Explore Nthakeni Bush & River Camp with Rodney & Elzabe’s Off-Grid UEV 14i Adventure
Posted by Thorn Tree Bush Camp | Travel Stories | Bush Adventures | Kruger Park Getaways
With a bittersweet feeling, we waved goodbye to Mapesu, our trusty UEV 14i packed and ready for the next leg. Our destination? The hidden treasure of Nthakeni Bush & River Camp, quietly nestled just outside Kruger’s Pafuri Gate.
A Hidden Gem in Venda Country
The road in wound through rolling Venda community lands—cattle grazing peacefully, kids waving like old friends. After a few kilometres, the gate to Nthakeni swung open and wow—what a spot! The camp was neat as a pin, with raked roads bordered by stones, clearly a labour of love by the wonderful hosts, Kobus and Aneliz.
They showed us to Crocks Corner, a private riverside site with its own open-air kitchen and loo. No electricity here—just the buzz of birds, the hum of the river, and the soft clinking of cattle bells from the village nearby. Hot water? Old school donkey boiler style—perfect for unplugging and soaking in the bushveld vibes.
Nthakeni: More Than Just a Camp
Perched on the banks of the Mutale River in Limpopo’s northeast, Nthakeni isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a community story told through tourism. The name "Nthakeni" means “Caring for the people” in Tshivenda, and true to that spirit, every stay supports local jobs and skills development. Kobus and Annelize Venter work hand-in-hand with the nearby Nkotswi community, and the camp has a little honesty shop—grab what you need, write it down, and pay on your way out.
Bird lovers, get ready: over 450 bird species call the Pafuri area home. From the cry of the African fish eagle to the flash of a kingfisher, the birdlife is a real treat alongside the peaceful cattle bells that echo through the bush.
Into the Wild: Discovering Pafuri
Our first local adventure took us to the legendary Madifha Big Tree, or Sagole Baobab, near Tshipise. This ancient giant is the biggest baobab in South Africa, with a trunk that measures an impressive 10.8 metres across. The name Madifha is Venda for something deeply meaningful, and local stories honour this tree as sacred. It’s also a nesting site for rare mottled spinetails—nature’s own masterpiece.
The next day, we rolled through Pafuri Gate into Kruger, heading for the Fever Tree Forest and Crooks Corner. Floods have thinned the forest, but the golden fever trees still cast their magic. Wildlife was out in force too, including a stark, raw sight—a fallen elephant surrounded by hundreds of vultures, and a bold jackal weaving through the feast.
Morning brought us to Pafuri Picnic Site for a bush brunch cooked over an open fire, watching elephants and plains game stroll by—breakfast with the best possible view.
Later, we ventured to Punda Maria Rest Camp, one of Kruger’s oldest gems. Its rustic charm and peaceful vibe make it a must-see.
Dinner That Gives Back
A real highlight was dinner at the Tulani Shack Restaurant, right at Nthakeni. Gloria and her partner, locals through and through, served up mouthwatering Traditional chicken and T-bone steak each with its own sides. Best of all, every cent goes back to support their community—good food with an even better cause.
Final Thoughts
As we packed to leave Nthakeni, the river’s gentle murmur and the warm spirit of this place stayed with us. This isn’t just bush camping; it’s a shining example of how tourism can truly uplift and preserve communities and wild places alike.
Discover authentic off-the-grid bush adventures with Thorn Tree Bush Camp—where community, conservation, and heartfelt hospitality create unforgettable journeys beyond the beaten path. Start your own adventure at thorntreebushcamp.co.za.
Our journey heads next to Shingwedzi Rest Camp inside Kruger, but Nthakeni will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Until next time, from Rodney and Elzabe’s UEV 14i adventure—safe travels and happy trails!