Hlane Royal National Park

Hlane consists of 2 camps set in prime locations - one that is situated on the flatlands overlooking a popular waterhole and the other on the elevated banks of the densely vegetated Umbuluzana River.

Ndlovu Camp Is situated immediately inside the main gate off the main tarred Simunye road through Hlane. The camp overlooks a waterhole, which, especially in winter, attracts a wide diversity of game including white rhino, elephant and giraffe. The camp is protected from big game by a three-strand electric cordon, which although not stopping smaller game movement, does keep the larger animals at bay. The camp is open and reminiscent of the old Kruger National Park rest camps, with abundant bird life and a relaxed communal atmosphere. Ndlovu is the place to absorb the simple pleasures of Africa.

Bhubesi Camp Is in the northwest corner of the park and can be reached either by internal park roads from the main gate or through a separate gate on the Simunye-Ngomane road (visitors have to check in at the main gate first). The camp overlooks the Umbuluzana River, with its reed beds and dense riverine vegetation. The camp is private and quiet and is not accessible to day visitors, thus perfect for the uninterrupted one-on-one experience with the bush.

ACCOMMODATION:

Ndlovu Camp offers catered and self-catered accommodation. Wisteria Village is a collection of 14 thatched rondavels units with twin bed en-suite rooms. This is ideal groups or individuals wishing to be catered for at the camp restauant. This large open-air restaurant provides wholesome Bushveld cuisine for guests and day trippers. For self-catering there are: 2 double cottage units (1double bed), 2 group cottage units (2 twin bedrooms and 2 double bedrooms) - all with shared bathroom; and 1 large family cottage (2 double bedrooms and a loft with 4 single beds). All these units are thatched rondavel style buildings. There is also a large camping ground with a self-catering kitchen. There is no electricity at Ndlovu Camp. Refrigeration, stoves and hot water are gas powered. Candles and paraffin lanterns provide lighting. Wood is provided for camp fires and the braai areas. Bedding and towels are provided in all accommodation units.

Bhubesi Camp offers self-contained cottages in a pristine riverine setting where one can enjoy home comforts and electricity. There are Six 4-sleeper cottages with 2 twin bedrooms. Each unit is fully furnished and is equipped with: a kitchenette, stove, fridge, eating and catering utensils, comfortable lounge, bedding, towels, shower, bath, toilet , and an outdoor braai area overlooking the river.

Ndlovu Camp offers a total of 14 of these thatched rondavel huts, in a large circular setting. Sometimes referred to as "Wisteria Camp", named after the trees commonly found here, this village is conveniently located within walking distance of the main facilities of Ndlovu Camp, such as the restaurant. None of the accommodation at this camp has electricity, but the lanterns used at night give it the real African bush ambience.

A hot tip from your local connection: This camp is well suited for tour groups, as all units are uniform in appearance and amentities.

Meals need to be taken at the camp restaurant. Individuals wishing to use these huts have the option of using the self-catering facilities in the nearby camp ground kitchen. Each hut has a private ensuite toilet and shower, with hot and cold running water.

Room amenities: Balcony, Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Table Lamp, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor) , Bedding and towels are supplied

Ndlovu Camp offers only 2 units with this configuration. These small thatched cottages have one double bed and open plan eating/lounge area. The unit is fully furnished and is equipped with the following facilities: cooking and eating utensils in kitchenette, a 4-plate gas stove with oven, a gas-powered fridge, 1 internal shower and toilet, and an outdoor braai area.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Dining Area & Settings, Fireplace, Fridge, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor) , Bedding and towels are supplied

Ndlovu Camp offers only 1 unit with this configuration, often called "the Big Hut". Within a large thatched cottage, two downstairs double bed rooms and one 4-bed upstairs loft, allows space for up to 8 persons. The unit is fully furnished and is equipped with the following facilities: cooking and eating utensils, a 4-plate gas stove with oven, gas-powered fridge, 1 internal shower and toilet, and an outdoor braai area.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Dining Area & Settings, Fireplace, Fridge, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor) , Bedding and towels are supplied

There are 2 cottages of this type available, each with 4 bedrooms (2 rooms have a double bed each and the other 2 rooms have 2 single beds each). Each unit is fully furnished and is equipped with the following facilities: spacious kitchen with a gas stove and gas fridge, cooking and eating utensils, large lounge and dining room area, shared internal toilet/bathroom, and a large outdoor braai area.

A hot tip from your local connection: These are ideal for small groups of travellers who are happy to share ablutions and are an affordable option for large extended families.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Bathtub, Dining Area & Settings, Fireplace, Fridge, Living Room/Sitting Area, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Shared Bathroom, Sofa/Lounge Chairs, Table Lamp, Bedding and towels are supplied

Hlane offers a camping ground at Ndlovu Camp with a fair amount of grass and trees. A communal kitchen is available and there is also an ablution block with running water and flush toilets. There are braai facilities and water taps.

The lions can be heard roaring nearby almost every night from this camp and the view onto the nearby waterhole gives regular sightings of white rhino, elephant and giraffee. In the dry months (May - October) this waterhole is the only available drinking point for wildlife in the area and attracts large numbers of animals.

Room amenities: Fireplace, Shared Bathroom

Bhubesi Camp is situated to the north-west of the park. Bhubesi differs from Ndlovu Camp as it's accommodation units are supplied with electricity. There are 6 modern cottages, with stone clad walls and tiled roofs. There are 2 twin rooms per cottage, with a shared bathroom and toilet. These units are fully self-catering with a kitchenette, dining table and lounge. Each cottage has a braai area outside under the riverine trees.

The entire camp overlooks the Mbuluzane River and birdlife is prolific in the surrounding bush. The camp is accessed through the park main entrance at Ndlovu Camp with a 30-40min drive. The road is useable by sedan cars in all but the wettest weather conditions. Alternative access is possible in wet weather by driving via Simunye.

Note: Bhubesi Camp residents must check-in at the Ndlovu Camp entrance first as there are no administrative services at this remote camp.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Bathtub, Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Dining Area & Settings, Fireplace, Living Room/Sitting Area, Potable Tap Water, Shared Bathroom, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor)