Your training camp
Karongwe Camp
Welcome to Karongwe Camp, idyllically situated on the banks of the Karongwe River in the heart of the 9,000 hectare Karongwe Game Reserve. Nestled in the diverse vegetation of the South African savanna biome, this reserve offers a spectacular landscape of rolling hills, valleys and deciduous forests. The three rivers that wind through the reserve create a picturesque backdrop and abundant wildlife.
Experience Africa's fascinating wildlife up close in a fence-free camp, where hyenas, elephants, cheetahs and lions occasionally drop by. Our comfortable Meru tents can accommodate two people and are equipped with all necessary amenities. Immerse yourself in pristine nature and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this exceptional place.
At a glance
Country
South Africa
Region
Karongwe Game Reserve, Limpopo
Training provider
EcoTraining
Location and nature
Karongwe Camp
Karongwe Camp is located on the banks of the Karongwe River (usually a dry riverbed) in the 9,000 hectare Karongwe Game Reserve, which is located southwest of Kruger National Park. Three rivers flow through the Karongwe Game Reserve, which are tributaries of the Olifants River and make their way through the bedrock and divide the reserve. The reserve's vegetation is part of the savanna biome of southern Africa and comprises various vegetation zones — mixed lowveld and mopane scrubland as well as grass savanna, river vegetation and rocky elevations.
Karongwe offers the following habitats: rolling hills and valleys as well as deciduous forests. We are allowed to cross some areas of the reserve. Since we share the reserve with other lodges and tourism operators, we must respect each other's privacy when viewing wildlife.
Animals in Karongwe Game Reserve
Karongwe is a great place to see most of Africa's wildlife. Since the camp itself is not fenced off, we often have four-legged visitors to the camp. Hyenas have been seen patrolling the camp, and elephants, cheetahs and lions have also occasionally made a detour to camp at night.
Camp temperatures
Our summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from medium 20°C (68°F) on cooler, cloudy rainy days to a high 30°C (86°F) on average days. Temperatures occasionally exceed 40°C on hot days. Winters are generally dry, with average morning temperatures of 6°C, although there are sometimes colder morning temperatures and warmer morning temperatures when cloudy. The average afternoon temperatures are in the mid-20°C (68°F), with a range of 18°C to 32°C. Occasional rain showers in winter are possible but rare. Summer rain takes the form of heavy thundershowers or prolonged frontal rain.
Life in camp
lodging
The unfenced camp has 10 walk-in Meru tents, each furnished with two single beds so that two students share a tent. Bed linen is provided but students are welcome to bring an extra pillow or blanket if they wish. There are also shared sanitation facilities and a central common area.
electricity
There is only limited electricity in the camp — the main area is equipped with solar power for lighting. Batteries can be charged in the computer laboratory/library. Learning in tents at night with solar lights can sometimes be a challenge. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring a headlamp and an additional battery-powered lamp for better vision when studying at night.
mobile phone reception
Mobile phone reception in the camp is limited and there is no access to stores that sell network credits. We do not recommend using mobile phones in camp as this may disturb the peace and relaxation of other participants. However, there are charging facilities in the camp, so please bring your own adapters. The camp's mobile phones and WiFi are exclusively intended for emergencies.
drinks
In addition to the soft drinks, tea and coffee included in the course price, other drinks can be purchased.
water
The tap water is safe and suitable for consumption.
laundry
A handwash laundry service is available for a small weekly fee.
Parken
There is a designated, secure car park in Karongwe.
cash
Our camps are remote and have no access to cash machines. Please make sure you have enough cash with you for at least four weeks. The estimated requirement for pocket money is between R300 and R350 per week.
Getting there and planning
GPS coordinates for Karongwe Camp
S24°16.194 E030°36.652
Please note: Instructors will meet all participants at Spectra Main Gate at 14:00 on the day of arrival. We would be happy to arrange travel, pre and post-programs as well as transfers for you.
Arriving by car from Johannesburg (travel time to Karongwe: 5.5 hours)
- EcoTraining Bush Bus Service - This is the preferred option for any course. Additional fees apply, please check with our office.
- Self-driver - We can also put you in touch with another student if you don't want to travel alone.
- car rental - You can drive your rental car to Selati main gate, or your rental vehicle can be parked at Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. You must then arrange a transfer to the camp (travel time: 45 minutes).
Directions from Gauteng to Karongwe Camp
- From Johannesburg, take the N12, which merges with the N4 to Witbank.
- From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank.
- Follow the N4 past Middelburg to the R33 exit to Belfast.
- Drive into the city of Belfast and then take the R540 via Dullstroom to Lydenburg.
- From Lydenburg, take the R36 via Ohrigstad and the Abel Erasmus Pass to the Strydom Tunnel.
- 12 km after the tunnel, turn left on the R36 towards Tzaneen.
- Follow this road for 16 km. The Spectra Gate is on the right.
- When you reach Ingwe Game Lodge, you've driven 8 km too far.
Arriving by plane from Johannesburg
- Fly to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.
- Flight time: About 1.5 hours
- Book a transfer from Eastgate Airport to Karongwe Camp. There are additional charges.
- Travel time: Around 45 minutes
transfers
We are also happy to book a transfer for you. Please simply contact us for this.
Ranger training at this camp
We help you find the right combination of course, camp and travel dates.
