A RELAXED WEEKEND AT ZEBRA BUSH CAMP

March 2023

" The Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve is situated in the north-west quadrant of Gauteng Province. The greater Dinokeng area covers approximately 281 000 ha of rural land and is a Gauteng Provincial Government initiative. The project aims to promote economic growth, job creation and social upliftment through conserving and developing the historical, natural, and cultural heritage of the area.” (Dinokeng Website).

Zebra Bush Camp is one of the many privately owned camps inside Dinokeng Game Reserve. It is an excellent choice if you just want to spend a few undisturbed, relaxed days in the bush amongst a plethora of wildlife.

The Game Reserve is approximately 90 kilometers from Johannesburg. Driving on the N1 North, take the Hammanskraal offramp, turn right cross the bridge, and the reserve is right in front of you (Ndlovu Gate).

When entering the reserve there are additional fees to be paid over and above your booking fees. These cover daily self-driving, as well as conservation fees. Dinokeng Game reserve offers several self-driving routes. You are supplied with a map when entering the park.

If you enter through the Ndlovu gate, there is a 10km gravel road that you must navigate before you turn left into a smaller road that leads to Zebra Bush Camp. This road was not in a good condition when we visited. There is an abundance of wildlife, so we suggest you drive slowly and take your time to enjoy the sightseeing. Be on the lookout for other vehicles that often pass at high speed on this road.

Booking at Zebra Bush Camp was easy. Natanya, one of the owners that assisted us, was very friendly and helpful. Once payment was made, we were issued with the required documents, general rules, as well as a liability waver that had to be signed.

There are three stands inside a fenced area, as well as one unfenced campsite in the nearby bush. We were the only people that booked for the weekend; arriving on a Friday afternoon and departing the Monday morning. We were greeted at the gate by Willy, one of the staff members who directed us to our Campsite.

We opted for the unfenced site considering that it is not every day that you get the opportunity to camp in a game park out in the wild so close to home. This stand was large and there was ample space and enough shade for two Senior Tentco Bow Tents. The stand was level, and you camp mostly on sand with a few rocky outcrops.

There is no electricity or gas here so you must bring your own solar or power banks.  There is water at this site and warm water is supplied via a "donkey".

Having only heard about donkey boilers before, I must say that I was more excited about lighting a fire in the belly of that thing than the wildlife that regularly passed through the camp. Willy delivered a bag of wood every morning.

The unfenced campsite also has a lovely boma with fire pit and you will be sitting around the fire and enjoying the evenings until late. Make sure you bring enough wood. At the fire pit you will also find a drum to cover the fire at the end of the evening. Note that you will have to bring your own braaier as there is none at this campsite.

The ablution facility is lovely and typical of what you would expect of such facilities in the bush. There is a shower, flushing toilet and basin, as well as ample space for your toiletries and towels. Water pressure is good and warm water is supplied via the donkey boiler. We felt that the facility could have been a little more private considering that it is so close to where you pitch your tents.

The outdoor kitchen is a typical bush kitchen. There is warm water, two sinks and a space to store your containers or cooler bag for the weekend. Here you will also find a garbage bin as well as a fire extinguisher just in case of emergencies.

Note that the fire pit and boiler is only cleaned once you leave the campsite; utensils to clean these are supplied so you must clean them yourself whilst you are there. There is a bin for the left-over charcoal and ash. We preferred it, that way there is less disturbance, and you can just relax and enjoy nature.

There is a small shop inside the fenced camp that stock a few necessities like wood, ice, and firelighters; not a lot, so make sure you plan properly. Here you will also find a small swimming pool where you can cool off during those hot bushveld days.

If you book at Zebra Bush Camp you will not be disappointed when it comes to animal life, even if you choose not to do any of the self-driving routes. There is a lot of wildlife passing through the camp, as well as an abundance of birds and insects; remember to bring your binoculars. There is a small waterhole close to the camp that attract antelope late in the afternoons and early in the mornings.

The Saturday was a rainy day and after breakfast we decided to do a drive along one of the self-driving routes. You can drive inside the reserve with a normal car however there is a section that require high clearance vehicles.

The park itself is large and you will need at least three days to explore the entire park. You will not be disappointed and there is plenty to see at this game reserve. The route markers are however extremely confusing, so we suggest you do not stray too far from the beaten track.

My dad and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Zebra Bush Camp. The Camp is highly recommended if you are looking for a quick breakaway or a few quiet nights in the African bush. If you live in Gauteng and you have never been to Dinokeng Game Reserve, you are missing out.

What to expect: An authentic African Bush Experience with plenty of wildlife and friendly staff.

Website: wwww.zebrabushcamp.co.za

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