Notten's Bush Camp

A fantastic experience from start to finish. A family-run camp that really shows in every detail. Dave is hands on in every way and makes sure his guests are looked after. The camp itself is spectacular, with beautiful views from the lounge area. One can sit for hours here. The pool area kept the kids busy all day and is big enough to work off a big breakfast. The food was top notch - loved every meal. All the rangers were really fantastic. We had 9 kids on our trip and the patience shown by them on drives was admirable. A frequent travellers to the bush, I would highly recommend Nottens.

We just completed our first safari at Nottens and had an incredible experience! We loved the family-run, authentic atmosphere and had wonderful service from the whole team. All the rangers/spotters we had (Ben & Joe, Jeff, and Wonder) grew up in the bush and were super knowledgeable, entertaining, and passionate about the animals and preserving the environment. I was sick one of the days and Tiffany, one of the reception managers, came to personally check on me, gave me medicine, and helped make special arrangements with the kitchen so I felt better by the next day. The chef was also so lovely and came to speak with us and make sure he understood our dietary preferences after that. We saw the Big 5 on the Nottens' property but if you have time, we recommend doing the Kruger excursion as an add-on just to see the animals in a different environment. Hats off to the entire Nottens team, we highly recommend!

Our family spent an incredible 5 nights at Nottens in January and loved every minute of it. From the beautiful rooms and lodge, to the quality game viewing and high level of service, we would be back again in a heartbeat. Dave and his team provide an exceptional experience from start to finish and I couldn't recommend it more highly.

This camp in unbelievably good! The accommodation is absolutely fantastic – very comfortable and spacious and the fridge is well stocked! The dining area is so tastefully decorated and the food here is fantastic – so tasty and varied. ||The wildlife we saw on the drives was amazing and the Trackers and Drivers are superb; a special thank you to Jeff who is so knowledgeable and informative. We were thrilled to see The Big Five in classic style! The bush walk with Mr T was also special and interesting. We also saw many interesting animals on our balcony. ||All the staff are so friendly and attentive. Thank you for making our 3 nights here so special. We hope to see you again one day.

I stayed at Notten’s Bush Camp with a friend in early January, and the experience exceeded every expectation. The game drives alone would have made this trip unforgettable. The early morning drives from 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM were perfectly timed, beautifully paced, and incredibly productive. In just 24 hours, over two game drives, we were fortunate enough to see all of the Big 5. Anything beyond that felt like an incredible bonus. The afternoon and evening game drives from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM were equally special, offering a completely different perspective of the bush as animals became active again and the light shifted into sunset and darkness. These night drives added an exciting dimension to the safari experience and consistently delivered memorable sightings. And the bonuses kept coming. On our final day, we had the rare privilege of seeing wild painted dogs, a sighting that is truly special and not at all guaranteed. A huge shout out goes to Ben, one of the safari guides, whose skill, dedication, and sharp instincts helped make that moment possible. It was easily one of the highlights of the entire trip. Between game drives, the camp itself was a joy to spend time in. Guests are able to relax and enjoy the amenities, including the pool, shaded lounging areas, a welcoming bar, and comfortable communal spaces that invite conversation or quiet reflection. It was the perfect balance of rest and restoration between outings into the bush. The food at Notten’s was excellent throughout our stay. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and genuinely delicious. The service matched the quality of the cuisine. Gift, who took care of us for two days, was exceptional. Warm, attentive, and consistently kind, she made every meal feel special and unhurried. The guiding team deserves tremendous praise. Abby, Thulani, Tinyoke, and Toby were all outstanding. Each brought deep knowledge, professionalism, and an obvious passion for the bush. Their ability to read animal behavior, communicate thoughtfully, and create a relaxed yet informative atmosphere made every drive a joy. Tiffany, from the hospitality team, was with us throughout our stay and was absolutely wonderful. She made sure everything we needed was taken care of before we even had to ask. Her presence added a sense of ease and thoughtfulness that truly elevated the entire experience. Notten’s Bush Camp is smaller than many other lodges, and that intimacy is one of its greatest strengths. Despite its size, the diversity of wildlife is remarkable, and the traversing rights clearly work in the lodge’s favor. You get exceptional access, fewer vehicles, and more meaningful sightings without feeling rushed or crowded. While I am sure I have not mentioned everyone by name, please know that the entire team made us feel genuinely welcome and cared for. The level of service, attention to detail, and authenticity at Notten’s Bush Camp is something special. I would return without hesitation and recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone looking for an exceptional safari experience.

We stayed at the Notten Bush camp for three nights and 5 stars is not enough. The food and service was spectacular and superior to most fine hotels. We saw the big five in the first 1 and 1/2 days. Our guides were the A team, Mr. T and Wonder, they were incredible, just an outstanding experience all around.

Our first safari at Nottens was nothing short of incredible. The lodge has a genuine, family-run charm and made us feel right at home. Every staff member went out of their way to make our stay special. We were especially impressed with our ranger and spotter team, Ben and Joe - both lifelong bush locals whose knowledge, humour, and passion for wildlife and conservation made every drive unforgettable. We managed to see the big 5 and more as animals roam around the camp - an incredible experience. Being in the Sabi Sands game reserve, you can go off-road and get closer to the animals in the bush. A huge thank you to the entire Nottens team. We highly recommend this place to anyone considering a safari!

If there were 6 stars I would select that. Decided on Sabi Sands as I had yet to see leopards in the wild. While researching what I was looking for Nottens consistently came up in recommendations. I am so happy o|It did. We were able to cross off leopards on the first game drive, and had four separate sightings over the course of the trip. The abundance of wildlife was astounding. Our driver Thulani, and guide Abby had been with Nottens well over a decade and it showed. Consistenly getting us in spots that allowed us to watch the natural interactions of the wildlife. The camp was top notch. More food than possible to eat and the friendliest service. My room was so spacious complete with a living area, separate bath, and outdoor bathtub and shower. Blew away all my expectations, so happy I was able to find this great place!