Contact Us
Owner-hosted answers, usually within 24 hours. If your question is already common, the answers are one tap away below — otherwise, send us a note.
Common Questions
Answers to the questions guests most often send us before booking. For anything not covered here, use the form on the right.
What is Pack for a Purpose?
We are members of Pack for a Purpose — an initiative that lets travellers use spare kilos in their luggage to bring small supplies (school stationery, first-aid basics, sports kit) for community projects around the camp. If you have room, our sustainability page lists the current needs.
How do we book, and is it better to book direct?
Directly with us via the booking page or by phoning +27 (0)15 793 0098. South African residents have a dedicated rate card each year — mention residency in your enquiry and we will quote accordingly. Booking direct gets you the best rate and the best service — we are owner-hosted and we answer enquiries ourselves.
Can I book through my travel agent?
Yes — we work with travel agents directly. Your agent can email or call us and we will handle the rest. Direct bookings get our best rate; agent bookings get the same suite and the same hosting. Either way, you are met at arrival by one of the camp hosts.
Where is Sausage Tree Safari Camp?
Inside Olifants West Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger, in Limpopo, South Africa. Full address: 25 Cambridge, Olifants West Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380. Olifants West is its own traversing reserve and is distinct from the neighbouring Klaserie reserve.
How do we get to camp?
Most guests fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), about a 45-minute road transfer to camp, which we can arrange. Self-driving from Johannesburg takes around 5 hours via the N4 and R40; the last few kilometres are gravel and any saloon car handles it. Full directions and the road-shuttle timetable are on the location page; we also send the route notes after booking.
How many nights should I stay?
Two nights is the minimum most guests are comfortable with; three or four nights is where the camp really starts to unfold. Guests staying longer regularly rebook — the small-camp rhythm and the twice-daily drives reward the time you give them.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Each season has its character. Dry winter (May to September) means sparse vegetation and excellent wildlife visibility around water. Summer green (October to April) brings new growth, returning migrant birds, baby animals, and dramatic skies. There is no bad time — only different ones. Our seasonal guide goes into detail.
How many tents are there, and what are the two types?
Five suites in two types — three Superior Safari Tents and two Luxury Tented Suites. All five are en-suite, all on raised platforms, all with private viewing decks. The two types differ in interior finish and size; the daily rhythm and guest experience are identical regardless of which suite you book. Ten adults maximum, twelve guests with children (each of Luxury Tented Suite 4 and 5 takes one child on a sleeper couch) — the small camp is the whole point, and we have stayed that way on purpose for over a decade.
Will we see the Big 5?
Olifants West is a traversing Big 5 reserve, unfenced from the rest of Greater Kruger, so the wildlife is genuinely here. We never guarantee sightings — these are wild animals — but our drives are unhurried and patient, and Themba knows the terrain intimately.
Are children welcome?
Yes — we host families regularly. Game drives have age guidelines for safety, and the camp is unfenced, so children need adult company around the deck and pool area at all times. Luxury Tented Suites 4 and 5 each take one child on a sleeper couch with the parents. Let us know who's coming and we will talk through what will work for your group. More on family arrangements.
Are drinks included?
The sundowner drink on the afternoon game drive is included, along with tea, coffee and filtered water throughout the day. Bar drinks — spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks — are charged extra to your room account.
Are the rates all-inclusive?
Full board for meals and safari activities. Included: all meals, tea and coffee, the sundowner drink on the afternoon drive, twice-daily open-vehicle game drives, VAT at 15%, laundry, and the R50 Daktari contribution. Bar drinks (alcohol and soft drinks) are charged extra. Guided bush walks are an optional extra, arranged on request subject to guide availability and weather. Transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate are quoted separately. The Olifants West gate levy is settled at the gate in cash.
Is there phone signal and Wi-Fi at camp?
Wi-Fi is included and reaches the tents and communal areas — enough for messaging, email and light browsing. Cell reception in camp is variable but usually workable on your deck. Most guests use the visit as time offline, which is really the point.
What's the climate like?
Subtropical bushveld. Summer (October to April) is warm to hot with green vegetation and afternoon thundershowers; nights are mild. Winter (May to September) is dry with cold mornings, warm midday and cool nights — bring layers for the early game drive.
What should I pack?
Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown) for game drives, closed shoes, a warm fleece or jacket for winter mornings on the vehicle, sun hat and sunscreen year-round, a swimming costume, insect repellent, camera and binoculars. Dress in camp is relaxed — nothing formal is needed anywhere.
Do I need malaria medication?
Greater Kruger is a low-risk malaria area. Speak to your travel doctor before you leave home — most guests take prophylactics as a precaution, especially in the summer months. We provide mosquito nets over every bed and repellent in the tents.
Is there a laundry service?
Yes — a same-day laundry service is included in your stay. Leave your laundry with reception before breakfast and it will be back in your tent by turndown.
Do I need a plug adaptor?
South Africa uses the Type M three-pin round plug (SANS 164-1) as the mains standard, with Type C/N two-pin sockets alongside. Bring the right adaptor for your devices — the camp has a small supply of loaners at reception if you forget one.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes — Chef Pitso and Kabelo have been cooking around dietary needs for years. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, nut allergies — anything reasonable. Tell us when you book and the kitchen plans around it. We would rather know in advance than improvise on the night.
What languages do you speak?
English is our primary language. James also speaks French; Sonja speaks Dutch. We host guests in German and Spanish as well.
Full FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions →
Send An Enquiry
Owner-hosted, family-run. We reply personally within 24 hours.
Thanks — enquiry received.
Our team will reply within 24 hours.
Something went wrong sending your enquiry.
Please email info@sausagetree.co.za directly and we'll pick it up manually.
Reservations
Reservations WhatsApp
After-Hours Emergency
Address
25 Cambridge
Olifants West Nature Reserve
Hoedspruit, 1380
Still in the research phase?
Every booking with Sausage Tree contributes R50 to Daktari Bush School.
Where We Are Located
Find Sausage Tree
25 Cambridge, Olifants West Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit, 1380 - about forty-five minutes by road from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). Please use our directions rather than Google Maps for the final approach. Maps route through inaccessible sections of the reserve.
Full Directions →