Frequently Asked Questions
The questions guests most often send us before booking, with the answers we send back. For anything not covered here, get in touch.
Arrival & location
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) and we arrange the ±45-minute transfer in. Self-driving from Johannesburg takes around 5 hours via the N4 and R40. Full directions and the road-shuttle timetable are on the location page; we also send the route notes after booking.
How far is the camp from Hoedspruit Airport?
About 45 minutes by road from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). We can arrange the transfer, or you can self-drive — the last few kilometres are gravel; any saloon car handles it.
Camp & accommodation
How many tents are there, and how do the tiers compare?
Five tented suites in two tiers — three Superior Safari Tents and two Luxury Tented Suites. All five are en-suite, all on raised platforms, all with private viewing decks. The tiers differ in interior finish and size; the daily rhythm and guest experience are identical regardless of which suite you book. Maximum 10–12 guests in camp at any one time, which keeps the experience intimate and owner-hosted.
How small is the camp?
Five tented suites, maximum 10–12 guests in camp at any one time. That is the whole brand. We chose small on purpose, and have stayed small for over a decade — it is the difference between a safari you join and a safari that knows your name.
Are the rates all-inclusive?
Yes. All meals, all drinks (house wines, spirits, soft drinks, water), twice-daily game drives, guided walks, sundowner stops, VAT at 15%, laundry, and the R50 Daktari contribution are included. Transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate are quoted separately. The Olifants West gate levy (R120 per vehicle plus R450 per person) is settled at the gate in cash.
Experience & guests
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.
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.
Are children welcome?
Yes — we host families. Game drives have age guidelines for everyone’s safety, and we tailor the experience around younger guests when families travel together. Get in touch before booking so we can confirm what works for your group. More on family arrangements.
Is the camp suitable for children?
Yes, with care. We host families regularly. Game drives have age guidelines for safety. The camp is unfenced, so children need adult company around the deck and pool area at all times. Let us know who is coming and we will talk through what will work for your group.
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.
Booking & payment
How do we book, and is it better to book direct?
Directly with us via the booking page or by phoning +27 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.
Who runs the camp?
Sausage Tree is family-owned and run since 2012 by the Carne and van der Ploeg families — James & Sonja Carne and Deon & Tamara van der Ploeg, four co-owners in equal partnership. Our guide is Themba and our chef is Pitso, who has been with us since the very start.
Conservation
What does the R50 conservation contribution support?
Every booking adds R50 to the Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage — local conservation education and a wildlife rehabilitation centre we have supported for over a decade. It is a small line on your bill, doing real work in the bush around us.
Best time
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.
Every booking with Sausage Tree contributes R50 to Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage.