About Us

Thompsons Africa Touring & Safaris are in the unique position of being able to offer clients a deluxe wilderness camping experience within the Kruger National Park. The 4-day, 3-night trail is named after the Parks’ most famous character, Harry Wolhuter. As one of the original Park rangers, Harry patrolled the old Sabi Game Reserve alone on horseback, camping at night in the remote areas of the Park. During his years in the Park, Harry had numerous adventures and close encounters with animals and it was his book “Memories of a Game Ranger” that inspired us to create The Wolhuter Safari.

The trail is conducted in Thompsons Africa Touring & Safaris luxury 4 wheel drive vehicles and accommodates a maximum of eight clients. A FGASA (Field Guides of South Africa Assoc) & THETA (The Tourism, Hospitality & Sports Education & Training Authority) qualified guide and a support team, consisting of chef and two camp assistants, lead each trail. We also cater for specialist groups and have specialist guides for ornithology, trees, insects and astronomy.

The Kruger National Park has identified several “wilderness” campsites for the exclusive use of the tented safaris in the central section of the Park. Each site is situated in an area of unspoiled natural beauty rich in bird and animal life. These sites have no names and in many instances are found at the end of rough bush tracks, so don’t look for them on a map! Sites are chosen by our guides in conjunction with National Parks staff and change on a regular basis in order to maximise game viewing and minimise over-utilisation of the environment. A second vehicle driven by the support staff sets up camp prior to our clients’ arrival in the finest tradition of the safaris of a bygone era. Large walk-in tents, camp beds with soft mattresses and crisp duvets await, whilst each tent has its’ own lighting, bedside table and washstand. Each site has its’ own environmentally-friendly portable toilets and showers.

There’s nothing like a hot shower under the stars! Meals are served in our own “dining room”, freshly prepared by our chef and accompanied by the sounds of the African bush. Client’s safety is foremost in our minds and as such we carry a small, portable electric fence that we activate at night around the camp.
This is true “out of Africa” camping, with nothing for the clients to do but enjoy the bush, our superb cuisine and experience an old style safari that Harry Wolhuter would be proud of.

THE TEAM

All safaris are led by either Frank Watts or Juan Kraukamp who, between them, have almost 40 years safari experience. They will enthral you with their knowledge and entertain you with their wit! Evenings around the camp fire are never to be forgotten!

Producing the most amazing, mouth-watering bush cuisine, is Scott Lesly and his girlfriend Tish. Scott’s parents had a very popular restaurant in Cape Town so he grew up in the kitchen. His bush kitchen consists of 2 trestle tables, 2 gas freezers, a two-ring gas hob and a Weber braai (BBQ) and it is astounding how he manages to create such mind-blowing meals. You won’t know whether to eat it or photograph it!

And last, but not least, are our two camp assistants, Roxy & Simon, who keep the camp running from before you wake up until after you’ve gone to bed. They heat the water for the showers, do the wake-up calls, make beds, light lanterns, help in the kitchen and even make toast. There’s nothing they won’t do to make sure you feel at home.

THE TENTS

We use the most up-to-date, waterproof, canvas tents with sewn-in mosquito nets and ground sheets. They are 3m wide x 3m long and 2.1 m high so crawling is optional! Each tent has 2 single stretcher beds with double thickness mattresses, made up with cotton sheets, pillowcases, duvets and blankets. Not a sleeping bag in sight and no sleeping on the floor! Each tent stands on its’ own wooden platform in the shade of Tamboti and Acacia trees which provide a cool place to relax in the afternoons.

DINING

Nothing beats dining in style, even in the bush - tables set with linen table cloths, crockery, cutlery & wine. Our dining tent is 5m x 5m with removable sides to allow us to keep our eye on the bush for any elusive nocturnal animals curious enough to come closer. Sumptuous meals served by candlelight, three courses lovingly prepared by Scott & Tish, will amaze you. Here’s something to get your taste buds going:-

Starter
Butternut & Onion Soup with Garlic Bread

Main Course
Roast Leg of Lamb
Roast Potatoes
Broccoli with cheese sauce
Julienne Carrots
Gravy
Or
Chicken Potjie* with baby potatoes & mixed vegetables
Savoury Rice
Sweetcorn Wheels

Dessert
Black Forest Crepes drizzled with Chocolate Sauce served with cream
Or
Malva Pudding & Custard

*A potjie is a large 3-legged, cast iron pot which is placed over the fire and the food is cooked slowly for several hours.

After dinner, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee around the campfire, under a dazzling, star-filled African sky, swapping stories and telling jokes with your fellow travellers.

SAFETY

Your guide will give you a safety talk on entering the Kruger National Park and on arrival at the camp. Wildlife is potentially dangerous as we all know but as long as you listen to your guide and adhere to his rules, there is nothing to worry about.

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

Bush colours - browns, khaki, beige - no bright colours
Strong, comfortable walking shoes/boots
Light shoes/sandals for around the camp
Hat
Light, rainproof jacket (for summer)
Warm jacket/parka (for winter)
Sweatshirt

OTHER ESSENTIALS

Sunblock
Camera film
Batteries
Extra battery for digital cameras
Charger for video camera that works from cigarette lighter
Personal medication
Torch & batteries