A Magical Escape to Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve

The warm welcome at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve immediately set the tone for what would be an unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped out of our car, we were greeted by the friendly smiles of the staff, who treated us not just as guests but as part of the Mount Camdeboo family. Our adventure began with a refreshing blueberry margarita, which we savored while soaking in the serene surroundings of the reserve. It was simply the perfect start to our magical escape.

The Manor House

The room in the Manor House was nothing short of stunning, offering a view of a beautifully manicured garden. The attention to detail in the decor and comfort was apparent as soon as we entered. With tasteful furnishings, soft linens, and warm lighting, the room created an inviting atmosphere that made it easy to settle in quickly. Adding to this sense of comfort, the spacious bathroom was a highlight, boasting both a luxurious bathtub and a refreshing shower. It was well-equipped with all the essentials, from a sewing kit to high-quality toiletries, ensuring every need was met. As if this weren’t enough, each night, while we were having dinner, the staff prepared our room for bedtime by drawing the curtains and placing a sweet treat on the bed. This thoughtful service made every evening feel even more special and added an extra layer of luxury to our stay.

Gastronomic Delights

Dining at Mount Camdeboo was an extraordinary experience, with each meal served at a new, picturesque location. For example, one lunch we enjoyed with our feet in the tranquil river. It was hard to tell which was more captivating—the setting or the delicious meal itself. Similarly, our mornings began on a delightful note, with the breakfast spread always ready upon our return from the morning game drives. The breakfast featured a variety of options, such as a cheese platter, pancakes, a choice of eggs, yogurt, and fresh fruit, ensuring we started our day fully energised.

As the day progressed, the dining experiences continued to impress. Evenings at the Manor brought a gourmet dining experience with beautifully presented three-course meals.

As a vegetarian used to my only option being a veggie burger, I was thrilled by the variety and creativity of the dishes. The kitchen truly went above and beyond to cater to every guest's needs, making every dining moment a highlight of our stay.

After dinner, we often ended our nights in front of the fireplace, sipping on the famous "Elephants milk" or more commonly known as Amarula on the rocks.

Unforgettable Game Drives

We were fortunate to be assigned Rudolf as our ranger, who quickly became a favourite. His knowledge of conservation, wildlife, and nature was highly impressive. Thinking back, I don’t think there was a single question he couldn't answer. Rudolf also had an uncanny ability to spot animals even from a distance, ensuring we didn't miss a thing. Thanks to his sharp eye, we spotted all the animals we hoped to see (elephant, lion, rhino, and giraffe). His extensive knowledge turned every drive into a captivating learning experience.

The best part of the day was waking up before sunrise, putting on warm ponchos provided by the reserve, and holding onto hot water bottles as we drove through the park. The excitement of not knowing which animals we would see added a thrill to the morning drives. We often stopped at breathtaking locations within the park, my favourite being Eagles Rock, a cliff offering a panoramic view of the reserve. It was at these moments that watching the sunrise while sipping coffee and enjoying home-baked rusks made for the ideal morning.

The afternoon and evening drives were equally enchanting. We ended each drive with sundowners, where the front of the Land Rover transformed into a bar table. I always opted for a pink gin and tonic, perfectly paired with chips and biltong. The combination of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and drinks turned our evenings into pure perfection. When we returned to the main Manor, the staff's hospitality continued to impress. We were each handed warm towels to freshen up, a thoughtful touch that quickly became one of my favourite rituals.

A night in the Pod

One of the most memorable experiences was spending a night in one of Mount Camdeboo’s eco-friendly pods located in the middle of the reserve. We were dropped off in the afternoon with a ready to go braai/bbq package and a delicious tiramisu for dessert. Making our own fire and grilling meat and vegetables while listening to the sounds of the bush was an adventure in itself. The evening ended in the wood fired hot tub right next to the pod, under a sky full of stars which lit up the sky from East to West.

Attention to Detail

Mount Camdeboo is a place where every aspect of your stay is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that every guest is treated like royalty. The attention to detail here is truly unparalleled. For instance, as we checked out, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our car had been cleaned without us asking—a small gesture that exemplified the meticulous planning and execution of every aspect of our stay. Every moment was filled with wonder and delight, from the warm welcome to the exquisite accommodations, from the thrilling game drives to the gourmet meals.

Mount Camdeboo creates memories of the African bush in all its glory. If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, look no further!