Walkers Plains Camp

OVERVIEW:

Walkers Plains is a safari lodge built and run by the Walker family, whose love and knowledge of the area have culminated in this wonderful new camp. It was previously their home and has only recently had rooms added and been opened up to the international market. Set in a supreme savanna location, with endless views over the plains and with the Drakensberg Mountains as a magnificent backdrop, they have created an amazing safari experience that balances a passion for wilderness with fantastic levels of luxury. The lodge is run by twin sons Steve and James, who have decades of experience as guides, and have put together a great team. Their intimate understanding of the land they’ve lived in for so long and its stunning wildlife, allows them to offer guests a highly personalised guiding experience in this Big Five destination, set in the west of the Kruger. The rooms are certainly not tents, so if you like your safari lodges with a little more structure, this is a perfect option! They are spacious and lavishly designed, with freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor showers, climate control, viewing deck complete with plunge pool, all looking out over the plains and mountains beyond – a classic vision of Africa! This is an all-round top-notch lodge, offering excellent value given the levels of comfort; and with the passion from the owners really coming through in your safari, it’s a beautiful place for couples and families alike.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Walkers Plains is located within the 500 square kilometre Timbavati Game Reserve, which is to the west of the Kruger National Park of South Africa. The game here is excellent, featuring massive herds of buffalo, astounding numbers of elephant, and large populations of giraffe; it’s also a Big Five destination, with excellent leopard and lion sightings being a highlight. Look out for African wild dog too! The lodge is set amidst an acacia tree-line and the entire property faces the open savanna and Drakensberg Mountains, giving visitors unparalleled views of pristine African wilderness from your room, as well as from all areas of the main camp! Timbavati generally has fewer lodges than neighbouring concessions, which also means you see less in the way of other vehicles here.

To access Walkers Plains Camp, you would fly by scheduled light aircraft into the local Rockfig Airstrip and then it’s a short game drive to the lodge. If you’re coming from Jo’burg or Cape Town, you would fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate airport and it’s a slightly longer 20 minute drive to camp, but do chat with one of our consultants about how best to efficiently incorporate it into your itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT WALKERS PLAINS CAMP:

The rooms at Walkers Plains are bright, airy, and beautifully appointed. The camp is situated along a tree-line, which gives you a lovely feeling of seclusion – and with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, you will soon feel very at home while elephants wander past and other local residents come to drink at the small watering hole. The suites are spacious, with the vast open plains before you and the mighty Drakensberg mountains rising up in the background! Room features include twin washbasins, freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor shower, lounge area, free Wi-Fi and USB charging station, ceiling fans and air-conditioning, and a magnificent outside decking area with your own private plunge pool. The pool is perfect for cooling off in the heat of the day and relaxing between safari activities. The family rooms have another room attached with twin beds, complete with extra bathroom facilities.

The main homestead is a lovely open-plan arrangement with comfortable lounge seating, a dining area with open-plan kitchen where the chefs create first-class food, and decking that leads to the camp’s swimming pool and sunloungers. To one side there’s more of a fire cauldron than a fire pit! This is great for enjoying sundowners and safari tales. There’s also a small library; dining is usually communal and al fresco, but staff can arrange private dining on request. The food is excellent, and what sets Walkers Plains apart from most other camps in Timbavati is the ability to provide stunning bush breakfasts and dinners in locations that are truly memorable.

ACTIVITIES AT WALKERS PLAINS CAMP:

As Walkers Plains has recently been opened up to the international market, the camp currently just offers game drives. However, there are plans to provide walking safaris soon as well. Do watch this space as this family home evolves into what could be one of the best places to stay in Timbavati!

• Expertly guided game drives

  - There are two game sessions per day, during the morning and late afternoon. It is possible to do a full-day trip and go farther into the park, if another couple wishes to join (just in terms of vehicle numbers and availability). Staff members try to be as flexible as possible as regards your safari requests. Among the highlights here are lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, and buffalo. You can look out for smaller predators such as jackal, serval, civet, honey badger, and the rare wild dog, while the large herbivore collection features elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an assortment of antelopes.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.