By Liezel van der Merwe
We heard about two vanishing camps in the Kruger. They call them seasonal camps. They only exist for six months of the year, in the drier winter season, when the air is crisp, the nights cooler, and the days soaked in golden light. A safari with a difference. Set in one of the most celebrated wilderness areas on earth — the Kruger National Park — but with privileges most park visitors never get to experience.
These camps whisper of wonder. Nights by the fire, cool drinks at sunset, wide-open spaces and private game drives with guides who know where to find the lions and leopards.
It didn’t take much convincing. We were in. And so, we chose to brave the savanna plains of Satara.
We parked at Satara Camp, where a guide awaited us. The public camp was busy — people dining at the restaurant, hundreds of feet walking the paths. I knew I wanted something quieter. Something less commercial, more exclusive. Something… untamed.
The vehicle read “Kruger Untamed” – we were definitely on the right track! Our bags were loaded, and we set off north, turning eventually onto a gravel road marked with a large sign: No Entry – Concession Only. I loved it already.
Zebra, impala, and blue wildebeest welcomed us along the way. The open plains with scattered trees were perfect predator territory. The light drizzle added a quiet mystery. I didn’t ask how far we were going. I simply looked out the open vehicle, waiting for the camp to appear.
And then it did — silently. Just after we passed a massive buffalo herd of around 300. We arrived. The guide mimicked a hyena call. Two staff members responded playfully and came walking towards us with welcome drinks and fresh towelettes. The transition had begun. The layers of city life and to-do lists started falling away.
The camp hostess led us to the heart of the camp — a stretch tent housing the open-air restaurant, bar, lounges, and a drinks station with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate — all under canvas. Luxurious touches everywhere. Comfortable couches, stylish lights, a bar set for indulgence. It felt like an Out of Africa film set, prepared for royalty.
Outside the main tent, another seating deck and three firepits waited under the branches of a big Natal mahogany tree. The chairs were already set in a circle, the firewood packed, ready for the night ahead. To the side, two hot tubs overlooked the plains. Everything invited you to exhale.
Our host walked us to our tent. We were in awe. Does all of this appear and then vanish again? Yes. After six months, nature returns to its untouched state. No cement. No permanent structures. Just memories.
The camp holds 30 luxury tents, though just 15 are used day to day — creating a sense of intimacy, yet ready to welcome larger groups when needed. A king-sized bed with the softest linen. Outdoor seating facing endless grasslands. A changing area, chemical (flushing) toilet, and hot bucket shower filled at your request. The touches were thoughtful and eco-sensitive — even the basin water was in a beautiful glass canister. Our bags were already waiting.
Back in the dining tent, lunch was prepared by the chef. There’s no need for menu planning, shopping, or even pouring your own wine. It’s all included, and always offered with a smile.
The rhythm is simple: game drives at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., with breakfast, lunch, and dinner in between. Plus drinks… whenever you feel like it. We found people reading books, playing cards, and chatting quietly. No loud music. No hurry.
Before our first game drive, one of the managers gave an informal talk about a puff adder they had safely relocated — a moment of education, not drama. That’s what Kruger Untamed offers: learning without pressure. Nature, without the rush.
The game drives were unforgettable. Mornings started with a fresh Americano in hand, and off we went — onto concession roads the public can’t access. Our guide was exceptional. We learned about kudu ears rotating to pick up predators, and that a steenbok pair for life. We saw giraffes and elephants in the mist, and stopped for coffee in the bush. At sunset, we toasted life with a gin and tonic as the sky turned gold.
There’s also the option to do a bush walk. And this is something I’ll never forget. With trained guides, we set off on foot, learning about trees, birds, and animals. Elephant dung, we discovered, makes a natural sinus reliever when burned — because of the microherbs elephants eat. We saw a pearl-spotted owl, wildebeest, and zebra. Then we heard something. “Elephant,” the guide whispered. We followed protocol, walked quietly, and stood still as a large bull came into view. Twenty metres away – just on the other side of the stream. A moment we’ll never forget.
Evenings were just as magical. Chef-prepared dinners, firepit stories, and Amarula under the stars. That night, we slept deeply — the kind of rest that only comes from feeling held by something bigger than yourself.
We came as a couple. And we left closer than ever — unrushed, inspired, restored.
Kruger Untamed is for those who love the road less travelled.
It’s for the traveller who wants something rare: a place that disappears and leaves no trace, yet stays with you long after you’ve left.
Pack your hat and spirit of adventure. They’ll take care of the rest.
