Shabeni Wilderness Tented Camp
Tented camp in Olifants · Greater Kruger · South Africa
5 units · sleeps 10 · fully inclusive
An authentic wilderness escape on the Shabeni River
- Olifants River Region
- 25 min from Hoedspruit
- Unfenced · Big Five
About
Discover the magic of Africa at Shabeni Wilderness Tented Camp, an intimate, unfenced safari camp nestled on the banks of the Shabeni River, a seasonal tributary of the Olifants River, in the heart of the Greater Kruger. Just 25 minutes from Hoedspruit, Shabeni offers the perfect balance of accessibility and complete immersion in the African wilderness - five tents, ten guests, and nothing between you and the bush. More than a place to stay, Shabeni is a true wilderness experience. Wake to birdsong, spend your days exploring untouched landscapes, and unwind as wildlife moves freely through this pristine, unfenced environment. Your safety is entrusted to an armed and qualified trails guide, a dedicated camp chef, and a camp assistant.
An intimate, unfenced safari camp on the banks of the Shabeni River, a seasonal tributary of the Olifants, in the heart of the Greater Kruger and about 25 minutes from Hoedspruit. Five safari tents, two beds each, for a maximum of ten guests - built for small groups wanting an authentic bush experience rather than a lodge. Shared dining area, separate ladies and gentlemen ablutions, eco-friendly bucket showers and portable toilets: back-to-basics bush living. Guests are looked after by an armed and qualified trails guide, a camp chef and a camp assistant. Two safari activities a day - scenic game drives along the Olifants and guided bush walks - plus meals in camp and evenings around the campfire. The standard rhythm is a 3-day / 2-night itinerary, with guests meeting their guide at 3 Bridges Restaurant, Excellence Gate. This is a malaria area in the summer months; repellent is provided in every tent. There is no strict minimum age, but the operator advises discretion for young children because the camp is unfenced Big Five.
Rooms & suites
Safari tent
Canvas safari tent for two on a back-to-basics footing; dining and ablutions are shared with the other tents, not en-suite.
5 unitssleeps up to 2Fully inclusive- Two beds per tent
- Covered veranda with camp chairs
- Shared dining area with the other tents
- Separate ladies' and gentlemen's ablution blocks with eco-friendly bucket showers and portable toilets (not en-suite)
What's included
- Back-to-basics tented accommodation
- Coffee, tea and rusks
- Bottled water
- Light breakfast: yoghurt, fruit, muesli and muffins
- Brunch: eggs, bacon, pork sausage, baked beans and toast
- Dinner: local dishes, main and dessert
- High tea: a variety of light bites
- Two safari activities per day (game drive or guided bush walk)
- Two drinks per person per night
- Armed and qualified trails guide, camp chef and camp assistant
Payable in addition
- Additional drinksamount on request
Amenities & services
- Welcoming dining area
- Separate ladies' and gentlemen's ablutions
- Eco-friendly bucket showers
- Portable toilets
- Campfire
- Armed, qualified trails guide
- Dedicated camp chef
- Camp assistant
Location
Olifants · Greater Kruger · South Africa
Shabeni River, Olifants region, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Getting there
25 min from Hoedspruit · nearest hub: Hoedspruit
On the banks of the Shabeni River, a seasonal tributary of the Olifants, about 25 minutes from Hoedspruit. This is an unfenced Big Five area. Guests meet their guide at 3 Bridges Restaurant, Excellence Gate, where undercover parking is available, and transfer in by game drive.
Good to know
Malaria area
Shabeni lies in a malaria area during summer months. Repellent is provided in every tent.
Travelling with children
No strict minimum age, but as an unfenced Big Five camp, discretion is advised for young children.
What to pack
Comfortable layered clothing, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a camera and binoculars.
Extras
Drinks beyond the two included per person, per night are for guests' own account.
Meeting point & transfer
Guests meet their guide at 3 Bridges Restaurant, Excellence Gate, where undercover parking is available, then transfer to camp by a scenic game drive along the Olifants River.
Activities
Scenic game drives through the Greater Kruger wilderness. Guided bush walks revealing the smaller wonders of the bush. Delicious meals prepared in camp. Evenings around the campfire beneath spectacular African skies. Two safari activities are included per day.