In February 2023 we returned to Tambuki 4x4 Camp (in the Sondela Nature reserve) where we stayed previously in September 2022. We spent a weekend camping with a group of friends. It ended up being a very wet and soggy weekend, with rain falling for most of the weekend. Camping in a rain is a different kind of camping experience, and with the right equipment, a few beers, and some Old Brown Sherry, it can really be quite pleasant!
Tambuki is an off-grid camp site in the middle of the Sondela Nature Reserve. There is no electricity, so solar panels and dual battery systems are recommended, but not essential - as long as you have a good cooler box for your food and drinks, and a couple of battery powered lights.
There are 5 stands at Tambuki, each stand with its own unique character. We booked out the entire campsite for the weekend, so it was exclusively ours which made for a great weekend with no-one else around to disturb us. There are outdoor showers, with warm running water, provided through a wood-fired "donkey". There are two flushing toilets and basins for washing up. There is also a big thatched lapa and central fire-pit / braai area for larger parties. The lapa proved invaluable, providing us with ample shelter from the rainy conditions.
The nature reserve offers games drives, mountain biking, horse riding, quad biking, and a 4x4 obstacle course. For the less adventurous camper, or those not equipped for off-grid camping, there is also a more traditional caravan park in the reserve with electricity and private ablutions. There are also chalets.
Sondela is situated about 150KM north of Johannesburg, just outside of Bela Bela, in the Limpopo Province. The roads are good, and the nature reserve is easily found using Waze, or Google / Apple Maps.
More information on the campsite, including contact and booking information can be found at sondela.com
My vehicle is a Ford Ranger Wildtrak (Thunder Edition) 2.0l bi-turbo diesel, fitted with a Front Runner Slimline II rack over the load bed, a Front Runner SlimSport rack on the roof, and a Front Runner Roof Top Tent.
For power I use a National Luna DC25 battery pack which is wired into my vehicle for charging whilst driving, and a solar panel for charging whilst in camp. I have a Dometic CFX 35 litre fridge, which runs off the National Luna DC25.
I also use a Jackery 200w Solar Power Station for charging cellphones, camera batteries etc.
I used the following photographic equipment to shoot this video:
Canon EOS R mirrorless camera
RF 24-105 L series lens
RF 14-35 L series lens
GoPro Hero 11 Black
GoPro Hero 7 Black
GoPro 4 Session
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
I am not sponsored by any of the above brands.
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