WORDS by SHARA BURGER | IMAGES by SHARA B PHOTOGRAPHY
Set high on the banks of the Ntharalumi river, deep in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, you will find internationally-renowned Tanda Tula safari camp. This well-established tented lodge has just undergone a complete revamp, giving it a bright, bold, and slightly more modern look and feel.
On arrival you are greeted by icy lemonade in a warm and generous lounge area, big couches are covered in golden fabrics while more traditional Malawian chairs with stark black and white cushions complete the well-balanced contrast. This fabulous new look is the brainchild of camp co-owner Nina Scott. With her own unique modern African style she has created something quite beautiful and inspiring, without losing the warm and authentic safari look and feel.
Tanda Tula has magically recreated the true Botswana tented safari camp experience in South Africa, and over the years it has established a well-respected name for itself through integrity, a focus on responsible tourism, offering a genuine safari experience and, of course, the family of staff who look after you and provide the very best South African hospitality. At Tanda Tula the environmental footprint is small and their ethos is honest. They tread lightly on the land, but manage to maintain an extremely high level of comfort, excellent game viewing and wonderful cuisine and service, which all combine to make this camp unlike any other.
As the safari industry has grown, so has Tanda Tula. Understanding the need to continue evolving and improving, Tanda Tula has over the years led the South African tented safari camp experience by introducing activities and a level of service that challenges even the very best camps in the world.
Despite these changes, Tanda Tula has always stayed deeply rooted to the authenticity of their brand. The facelift to the main area and tents has not only made the camp more comfortable and visually more modern, but they have now entered into a new category in terms of tented accommodation. The beautifully situated rooms blend into the natural surroundings, shaded by huge riverine trees, and now boast clean contemporary finishes with all the luxuries of the most sought after safari lodges.
Last year Tanda Tula launched Tanda Tula Field Camp, the first camp of its kind in South Africa.
This is an exclusive-use tented, walking safari camp which is located in a private concession of 6500 ha within the Timbavati. Following in the founding camp’s ethos, it is a completely environmentally friendly camp with non-permanent tents, drawing inspiration from classic East African traditions and style, yet still giving complete privacy and exclusivity, which seem to be growing requirements of the discerning traveller.
Nina and Don Scott, together with the Tanda Tula family, continue to inspire others and grow from strength to strength in this fast moving industry. Safari was invented with a tent, and it seems that it is that romantic intimacy that Tanda Tula aspires to recreate.
Location: Tanda Tula Safari Lodge, Timbavati Private Game Reserve, South Africa
