Gwala Gwala is the name given by the Zulus to the Purple-crested Lourie, which can be found in the Riverine in which the camp has been built. Gwala Gwala is located in the Mpumalanga / Limpopo Province Lowveld just outside the Timbavati / Klaserie Nature Reserve. The farm is some 30 minutes’ drive from the Kruger National Park. Gwala Gwala is a reserve of approximately 500ha. It has a variety of ecosystems with at least seven plant communities having been identified. The Klaserie River forms the Eastern boundary of the farm, with the Drakensberg Escarpment providing breathtaking views to the west. A borehole provides the camp’s water requirements. The animals obtain their water from the Klaserie River and four dams.

The climate is warm to tropical with summer temperatures of approximately 35°Coccurring during the months of December, January and February. Nights are comfortably warm. Winter evenings can be cold. The height of the rainy season being from January to March. Gwala Gwala is situated in a “ low risk “ malaria area.

Activities are geared to enable guests to get the most out of their bushveld experience. Game viewing, bush walking and bird watching are the three main activities at Gwala Gwala. On the reserve you may see more than 28 animal species including giraffe, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu, nyala, reedbuck, bushbuck, hyaena and many of the smaller antelope species. In addition, look out for animals such as caracal, serval, genet, bush pig, warthog and monkeys. If you’re lucky, you could even see a leopard.

Due to the nature of the activities offered, the reserve is not home to the Big Five. These may be viewed on surrounding reserves or in the Kruger National Park where Big Five game drives, in open vehicles, can be arranged (the Orpen Gate is some 30 minutes drive from Gwala Gwala). Bird watching is fabulous with bird life being both prolific and varied. A canoe, for birding on Gwala Gwala’s dam, is available for hire. 

Guests are free to walk, relax by the swimming pool or simply enjoy the quiet beneath the camp’s shady huilboerboon and jackalberry trees. Evening meals can be enjoyed around a campfire in the lapa (a circular reed enclosure built on traditional African lines as protection against wild animals).

A central “treehouse“ is built among jackalberry and tamboetie trees on a wooden platform about 2 to 3 metres off the ground. This consists of a bar, breakfast and reading area. It is a quiet place where guests can discuss the day’s happenings or simply sit quietly, listening to the sounds of the bush or bird watching. There is a deep swimming pool around which guests may relax during the heat of the day. The camp has been kept small and private so as to heighten the awareness of truly being in the African bush. Safari tents are situated far apart so as to ensure guests’ privacy.

(Click on the photo for an expanded view...)

Accommodation consists of five luxury safari tents with a veranda and en-suite bathroom (with shower or bath). All are built on wooden platforms off the ground and are situated along the Klaserie River. Bedrooms are insect proof and equipped with a fan and insect repellent mats. All linen and towels (including swimming towels) are provided. The camp is fully electrified. Each unit has its own fully equipped kitchen and braai area.

Rates Include:
Accommodation, all meals, game drives and guided walks on Gwala Gwala & 1 Big Five game drive per person per day

Rates Exclude:
Gratuities, Beverages, telephone calls, laundry and items of a personal nature.
Additional Big 5 Game Drive, Morning or afternoon / evening Big 5 Game drives in open vehicles

Out of consideration for future guests, you are requested to refrain from smoking in your tents.

Gwala Gwala is a place of tranquillity and peace. You are requested to please refrain from playing your radios while you are with us.

Gwala Gwala has no telephones, televisions or radios. However, a telephone is available at the office in case of emergency. The camp is not fenced, so animals may wander in freely to feed.

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