From Kruger to the Kloofs: The Slow Road Home to Thorn Tree Bush Camp

After a soul-stirring stay at Nthakeni Bush and River Camp, nestled along the Mutale River in the far north, we turned the nose of our bakkie south — toward home. But for us, home isn’t just a destination. It’s a journey shaped by gravel roads, quiet campsites, and the people we meet along the way.

And the journey back to Thorn Tree Bush Camp, in the wild heart of Dinokeng Game Reserve, has been one to remember.

Kruger’s Pensioner Safari: Shingwedzi & Satara

Our first stop was the northern reaches of Kruger National Park. Two nights at Shingwedzi Rest Camp offered peaceful riverside views, the occasional ellie crossing the road, and mopani leaves dancing in the winter breeze. Then it was on to Satara Rest Camp, right in the heart of predator country.

But the real spectacle? The overwintering pensioners.

The camps were packed with seasoned adventurers — most from the Western and Eastern Cape — who migrate north each winter with their caravans and tent trailers. Every site told a story: windbreaks neatly pegged down, ground sheets swept clean, kettles whistling by 4:30 p.m. Braais lit early. Camp chairs angled for the sunset. And stories shared like clockwork, often around mugs of something warm.

It’s amazing how South Africa’s pensioners have turned the low-veld and Kruger into a seasonal village. Their love for the bush is deeply inspiring, a reminder that the call of the wild doesn’t fade with age — it deepens.

A Breath of the Blyde: Six Nights at Swadini

After the rich predator sightings and lively camp life of Kruger, we set our sights on something quieter — and perhaps greener. We headed west to Swadini, A Forever Resort, just outside Hoedspruit, nestled in a dramatic basin beneath the Blyde River Canyon.

Swadini welcomed us with open arms and towering cliffs. We camped beneath shady trees, lulled by the sounds of the nearby Blyde River. The air was crisp in the mornings and warm by midday, perfect for hikes, braais, and trips to the surrounding area, like Kampersrus, and Hoedspruit.

The resort is a haven for families and overlanders alike — with well-kept facilities, natural beauty all around, and easy access to some of Limpopo’s best attractions. We spent our days exploring nearby waterfalls, taking lazy strolls through the canyon trails, and simply soaking in the views of the third-largest canyon in the world. The contrast from Kruger’s dusty plains was refreshing — here, mountain mist and tumbling streams offered a completely different kind of bush magic.

Six days flew by.

Into the Misty Mountains: Magoebaskloof Next

From Swadini, our journey continues — though we’re nearing the end. Next stop: Haenertsburg, in the Magoebaskloof region, for a last taste of mountain air before the final leg home. This highland hamlet is famous for its misty forests, craft coffee, waterfalls, and winding forest drives. It’ll be the perfect last pause before returning to the lowveld heat of Dinokeng.

There’s something about Haenertsburg’s mossy trees and crisp mornings that makes you want to slow down and breathe a little deeper — a good way to reset before returning to camp life as hosts.

Back to the Bush: Thorn Tree Awaits

Soon, we’ll be back at Thorn Tree Bush Camp, where the thorn trees stretch skyward, and the campfires crackle to life each evening. We’ll return with fresh stories, new friendships, and maybe even a few tips from the seasoned Kruger crowd.

This journey — from Nthakeni’s riverbanks to Kruger’s predator country, Swadini’s green basin to Magoebaskloof’s misty slopes — reminds us why we built Thorn Tree in the first place. A place where camping meets connection, and where every return feels like coming home.

Plan Your Own Route to the Wild

Whether you’re a first-timer with a ground tent or a pensioner in a luxury rig, there’s a road waiting to be taken and a fire waiting to be lit.

Watch this space as we gear up for our next adventure with the trusty UEV-14i in tow! New, unexplored camping spots are calling — and we can’t wait to share the hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path campsites, and wild bush experiences we discover along the way. The open road is waiting…

See you under the thorn trees.
Visit us: www.thorntreebushcamp.co.za