Notten’s Bush Camp – A Timeless Safari Experience

Our final stop was Notten’s Bush Camp, a lodge I had heard glowing reviews about for years — and I can now confirm every single word was true. Notten’s is a breath of fresh air: warm, traditional, and full of old-school safari charm.

The beautiful Summer House quickly became our favourite spot, with its spacious deck overlooking the bush. It’s where we enjoyed all our meals, though boma dinners are hosted regularly too.

Our suite was wonderfully spacious, featuring a private porch, two bedrooms, and a massive bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. We were welcomed with thoughtful treats — fudge, cookies, wine, sherry — and a completely complimentary minibar, a rare and generous touch.

Our afternoon game drive began with a sleepy Styx pride, followed by giraffes, impalas, kudu, a Wahlberg’s Eagle, and a relaxed young white rhino bull grazing peacefully. As the sun set, we found a dazzle of zebra against a golden backdrop before Jeff revealed the surprise he’d been keeping: a female cheetah with her three subadults — the very same family we had searched for at Umkumbe. Watching four cheetahs together was unforgettable.

Returning to camp felt magical. With limited electric lighting, pathways and buildings glowed softly under lanterns and candles, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Even our suite’s bathroom was transformed into a romantic candlelit space.

At sunrise the next morning, we enjoyed coffee at Summer House — served by a butler — before heading out. Within 15 minutes, we found the Styx pride on a giraffe kill, some feeding while others lounged in post-meal bliss. Later, we visited the Msuthlu pride, whom I hadn’t seen in four years, resting quietly.

We searched for Jacana, a stealthy young female leopard, but she vanished into the thickets. Along the way, we spotted an ostrich, two hyenas, and then received word that Kurhula, a familiar leopard, was nearby. After coffee, we looped back to the plains — and there they were again: the female cheetah and her three subadults, relaxing in the shade as if waiting for us.

From warm hospitality to delicious meals, superb game viewing, and a beautifully simple yet refined atmosphere, Notten’s Bush Camp stands out as an authentic, affordable, and truly special safari destination. The staff and management deserve every bit of praise.