Extraordinary Africa>South Africa>Kruger, Sabi Sands and around>Hamiltons Tented Camp
Aptly for somewhere named after Colonel Stevenson Hamilton (who helped to establish Kruger National Park), Hamiltons Tented Camp is one of South Africa’s most romantic and old‑world safari camps. It is a place of polished brass, vintage steamer trunks and a handful of canvas tents that whisper back to the days of the early explorers.
What’s Hamiltons Tented Camp really like?
Located in Imbali, a private concession in the central Kruger bordering the Sabi Sands, Hamiltons sits on the banks of the N’waswitsontso River, surrounded by tall Jackalberry trees. The setting is wonderfully peaceful, with views across the riverbed and a sense of being tucked away from the busier parts of the park. The main lodge (where Wi-Fi is available but no phone signal) is a beautiful timber structure raised on stilts, with polished teak floors, a lounge filled with vintage finds, a dining deck overlooking the river and a swimming pool for cooling off between game drives. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed and you can expect attentive service and excellent guiding.
Accommodation is in six airconditioned tents, each raised on wooden decks and connected to the main area by elevated walkways. Inside we love the king beds, slipper baths and being taken complete care of by your butler. Outside private decks and, always an added bonus, plunge pools, provide views over the river. Meals are generous and beautifully presented, with a mix of South African favourites and international dishes. Afternoon tea before the evening game drive is always lovely, and dinner is a memorable affair with ample white linen and silver twinkling in the lantern light. There’s a pretty decent wine list too.
What can I do at Hamiltons Tented Camp?
Hamiltons is suitable for kids over the age of 12, but we’d say it’s really for older teens who enjoy wildlife and appreciate the camp’s vintage charm. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in the private concession, known for big cats, ellies and buffalo as well as optional bush walks. The concession’s location just north of the renowned Sabi Sands means sightings are often superb, and the elevated decks offer lovely armchair game viewing between drives. And if that gets too arduous there are also spa treatments available.
Giving back at Hamiltons Tented Camp:
Having partnered with the Mirantha Youth Development Project, Hamiltons is directly involved in empowering the youth of its local communities through life skills programs – they take part in the Pack for a Purpose scheme should you wish to do your bit. Solar power and careful water management minimise the camp’s footprint in this sensitive ecosystem.
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