From Campfire to Campground: Rodney & Elzabé’s Camping Journey

If you’ve ever stayed at Thorn Tree Bush Camp, tucked in the heart of the Dinokeng Game Reserve, you’ve felt it—that sense of peace only the bushveld can offer. The crackle of a fire under a star-filled sky. The thoughtful touches that make camping feel effortless. And the quiet magic of waking up to birdsong instead of alarm clocks.That’s no accident. Thorn Tree was built with love—shaped by two people who live and breathe the outdoors.

How It All Began

In April 2016, we bought Thorney Bush Cottage with dreams of retiring there one day. As life would have it, retirement came a little sooner than expected—and just like that, Thorn Tree Bush Camp was born.

What started with a few fully equipped safari tents quickly grew. Guests loved the peace and simplicity, so more tents were added. After COVID, we opened our private bush campsites—each with its own private ablution—tucked among the trees for that perfect mix of privacy and immersion in nature.

Every year since, we’ve made small changes—renovations, upgrades, clever tweaks—to make the experience even better.

And all through it, we’ve held onto the reminder from Psalm 121:1–2:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

In this quiet corner of the bush, surrounded by His creation, we’re reminded daily of that promise.

Meet Rodney & Elzabé

As passionate campers and proud owners of Thorn Tree, we’re almost never indoors. When we’re not chatting with guests or fine-tuning things around camp, we’re usually on the road—exploring other campsites and reserves in our trusty Conqueror 4x4 trailer, chasing sunsets, swapping stories around the fire, and collecting fresh inspiration along the way.

Campers First, Camp Owners Second

Our love for camping started long before Thorn Tree. What began as weekend getaways grew into a lifestyle—off-road trails, remote campsites, and plenty of trial-and-error on what actually works when living out of a trailer.

That hands-on experience lives in every corner of the camp—from how the stands are spaced to thoughtful extras like rocket water boilers that add to the rustic bushveld charm.

Why the Bush Still Matters

For us, it’s never just been about getting away—it’s about reconnecting. The bush strips away the noise. It teaches patience. And it gives you the kind of moments that stay with you: early-morning moerkoffie brewed over the fire, surprise sightings on a game drive, or just sitting quietly, watching the sun melt behind the trees.

It’s in those still moments where faith feels strongest—where the bushveld becomes a quiet cathedral, and the wild reminds you of the beauty in simplicity.

Bringing It All Home

Every trip we take, every lesson we learn—how to pack better, where to pitch for shade, what makes a campsite feel special—feeds straight back into Thorn Tree.

It’s camping, built by campers, for campers. That’s what makes this place different.

Because once you’ve sat around enough campfires, you pick up a thing or two. And we’ve poured all of that experience into creating a bush camp where adventure meets comfort—from private stands and tented camps to cosy cabins.

The Heart of Thorn Tree

And let’s not forget the real heroes—our amazing staff, the pride and joy of the camp. Whether it’s helping carry luggage to the tents, lighting the rocket boilers early in the morning (and again in the evening), or greeting you with a smile and a “Sawubona, welcome home,” they go above and beyond to make every guest feel like part of the family.

🌿 Stay tuned for our next blog post: Black Thorn Tented Camp – Where the Bush Breathes and the Fire Talks