Nestled within the heart of Addo Elephant National Park, Narina Bush Camp is a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty, offering a unique and serene lodging experience. In this guide, we will explore the features and experiences that Narina Bush Camp provides, offering the essential information needed to create unforgettable memories in this special corner of Addo.
Narina Bush Camp: An Oasis of Nature in Addo
For a secluded and enchanting experience in a magical forest setting, Narina Bush Camp is an ideal retreat located at the base of the Zuurberg Mountains along the Wit River.
Unlike the Big Five area of the Park, Bush Camp does not host large wildlife species. Instead, it provides a serene escape in a forest teeming with birdlife. The area is home to smaller species like duiker, bushbuck, and bushpig, offering a tranquil environment for nature enthusiasts.
Refer to the Park’s Activities section for a detailed and comprehensive list of available activities.
- Bush Camp features a communal open camp kitchen equipped with a gas-powered fridge and stove, providing a shared facility for campers.
- Bush Camp provides a single communal paraffin-powered shower and toilet facility within the camp, ensuring shared access for campers.
- Narina Camp offers the convenience of provided bedding, towels, cutlery, crockery, and cooking utensils, ensuring guests have essential items readily available during their stay.
- Narina Camp operates without electricity, relying on solar-powered lights to illuminate the camp, contributing to an eco-friendly and off-grid accommodation experience.
- Each accommodation unit at Bush Camp is equipped with its own braai stand, offering guests the opportunity for outdoor cooking and creating a personalized culinary experience.
Visitors can reach the bush camp, located 25km (approximately a 45-minute drive) from the Addo Rest Camp, using gravel roads. Access is available by car, hiking trail, or horse trail. For horse trail bookings, visitors need to coordinate with the Addo Game Drive Office.
Guests are required to check-in at Addo Main Camp Reception at least two hours before sunset before proceeding to the camp. This ensures that guests arrive well in advance of sunset for visibility and safety.
To access the Bushcamp, visitors need to follow a 500m path from the parking lot, crossing a small wooden bridge and traversing through the forest. It is advised to bring a personal torch for illumination during this journey.
Directions from Addo Main Camp
- To reach the town of Addo from the Park, turn left and travel on the R335.
- Approximately 1km after turning left onto the R335 towards Addo, turn right onto the Zuurberg Pass (continuation of R335), transitioning to a gravel road. Then, take the first left at the road signposted for Narina Bush Camp.
- Continue along the road and take the right fork, following the signposted direction to “Narina Bush Camp.” Proceed on the gravel road, crossing a small bridge, and subsequently take the left fork.
- Continue through multiple gates until you reach the turnoff to Narina Bush Camp on your right. A small parking lot is available for leaving your vehicle. From there, walk across the bridge and through the forest for approximately 500m to reach the bush camp.
Directions from Port Elizabeth (PE)
- Travel on the N2 highway in the direction of Grahamstown.
- Take the left turnoff indicated by the signposts for “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park.”
- Upon reaching the top of the off-ramp, turn left and pass through Motherwell. Continue on this road until you spot the entrance to the park on the right.
Office & Gate Hours
Main Camp Reception and Gate is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00
Guests are required to check-in at the main camp reception before heading to Narina Bush Camp.
Narina Bush Camp is located in the Southern Mistbelt Forest at the base of the Zuurberg Mountains, with riverine thicket along the banks of the river system.
Narina Bush Camp hosts a diverse array of bird species and smaller mammals, including bushbuck, bushpig, common duiker, blue duiker, and vervet monkeys. The rare tree dassie is also present. It’s important to note that the Big Five and large animals are not found in this particular area.
Embark on a nature quest at Narina Bush Camp and keep an eye out for some remarkable species, including the vibrant Narina trogon, the elusive tree dassie, the graceful bushbuck, the shy blue duiker, and the fascinating Cape clawless otter.
Location and Transportation
Strategically positioned in the core of Addo, Bush Camp is conveniently located near the main entrance of the park, providing an ideal base for immersing oneself in nature and wildlife.
Accommodation Options
Camp offers a variety of accommodation options. Whether choosing tents, bungalows, or camping sites, each is carefully designed to provide a relaxing and natural atmosphere.
Nature and Wildlife
Renowned for its surrounding wildlife and natural wonders, Narina Bush Camp provides an excellent base to observe Addo’s famous elephants and other unique fauna.
Facilities and Amenities
While the camp embraces basic facilities, it ensures a comfortable stay in harmony with nature. Amenities such as toilet and shower facilities, communal areas, and camp spaces for enjoying a morning coffee contribute to an eco-friendly accommodation experience.
Activities and Places to Explore
Narina Bush Camp offers various activities, including nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and private safari tours. Additionally, there are fantastic opportunities for nature hikes exploring the surrounding Addo region.
Reservation and Contact Information
To secure your stay at Narina Bush Camp, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. Reservation details can be found on the official Addo Elephant National Park website or by contacting the park’s reservation office.
Narina Bush Camp provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park, offering nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility a unique escape.
Experience a stay at Narina Bush Camp, revel in a holiday immersed in nature, and uncover the unique beauty of Addo.
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