Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Notten’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 the Sabi Sand Reserve and Greater Kruger National Park. 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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We spent 4 nights at Nottens bush Camp. We flew into Skukuza airport and were met by Thomas our ranger who greeted us with a warm smile and an ice cold drink. The transfer took 45 minutes to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge we were met and greeted with a lovely cold towel and a glass of water. Welcomed and shown to our room within minutes. The lodge has 9 rooms which are spacious, they have air conditioning, two ceiling fans. There is a full bathroom and an outside shower. Each room has a lovely verandah. Their is a small hairdryer in the room however no mirror in the room or near a plug to connect too. Perhaps they could look at this. The room is very comfortable and well appointed. The main lodge area is very comfortable with a lounge area, comfortable seating arrangements over looking the bushveld and watering hole. There is a very well equipped bar and wine cellar. The food was outstanding, every meal was different and very delicious. The service at the lodge was outstanding. The game drives were excellent and the game ranger was very knowledgeable and interesting. We saw the Big 5 a few times and had other excellent sightings. We also enjoyed a bush walk which was a wonderful experience. The camp has a swimming pool, gym and spa. It was very relaxing and the other guests were very friendly and the entire experience was wonderful. Thank you and well done.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boy, did we have a good time! we'd booked this a long way in advance as part of our three weeks South African extravaganza, flew to Jo'burg then transferred by internal flight to Skikuza from where a Nottens Bush ranger with jeep transferred us the hour or so journey to the camp. just the passage of the transfer saw us enjoying wildlife sights like never before and the driver/guide/ranger was only too pleased to dally and point out the animals and sights. We were still reeling from our overnight international flight and internal transfer when we got to the camp so declined the welcome drinks and got straight to our lodge accommodation which was excellent and exceeded expectations in so many ways: big room, big bed, big bathroom, low tech for sure but some electric lighting and aircon if needed. The views from our private verandah were spectacular and there was even an outdoor shower adjopining the big bathroom. Meals were taken in the main dining hall which had open views across a small plain with constant roaming of wildlife, zebras, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, etc. The food was superb at every meal, the service so freindly and attentive and with evening meals taken as a group event it was a wonderful opportunity to meet other guests. We enjoyed the swimming pool, there were gym and massage facilities, but of course the highlight was the twice a day safari drive which we took with our Shengan Ranger, Geoffrey and his pointer Avi; more......
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently spent four nights at Notten's Bush Camp for a 60th birthday celebration. This was a wonderful unpretentious, value for money (for SA Residents/Citizens) stay.
We had three very sumptuous meals a day, all drinks, including some premium brands and excellent South African wines were included in the overall daily rate.
There were two 'extended' game drives a day, and as there were six of us in our group we had our own dedicated vehicle and ranger. The ranger's knowledge was broad and thorough. His birding knowledge was excellent.
All of the staff we interfaced with were cheerful, polite and helpful. The stay really felt like our home away from home - not one of those 'over-priced' pretentious lodges that offer everything Notten's was able to offer, but with added Bling at double the rates.....
Notten's is an affordable, unpretentious lodge with the essentials but without the bling and frills - highly recommended value for money.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Ask for a bush-facing room - most are, but one or two look out on to the other rooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent three unforgettable nights at Nottens. We went in Feb 23 during a once in a generation rain period but had an amazing experience nonetheless. We saw a lot of wildlife and our guide Thomas was unbelievably knowledgeable. We stayed with him for all the drives and there were only 5 of us in the vehicle which meant we could all get to know each other and see a lot. We saw all the big 5 except for the buffalos and got close to a giraffe on a guided walk in the bush. The accommodation is top notch and you feel as though you are in a really special place. The web site isn't up to date as all the cabins have electricity and A/C now, and there is a back up generator when load shedding occurs. We stayed in N°4, which felt really private. The decking wasn't overlooked at all, just us looking out into the bush. We used both the inside and outside showers, with the bathroom being equivalent to a top hotel. The bed was big and comfortable. In terms of the people, we were made to feel very special. All the staff were very friendly and Dale and Jan were welcoming hosts for evening drinks, a special time with all the lanterns lit. David picked us up when our taxi transfer couldn't cross the swollen stream and he was very friendly too. Dale and David being Nottens, this genuinely is a family run lodge. Jan was a superb chef too. All the staff , and especially Pearl and Gift who we saw a lot, were lovely. We met lots of friendly guests too , although I would say that most people were over 40 so might not suit people wanting a younger crowd. The camp has a limit of about 18 people so has a small relaxed atmosphere. The abundant food was wonderful and again, the website isn't up to date as all alcohol is included in the price. Laundry is also included. We used the pool which is 20m long, so enough for a good swim and at this time of year (February) was a beautiful temperature. All in all, a wonderful experience.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Room 4 has an excellent private view of the waterhole
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's so rare to stay in a place where it's hard to rave enough about it to give it proper credit. Nottens is one of those places! The staff (headed by the always helpful and cheerful Dale) was amazingly kind and accommodating. They always went above and beyond to make us comfortable,worry free and mindful of the amazing surroundings. We had monkeys on our patio, and always animals and birds within easy sight from our room. We stayed in Room 1 and loved it! Then there were the game drives. We had such amazing sightings, including rhinos, tons of terrific birds, leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, cape buffalo - you name it. We saw it all! What a great time we had! Oops, almost forgot the great food. Yep, it's the best!
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Date of stay: November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Notten’s bush camp is the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity, not garishly overdone, with lanterns lighting your way in the evenings, complimenting the magic of the bush and the star-filled African sky. The lodge is made up of only 9 private suites, which gives one a sense of exclusivity. We just love the unhurried game drives, hearty meals, friendly faces and good conversations around a boma fire. The staff go out of their way to make every second special and memorable and the managers and owners are hands on and passionate about what they do. Set in the Sabi Sands game reserve, which in my opinion offers a safari experience that is hard to match in other game reserves around the world. The highly trained guides are patient and alert, and will make sure you are in the best position at every sighting. They’re intuitive and cater to their guests’ every need.
Notten’s Bush Camp remains one of our favourite destinations in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and we cannot wait to visit again soon.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The people, the facilities, the food and drink, the ambience and the game were almost perfection. We have never, in 5 camps over the years, had such caring, generous, kindly and helpful people. Dale was the consummate host; always asking if we lacked anything or needed another drink, another type of drink or anything at all. The main cabin and our wonderful, romantic room enticed one to stay forever. The food was over the top in quality and quantity. We were kept busy with game drives, so regretfully only used the large, beautiful pool once. Here we saw our 1st white rhino in the wild and our tracker and guide managed to find pretty well everything else we had hoped for. Notten's now, I believe in everyone of the cabins, has air conditioning; our #1 certainly did. We knew that the romantic candle and lantern light would be inadequate for reading in bed, so we brought the necessary headlamps.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I recently returned from Nottens Bush Camp and had the trip of a lifetime. The whole experience was superalative. From the ease of booking and the flexibility and friendliness shown by Mie in the reservation process which was complicated in these Covid times and the attentivness, proffessionalism and friendleness of the whole staff at Nottens. The owner David and the whole staff treats you like a family friend rather than a paying guest. The place is beautiful and luxurious but you still feel like you are out in the bush. And of course the highlight was the game drives you can pay ten times as much and not have better sightings. I saw numerous leopards, lions cheetah buffalo elephants baby impalas other mamals and numerous species of birds. But it wasnt only seeing the animals, at many of the sighings the animals were active and doing fascinating things and they also offer a daily bush walk. And the food and wine were gourmet. I want to thank Tineko ( an amazing field guide) Thomas Joe Keri Phindela Gift who all go out of their way to be helpful and a special thanks to the manager Dale who takes care of all your needs. Just can wait to come back Thank You Nottens-Alan
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Date of stay: November 2020
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were greeted at the Skukuza airport by Notten’s staff where our amazing adventures began! We stayed four nights at Notten’s and everyone we came in contact with was so genuinely nice and helpful. The food was delicious. The Safari drives/driver and animal sightings were amazing. The staff was superb. The rooms were spacious with updated bathrooms, large sitting areas and outdoor patios. The communal areas were open and large. The grounds were lovely. We did try a quick dip in the pool which was refreshing. Evenings were magical with lanterns all over camp and dinner by candlelight. Dinner in the Boma as well as a sundowner ‘meet-up’ in the bush were extra special. We had plenty of electrical outlets to charge our devices/cameras and electrical lights in the rooms-bathrooms. There are still candles if you prefer those too! All around a simply wonderful time for our family at Notten’s!
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I enjoyed a memorable 4 night stay at Notten's in June this year and found it the perfect safari experience to end our 3 week trip on a real high. Having stayed at 3 lodges prior to arriving at Notten’s, we had been fortunate to have a wonderful time at each. However, Notten's somewhat unsurprisingly and yet all so subtly, offered an elevated experience throughout.
Without going into great detail and spoiling the surprises in store for prospective guests reading this, suffice to say, guests want for nothing and are privy to personalised, slick service throughout but one which manages to exude and retain an air of genuine air of warmth throughout.
The game drives were spectacular at times with Leopard sightings particularly prominent. However and without downplaying this aspect, there was a degree of expectation around the sightings being fruitful given Notten’s location, the area of its sole traverse and the fact it also shares a large portion of Sabi Sabi's traverse. What I will say is that the game viewing certainly lived up to our expectations with us spotting 6 of the magnificent 7 over 8 drives with only the enigmatic Wild Dogs eluding us despite best efforts made. Two separate cheetah sightings, the first of our trip were the undoubted highlight for us.
What we did not expect or fully appreciate until we experienced it in person was the ambience of the camp yes during the day but by goodness especially in the evenings when the camp is quite incredibly lit throughout by cleverly placed and positioned candles and paraffin lanterns. I genuinely cannot imagine a more magical, romantic out of Africa setting is I tried and it was this, along with the warmth and excellence of its staff that will stay long in the memory of how I will recall our first ever Notten's experience.
Having experienced a safari at Notten’s, I can easily now understand why they receive such a high rate of return guests for all facets and walks of life. Once you have experienced Notten’s of an evening, it is difficult to not crave a repeat of the wonderful ambience it creates for guests to experience. Add in the unpretentious nature of the camp itself, its staff, the facilities, accommodation and game viewing then you have what is for me, the perfect mix.
For our relatively modest safari budget, Notten’s is priced higher than we would normally be comfortable stretching to as part of our 3 week trips to the bush. However, as annual safari pilgrimage seekers, there is no doubt we will soon once again blow the budget and return to Notten’s for a second stay. It is simply too good to miss out.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
if you fly into Skukuza airport one of the drivers from Nottens will collect you their and take you the short distance to the lodge. I did see some elephants on this route. You will have to arrange this with Nottens. Nespuit airport is approx 3 hours drive from the lodge and you will have to arrange a taxi. I believe I paid around €50.00 each way for the transfer. You will see a lot of the African countryside from nespuit to nottens.
There are more places to choose from in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
notten`s bush camp hotel sabi sand game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkSabi Sand Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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