General Information
About Nottens Bush Camp
Heritage
It all began in 1963 when John Notten acquired a portion of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, which was to be enjoyed as a tranquil retreat for the family and their friends. It wasn't until 1986 that Bambi and Gilly Notten, following their dream, opened their family home to what is known today as Notten's Bush Camp.
It was from this dream that the story of Notten's Bush Camp began and made it possible for the family to contribute to the preservation of a magnificent piece of South Africa, which has been shared with special people from all over the world. It is a place that has witnessed incredible events and amazing characters, both animal and human, that have carved the enduring story to be enjoyed today.
The legacy of the this private safari lodge in South Africa is now in its third generation in the Notten, as well as the Matabula family. Specter Matabula was employed by the family in 1963 and he would be proud to know that his son and his son's children are now a part of Notten's Bush Camp South Africa.
The Notten's Experience
Nottens's Bush Camp is a jewel within the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, which means “the land of the rising sun” in the locally spoken language, Shangaan. Notten’s is an exclusive and private safari lodge personally run by the Notten family. This beautiful, intimate safari lodge is situated within one of South Africa’s finest natural sanctuaries. It is a destination that will truly touch your heart and soul.
Each private suite is elegantly styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. A magical atmosphere is created with the purposeful absence of electric lighting; the ambient candlelight and lanterns capturing an enchanting spirit of romance. With splendid panoramic views, this private game lodge is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching animals meander past.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a remarkable natural sanctuary known for its exceptionally high concentration of animal and bird life. Safaris are led by experienced rangers in open-top land rovers, offering an adventurous discovery of the region's prolific wildlife, including Big 5 game viewing. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving guest the opportunity of discovering the hidden treasures of the region. This can be followed by lazy hours spent in the sparkling pool or having a massage at the Nature Spa.
Under the cloak of nightfall one can enjoy the sounds of the African night, while dining in the enchanting candlelit boma beneath a canopy of stars.
Find sanctity within the natural rhythms of Mother Nature. Enjoy candlelit baths, massages, mesmerizing nights around blazing fires and close encounters with Africa's Big 5 Game at this world class private safari lodge in South Africa, located in the Sabi Sand game reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park.
Boundless hospitality is the hallmark of Notten’s Bush Camp, to which satisfied visitors return time and again. A fine combination of peace, romance and a touch of decadence all in untamed Africa.
Awards
ward winner "Best Safari Property in Africa" runner-up 2008 - Good Safari Guide Awards
200 tour operators have nominated, the judges have voted and the points have been counted.
The winners for the 2008 Awards are as follows:
Winner Best Safari Property in Africa - Sinigta Boulders
Runner up Best Safari Property in Africa - Notten's Bush Camp
A Day In The Life
A typical day at Notten's begins at dawn with a 05h30 wake up call. Guests gather either on the wooden deck to watch the sun rise or in the "boma", under the Marula trees, where tea and coffee are served. Monkeys peer from the branches and watch one's every move with intent curiosity.
After tea the guests are taken on an early morning game drive in the open Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker.
The game drive traverses the bush on the Notten's land, following the spoor and scent of animals and avoiding trees which have been trampled by elephant, but sticking predominantly to the dirt roads that make their way through the bush. Morning tea and coffee and a bite is served relaxing next to a waterhole.
On returning from the morning game drive, guests are treated to a hearty "bush feast" on the deck.
Freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice are on offer, as well as coffees and teas and a colourful fruit salad, consisting of all the delicious and succulent "Eastern Transvaal" fruits of the season. A variety of yoghurts and cereals accompany the fruit as well as freshly baked cheese or bran muffins. The glorious smells of the hot cheese muffins always seem to entice all the vervet monkeys in the Sabi Sands but somehow they never seem to get their grubby hands on them. A choice of eggs are on offer accompanied by grilled tomato with oreganum, crispy chips, giant black mushrooms done with thyme, crunchy bacon and our world famous sausages. Brown or white toast is on offer with a selection of home-made strawberry, gooseberry and marula jams and marmalades.
With very full and satisfied bellies, a walk with a game ranger is an option for those wanting a closer encounter with the bush, while the day is still cool.
The less energetic relax around the pool with refreshments or one of Bambi's famous Pimms, from the bar, or enjoy the solitude and tranquility until tea time and you can treat yourself to a deeply relaxing massage at the Notten’s Nature Spa.
15h30: A high tea is served on the open plan deck before leaving for another game drive. Enjoy this tea whilst watching zebra on the open plain, or an elephant taking a "bath" in the waterhole, or a troop of baboons just being their normal selves!
High tea consists of Gilly's selection of tea, coffees, and iced teas. Notten's famous breads, Notten's nutty wheat, spinach and feta, or a delicious cheese and sundried tomato accompanied with cheeses, figs and preserved ginger. A variety of meats and pickles. Savoury delights are produced, a courgette and corn phyllo strudel, home-made pizzas, broccoli and mushroom quiche, roasted pepper quiche, sausage rolls and wonderful works that leave the guests in awe. Home-made patés and mousses. Delicious freshly baked cakes are always welcomed by the guests. Cinnamon nut cake, moist orange cake, rich 'to die for' chocolate, crumpets with strawberry preserve and whipped cream. Satisfied, guests leave the the tea table and board the Land Rover for the evening drive.
As the sun sets it's time for "sundowners" in the veld (meaning "bush" in Afrikaans). Listen to the silence of the bush, the hum of crickets and cicadas, nocturnal birds, the cry of hyenas or a jackal in the distance. Watch the moon rise, the Milky Way, the night sky and sit in wonder.
Driving through the bush at night in search of nocturnal predators, eyes are captured by the tracker's spotlight as he scans the bush. A leopard, a herd of impala, a wary hyena, a 'nag apie' in a tree .... the element of surprise always there. Every sound, every movement captures one's attention. The bush at night has a life of its own.
On returning to Notten's Bush Camp, a delicious dinner is served in the boma around a log fire, under a canopy of stars in winter, and in the summerhouse or dining room with a huge blazing fire in the summer.
All meals are hosted by the Nottens and their staff, and are a social occasion. This gives the guests the opportunity of hearing the bush stories and learning more about the local Shangaan culture.
To end off the day one can enjoy a relaxing candle-lit bath while listening to the call of the hyena in the background.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
The Sabi Sands game reserve is a privately owned region situated within the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, one of South Africa's most treasured natural sanctuaries. Notten’s forms part of the southern section of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Its neighbours are Mala Mala on its eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on its western boundary.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve was formed in 1950 and comprises of many privately owned game lodges covering an area of 56,000 Ha of savannah thornveld. It is now part of the Greater Kruger National Park and there are no fences between them, so the game moves freely through this enormous natural reserve.
The climate is sub-tropical with summer rainfall and averages about 550mm (± 22 inches) per annum. Summer temperatures reach ± 40° C (± 104° F). Winters are dry. Notten's’ Sabi Sand lodge lies approximately 300 metres (± 1 000 feet) above sea level.
Big 5 game - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard - all roam the reserve. One therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. Notten's prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area
All game drives are undertaken in an open 4-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker is innately and instinctively attuned to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute sense of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush to locate game.
Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these drives one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark of night fall.
History
The birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa.
Owned and operated by 3rd and 4th generation families.
Focus and Foresight is on Conservation
It is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa.
Formed in 1934; and became a formal association in 1948.
Wilderness
Part of the largest conservation area in Southern Africa.
Part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park
It has only ever been a wilderness area.
It is home to a number of endangered species, which include:
• Wild Dog: The most endangered species in Southern Africa. The Kruger National Park contains the only viable South African population of Wild Dogs.
• Bats: They are the only flying mammals that are blind; 10 of the species are on the endangered list. They play an important role through eating harmful insects and pollinating plants.
• Honey Badgets: Badgers can be useful in reducing the populations of rats, scorpions and dangerous snakes.
• Oxpeckers: With scissor-like movements the Red-billed Oxpecker combs their host's hair in search of ticks.
• Ground Hornbill: There are less than 1 500 Ground Hornbills left in South Africa.
The lodges are involved in environmental management programs and studies
These include:
• Alien plant control
• Micro catchment management to combat erosiion
• Monitoring of wildlife and habitat densities
• Anti-poaching units
• Control of runaway fires
Community Empowerment
Including activities which help them to generate income; provision of health care and provision of drinking water.