Nottens private game reserve

Nottens bush camp is located in the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park. At Nottens a typical day begins at about 5h30 with a wake up call and guests gather either on the wooden deck of the Notten's Bush Camp to watch the sun rise or in the "boma", under the Marula trees, where tea and coffee is 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 wildlife safari game drive in the open Land Rovers with a ranger and Shangaan tracker.

The game drive traverses the bush on Notten's land, following the spoor and scent of nocturnal 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.

Each private suite is elegantly styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. A magical atmosphere is created with the purposeful absence of electricity, and ambient candlelight and lanterns capture an enchanting spirit of romance. The rooms are all en suite, with mosquito netting on the windows and doors, and magical private viewing decks. With all the breathtaking panoramic views in this peaceful setting, relaxation is guaranteed. Guests can also explore the region's prolific wildlife on safaris led by experienced rangers in open-top Land Rovers.

Daily bush walks are available, and lazy hours at the sparkling pool are a must. Notten's prides itself in offering its guests a phenomenal wildlife experience. The mystical sounds of the African night sets the perfect mood for dinning in the enchanting candlelit boma, beneath a canopy of stars. The massage deck is an idyllic, peaceful setting for relaxing therapeutic treatments. Other facilities include the indoor lounge with a large fire place, bar and wine cellar.

The open-plan lounge and dining area leads onto a wooden deck overlooking a vast plain and waterhole. From five-star cuisine, bathing by soft candle-light, massages and mesmerising nights around fires, to close encounters with Africa's big game - all in a luxurious environment, set in one of the world's finest natural sanctuaries. Boundless hospitality is the hallmark of Notten's, and the reason why visitors return again and again to the fine combination of peace, romance, and a touch of decadence - all in untamed Africa.

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 tranquillity until tea time.

5h30: 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 wors which leave the guests in awe. Home-made patés and mousses. Delicious freshly baked cakes are always welcome. Cinnamon nut cake, moist orange cake, rich 'to die for' chocolate, crumpets with strawberry preserve and whipped cream.

Satisfied, guests leave the tea table and board the Land Rover for the evening drive. 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.

ACTIVITIES:

Early morning and evening game drives in an open Land Rover.

Bush walks with an armed game ranger knowledgeable in all aspects of conservation, ecology and the environment of the bush. Birdwatching. Your wildlife safari.

BY ROAD : From Hazyview , take the R536 towards the Paul Kruger Gate and Skukuza . After 37 km you will see the Notten's sign, turn left onto the dirt road. After 7 km you will reach the Sabi Sand Game Reserve Gate. The entrance fee is R70.00/car. Proceed to follow the Notten's signs.

BY AIR : Fly into KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport). Transfer arrangements to be made with independent transfer companies. Alternatively fly direct from JHB international airport to a private airstrip in the Sabi Sand with SA Airlink or Fedair. Notten's will do the transfer from Mala Mala and from Sabi Sabi airstrip for R100 per person.