From Wilderness Fires to Rocket Heat: An African Bush Camp Tale

In the untamed heart of Africa, where fires once flickered under thorn trees and water was warmed the hard way, a quiet revolution sparked to life — blending the wisdom of the old ways with the firepower of modern innovation. This is the story of how hot water, survival, and a love for the bush evolved together under African skies.

And like many of our stories at Thorn Tree Bush Camp, it begins with a flicker of flame, a dusty trail, and the longing — after a long day’s safari or hike — for the simple joy of a warm shower under the stars.

The Bushveld and the Battle for Warm Water

In South Africa’s bushveld, where the wind dances through acacia trees and time moves to the rhythm of the wild, comfort is earned. For years, hot water was a luxury that required effort, creativity, and a deep understanding of fire. And when you’re miles from the grid, with only the sound of hornbills and the distant call of jackals to keep you company, you learn fast how to make a plan.

At Thorn Tree, where we’ve always tried to walk the line between bush authenticity and guest comfort, we’ve lived through this evolution of bush water-heating — from donkey boilers to gas geysers, and now the quiet genius of the rocket boiler. Each step has taught us something. Each fire has its own story.

The Donkey Boiler: Where It All Began

For many of us who’ve spent time in wild places, the trusty old donkey boiler is a symbol of grit and ingenuity. Ours was no different — a rugged, repurposed 44-gallon drum perched beside the shower block, fed by wood and watched carefully by anyone hoping for warm water.

The system was simple: build a fire under the drum, channel the hot water through a few pipes, and hope for the best. It was a labour of love and occasionally a battle of wills. It needed tending like a stubborn old mule — hence the name “donkey” boiler. Too hot, and you’d scald yourself. Too cold, and you’d dance under icy drips.

Back then, every warm shower came with a smoky face, a bit of ash in your coffee, and the knowledge that someone had been up long before sunrise chopping kindling. Romantic? Sometimes. Reliable? Not really.

Gas Geysers: A Glimmer of Hope (and a Puff of Smoke)

When we first set up Thorn Tree Bush Camp, we thought we’d discovered the perfect solution: gas geysers. After all, we were building a bush camp for campers and caravanners who wanted a bit of luxury — a safari feel with warm showers and proper comfort.

The idea was simple: open the tap, and out comes hot water. No firewood. No smoke. No early wake-ups to start a flame. For a while, it worked beautifully. It was summer, the geysers were new, and the system seemed to hum along.

Then winter came.

Gas geysers, as many campers know too well, have a way of failing just when you need them most. A little morning frost and suddenly… silence. No click. No heat. Just the cold realization that the system you trusted is as temperamental as a warthog in a bad mood.

Whether it was a blocked nozzle, a finicky igniter, or an empty bottle at the worst time — we soon found ourselves back at square one, fiddling with knobs and gas lines while guests stood shivering. It was time for a rethink.

Enter the Rocket Boiler: Bushveld Innovation at Its Best

During our off-grid travels, particularly through the rugged beauty of the Karoo, we encountered all sorts of creative donkey boiler setups. One that really stuck with us was at Skurweberg, a remote Karoo gem where life is lived the old-fashioned way. Behind their quirky and unforgettable “Karoo Bathroom” stood a curious contraption — a compact, wood-burning donkey boiler that radiated warmth and bush ingenuity.

The system was delightfully simple: draw hot water into a bucket from the donkey, hoist it up using a pulley, and open the tap at the base for a proper bushveld shower with sweeping views of the Karoo plains. Prefer a soak instead? You could just as easily fill the bath and enjoy an open-air bath like no other. It was here that Elzabé even learned to make traditional Boerseep from scratch — another nod to the self-sufficient magic of the Karoo.

And then came the turning point: we spotted our first rocket boiler.

It was love at first sight. The efficiency, the clean burn, the simplicity — we knew this was what Thorn Tree needed. Once back home, we began our search for someone who could help us make the switch from our unpredictable gas geysers to rocket boilers. To our delight, we discovered Schola’s Steel Works in Bronkhorstspruit — already crafting rocket boiler systems perfectly suited for the bush.

That marked the start of our hot water revolution. We began systematically replacing every gas geyser with rocket boilers.

And what a difference it’s made.

How the Rocket Boiler Works: Simplicity with Bush Genius

At its core, the rocket boiler is an ingenious upgrade to the old donkey boiler. A fire is built inside a small, efficient combustion chamber — and above it runs a pipe surrounded by a water tank. The heat rises through the chimney, efficiently heating the water with very little wood.

This creates what’s known as the rocket effect: rapid combustion that pulls air in and channels the heat directly where it’s needed. The result? Hot water, fast — using less wood and almost no smoke.

There’s no gas bottle to monitor. No electric element to fail. No pressure pump to give out in the middle of a cold snap. Just fire, water, and clever design.

Even better, the firewood we use is harvested responsibly and burns completely, leaving behind only a fine white ash — a far cry from the smoky monsters of old.

At Thorn Tree Bush Camp, our six private bush campsites and fully equipped safari tented camps now has its own rocket boiler, tucked into the bush with love. Guests get to light their own fire, or let our staff prepare it — either way, it’s part of the experience. As the flames crackle and the water warms, it feels less like utility and more like ritual.

You might spot one of our team members — always ready with a grin — heading off with a bundle of kindling in the early morning. They take real pride in lighting those fires, making sure your shower is ready for you at first light or after sunset. When you see them, give them a smile or a thank you — their dedication keeps the heart of Thorn Tree glowing.

Why It Matters: Comfort, Sustainability, and the Spirit of the Bush

Switching to rocket boilers wasn’t just a choice — it was a commitment to the kind of camping and self-catering bush experience we believe in. We’re bush lovers ourselves. We’ve travelled with our Conqueror trailer, camped under baobabs, shivered in icy highlands, and cooked by firelight from Golden Gate to Tankwa Karoo.

So when we say that hot water matters in the bush — we speak from the heart.

Rocket boilers give us a way to offer comfort without compromise. They align with our eco-friendly values, minimize our environmental footprint, and create moments our guests talk about long after they leave.

“Lighting that little fire under the rocket boiler became part of our evening ritual,” wrote one guest recently. “There’s something magical about standing under the shower with hot water running down your back, knowing it was warmed by your own hand.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Solar Power: The Next Chapter in Our Bush Energy Story

Of course, hot water is only one piece of the puzzle.

As anyone running a camp in South Africa knows, Eskom is… let’s just say, unreliable. Power outages, rising costs, and inconsistent supply make it hard to rely on the grid. So we made another big step: solar.

Working with Envirolec, we installed a 20kW solar system, designed to carry a significant load and buffer us against outages. While it doesn’t yet cover 100% of our usage, it’s a major leap toward independence.

We monitor our usage, prioritize solar power during the day, and carefully manage battery storage for nighttime needs. We’ve said goodbye to load shedding, and hello to a more self-sufficient future — powered by sun and flame.

At Thorn Tree Bush Camp, we’re building something lasting. Not just for ourselves, but for every guest who joins us on this journey into the wild.

The Warmth of Thorn Tree: More Than Just a Shower

At the end of the day, it’s not really about water, or wood, or even the rocket boiler itself. It’s about the experience.

It’s the moment a camper lights their first rocket fire and grins as steam rises from the tank.

It’s the bush baby calling in the dusk as warm water hits tired shoulders.

It’s the comfort of knowing that even out here — in the thick of the wilderness — you’re cared for, thoughtfully, sustainably, and with heart.

From the first smoky donkey drum to the clean burn of today’s rocket system, this journey has always been about more than plumbing. It’s about honouring our past while crafting a better, greener future.

So whether you’re arriving with a bush trailer, pitching a tent under the stars, or relaxing in one of our eco-friendly tented cabins, know this: behind every hot shower is a story. And behind that story is a flame.

 Come feel the warmth for yourself — where every flicker of fire tells a tale, and every steaming drop is a celebration of bushveld living.

 Thorn Tree Bush Camp — where the wild calls, and memories are made by the firelight.