp in the Greater Kruger Park Safari.
Valid: 4 January 2021 - 19 December 2021.
Prices On Request
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Rates Include
All meals; tea/coffee; bush walks; Reserve fees; a morning game drive in the Big 5 Balule Nature Conservancy; and an afternoon game drive on the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve are included.
Children Policy
Children aged 4 years and older are welcome.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 10 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
Directions For Drivers
From Hoedspruit: At the intersection of the R40 and R527 in Hoedspruit, travel North on the R40 towards Phalaborwa. Continue for 10 km until the Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve sign appears on the left (directly opposite the gate for Mohlabetsi on the right). Turn left onto the Wild Rivers gravel access road and continue for 600m to the entrance gate (careful crossing an active railway line). Sign in at the gate and then follow the signs to Rukiya Safari Camp (roughly 10 km).
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Continue on to the N4 Highway and continue to follow N4 for 191 km. Take the exit toward R33, and continue onto R540 from Belfast to Dullstroom. Turn left onto R36 (Lydenburg) and continue to follow R36 to Ohrigstad. Go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit and follow the directions above.
From Phalaborwa: Drive west for about 5 km, then turn left onto the R40 (heading in a southerly direction) and continue over the Olifants River bridge. From the bridge, continue for around 10 km towards Hoedspruit until you get to the Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve sign on the right (not highly visible – it is opposite sign for Mohlabetsi on the left). Turn right onto the Wild Rivers gravel access road and continue for 600m to the entrance gate (careful crossing an active railway line). Sign in at the gate and then follow the signs to Rukiya Safari Camp (roughly 10 km).
Please DO NOT follow Google maps and directions, the GPS takes you through private farms and is inaccessible. Use these directions ONLY.
The entrance to the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve is only 10 km from the town of Hoedspruit, and about 45-minutes’ drive from the airport. It is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg (5-6 hour drive). Once inside the reserve, it is another 10 km to the camp via dirt roads.
Please note the gate closes at 18:00, so please arrive beforehand. If you are going to arrive late, it is not a problem, but please advise Lily in advance on rukiya@wildriverspnr.co.za, or +27 (0) 81 068 5591, or you risk not being able to enter the reserve as no one will be at the gate to open it. The late fee is R150 per vehicle.
General Information For Guests
The tents are all en-suite (showers only) and include a standing fan (2 in family rooms) and a balcony with chairs overlooking the river.
The main camp area consists of an indoor lounge, dining area, boma, campfire, and infinity pool along with a pool deck and sun loungers overlooking the Blyde River.
There is Wi-Fi and other electrical outlets available throughout the camp, but better reception in the main area (guests must bring their own adapters to fit the appliances).
Activities available include morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walks, bird watching, bush breakfasts and sundowners. Bush walks must be pre-booked.
Other activities available in the area include tours of Kruger National Park, the Panorama route, cultural village tours, visits to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, hot air balloon excursions and boat cruises on the Blyde and Olifants Rivers (additional cost).
Spa treatments are available on site (additional cost).
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 10 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and camp manager.
Popular Alternatives to Rukiya Safari Camp
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Rukiya Safari Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Rukiya Safari Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
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.
