As its name implies, it provides a rustic experience within the natural environment. Located approximately 7 km south of Mopani Rest Camp, the campsites are laid out in a rough figure of eight under and around stands of ancient and beautiful Leadwood, Mopane and Apple Leaf trees. Two prominent seasonal water courses, the Tsendze River and Nshawu Creek, run through this area that is known for the large buffalo herds and many elephant bulls that occur here.
With its abundance of large trees in the camp, Tsendze offers great birding opportunities right around your very campsite.
Facilities
- Tsendze only offers camping facilities.
- Two communal kitchens.
- Two ablution blocks (wheelchair friendly and with an option of open-air showers).
- Warm water from gas geysers, with lights from a solar battery system.
- There is no electricity supply at any of the camp sites.
- No portable power generators are allowed.
- Two communal refrigeration facilities available.
- No shop, restaurant or fuel in camp (all available at Mopani 7km away).
- No ATM facility available
- No Reception office at camp.
Travel Information
Travel routes and times from central Gauteng
Phalaborwa Gate
Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg). 40km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen. After Tzaneen head towards Phalaborwa and the gate. Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip to the gate. Tsendze rustic camp site is approximately 70km away from the gate.
Allow about 2 ½ hours for the drive to the camp, however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time!
Note: Check-in at Mopani at least 1 hour before gate closes.
Late arrivals:
Late arrivals are only allowed in cases of emergency (proof and valid reason required) until 21:00 for guests with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km distance from the relevant gate. An extra late arrival fee will be charged which is payable at the gate. No late arrivals are allowed at Pafuri, Phalaborwa or Phabeni Gates or any other gates for camps more than 10km away.
No powerpoint, No generators allowed.
- No cancellation fee will be incurred for cancellations made after payment of first deposit up to and including 46 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fees equal to 50% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of cancellation made between 45 days and 30 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of a cancellation made between 29 days prior to and date of arrival
- 100% of the total cost for any non-arrival/no-shows
Reservation made within 45 days prior to arrival is payable within 24 hours from the day reservation is made.
- Conservation levy is always excluded from the booking amount and needs to be settled on arrival.
To ensure a safe and joyful trip through our parks, kindly adhere to the Rules & Regulations as stipulated by South African National Parks.
Visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area. Remember that no part of the body may protrude from a window or sunroof or any other part of the vehicle. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times.
Stick to the speed limit! All general rules of the road apply within the Kruger National Park. The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Please note that not all roads are accessible to caravans.
Look at the gate times in your green gate permit. You must be inside the camp or out of the gate before these times. No travelling before or after these times are allowed. Gate times must be strictly adhered to and late comers may be subject to a fine.
You are not allowed to drive “off-road” or on roads with a “no entry” sign.
The feeding or disturbing of animals is a serious offence. Remember, animals see litter as food!
Overnight visitors are only allowed to stay at a booked and recognised overnight facility and must report to reception before occupying accommodation or camping.
All accommodation and camping sites may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure.
Vehicles of a carrying capacity exceeding 4 000kg, buses or any vehicles with more than 25 seats, are restricted to the tar roads.
A stringent noise restriction is enforced between 21:30 and 06:00. The use of cell phones is permitted only in camps, gates and in cases of emergency.
The use of roller skates, skateboards, bicycles and motorbikes is prohibited.
The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.
The Kruger National Park is a malaria zone – we advise that all visitors adhere to their doctor’s instructions.
Roadside assistance, toll free number 0800 030 666 (Vuswa).
Rules and regulations are enforced under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act no. 57 of 2003) and transgression can result in a fine.
To ensure that you see all the animals you want, have a look at the spotting board in the various receptions to track the latest game spotting.
From Johannesburg / Pretoria to Phalaborwa Gate:
Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg). 40 km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen. After Tzaneen head towards Phalaborwa and the gate.
Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip to the gate. Mopani is approximately 75 km away from the gate. Allow about 3 hours for the drive to the camp.
Children allowed.
