ANTARES BUSH CAMP & SAFARIS

Antares Bush Camp is an exclusive self-catering 3-star lodge located within the Balule Nature Reserve which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This small lodge is perfectly suited to accommodate small groups or families, with five en-suite bedrooms for a maximum of eight guests, ensuring privacy.

The camp entrance with tracks from lions embedded into the floor, flows through to views of a giant Baobab in the garden and onto a deck that leads to a spacious lounge and dining area with views of the waterhole.

The bushveld gardens located between the decks and at the front of the lodge with its indigenous plants attracts a wide variety of birds and butterflies throughout the year.

Walking under a trellis with an indigenous creeper, whose flower is used to colour your gins blue, you enter the main building consisting of the dining room, reception, and lounge which displays old family portraits and antique furniture. The dining area overlooks the bushveld towards Grietjie Berg. A stone-cladded fireplace adds ambiance during cooler winter evenings, while the open rafters keep the space cool in summer.

Leading off from the dining area, is the lounge which includes Leadwood trees in the design, recycled pallet sofas, a well-stocked library, and an interesting curiosity table with artefacts from the bush. The Leadwood trees were all recovered from our own property, which had been cut down several years ago. Two decks lead off from the lounge offering views of the waterhole. Guests can also enjoy the plunge pool and braai (barbecue) area.

The main building also includes a large kitchen equipped with an electric oven and gas hob. Alternatively, guests can request a chef (for an additional fee) to enjoy a catered option, however they must provide their own beverages.

The bedrooms lead off from the main deck and all have an en-suite bathroom with inside and outside showers with either twin or king beds. One room is set up as a family room with a queen bed for parents in one bedroom, and a bunk bed for children in an adjoining room with a shared bathroom.

The star attraction is the sunken Umgede Hide, which is located within the camp gardens at the water’s edge and allows close-up wildlife viewing at eye level. Umgede hide is accessible 24/7 so there are no booking slots to adhere to, you can even sleep in there as there is a comfy day bed with pillows and blankets provided, whilst you wait for that special night shot. Adjustable office chairs situated at open windows with camera supports enhance the comfort for photographers.

Non-photographers can relax and wait for the animals and sip a cup of coffee or glass of wine, as there is a small fridge and coffee station within Umgede hide, along with charging ports for all your equipment and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge. Guests can request a professional photographer who will help them capture those award-winning photos. Requesting a photographer’s services runs from 12 noon to 12 noon the following day and needs to be booked in advance.

Umgede Hide is one of only a few underground hides that have become popular recently and allows guests to experience game viewing from a whole new perspective. There are very few hides like Umgede Hide where you have unlimited access and exclusivity.

Guests can also relax at the camp or arrange guided experiences, either in an open game viewer or on foot and explore almost 7500ha, including over 10kms of Olifant’s River frontage.

The reserve is home to almost all mammal species including the big 5 found in Kruger National Park. The bird list includes over 300 species.  Pel’s Fishing Owl and African Finfoot are amongst the rare sightings that have been seen along the river.

The winter months provide a comfortable environment for exploring the bush, with dry and relatively warm days. Summer receives rainfall between October and April with high daytime temperatures.

One game activity/day is included in the rates. The reserve does not permit self-drive activities.

Parking for up to four vehicles is available at the camp if you self-drive or transfers can be arranged from Eastgate airport in Hoedspruit or by Swift Kruger Shuttle from Johannesburg to the reserve entrance gate where you will be collected.