Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp

The Camp:

Washed with the warmth and color of the afternoon sun and in true African style, luxury tents overlook the magnificent bushveld. It is here that our guests while away moments relaxing and reflecting on the tranquility and intimacy afforded by this small camp. Eight comfortable tents, each with private facilities and feature bushveld  bath, connected by pathways with the main Camp.
 
Ideal entry level Lodge where meals are taken together to afford the opportunity for all guests to share the excitement of the day’s game viewing experiences.  Situated a few minutes drive from Thornybush Game Lodge, where extensive Spa Treatments are available to all Chapungu Tented Camp guests.

Accommodation

Relive a bygone era….
 
The famous Victorian explorer Henry Morton Stanley who immortalized the words Dr Livingstone, I presume? wrote these words in his expedition journal:

“For the traveler who is a true lover of wildlife; where can she be found in such variety as in Africa; where is she so mysterious, fantastic and savage; where are her charms so strong her mood so strange”

Now modern day adventurers can journey in the footsteps of the great explorers and rediscover an era of private safari expeditions into the heart of Africa by sleeping under the skies with only canvas to separate themselves from the dangers of the South African bushveld.

Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp is tastefully furnished in old-world colonial splendor and offers safari enthusiasts an atmosphere reminiscent of the style and class of that bygone era complete with great cuisine and old fashioned service.

Chapungu essentials:

• Eight luxury en-suite tents (16 guests)
• Overhead ceiling fans and air-conditioners in all tents
• Rock pool
• Curio shop, boma and dining area
• Wine cellar
• No children under 12 years
• Air-conditioned

Amani Spa

The Thornybush Collection and Amani Spa’s announce a half a million rand make-over at The Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre.
 
Amani Spa’s, operators of the Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre, have just completed  the  construction and renovation of existing Spa facilities at this flagship five star game lodge. The new centre, almost three times the size of the previous  operation and with two  full-time therapists,  will offer a full range of treatments for Thornybush Game Lodge guests, as well as satellite treatments to our guests at  Chapungu and  the group’s self catering camp, Nkelenga, both camps  located  a short distance from Thornybush Game Lodge.
 
Amani Spa’s,  operators of a number of successful wellness centres including Ivory Tree and Simbambili Game Lodges,  Walkersons in Dullstroom, bring proven expertise and well trained therapists,  as well as state of the art equipment and practices to this added value component of a relaxing break  within The Thornybush  Nature Reserve.
 
Guests staying at Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp can make arrangements with their hosts to use the spa arrangements with their hosts to use the spa. Charges are billed to guests direct.

Your Safari

Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.

  A typical day 
 
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.
 
After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
 
After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.
 
Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
 
Our Shangaan trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
 
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm.
 
The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure.
 
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.

Weddings and honeymoons 

Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song…
 
Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
 
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so the we can ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function…
 
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the bride your wishes. Considerations need to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply. Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked exclusively.
 
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up to someone else whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.
 
Honeymoon
 
The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that it is a romantic and unforgettable experience.
The honeymoon package that includes, an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners, honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms.
 
Special occasions
 
For guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones. This information needs to be communicated with your reservations consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it. We will be delighted to work with you to plan something extra special for your celebration to make it memorable. Examples may include a special private dinner in an African River bed, Tribal dancers to present a cake, a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast etc.

Rates:
validity: 01 January – December 09
Package Price PP Sharing Single Supplements Single Person  
Self drive: per night R2 516pp R1 258.00 R5 032.00 Book Now
1 Night Package R6 416pp R1 258.00 R11 832.00 Book Now
2 Nights Package R8 932pp R2 516.00 R16 864 Book Now
3 Nights Package R11 448pp R3 774.00 R21 896 Book Now

Book a package for group of 4 or more and get a discount on transport fare.

The above rates include:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals, teas, coffees and snacks
  • Dawn and dusk safaris in an open land rover and bush walks
  • Sundowner local drinks
  • Road transfer from Pretoria/ Johannesburg
  • Panorama Route 

The above rates exclude:

  • Curios, telephone and Laundry expenses
  • Reserve entrance fees
  • Bar
 Road Transfer Rates only: Click on the rate to book
Road transfer From Johannesburg/Pretoria 1 – 3 Pax 4 – 7 pax  8 – 13 pax
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees) R3 100pv R3 400pv R3 900pv
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees and Panorama Route) R4 300pv R4 600pv R5 500pv