Rhino Walking Safaris at Plains Camp

• Plains Camp is the only walking safari camp in the Kruger
• Opportunity to enjoy the sleepout at Plains Camp
• Sister camp to Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Rhino Plains Camp is situated in the heart of a 12,000ha private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. It is is the only camp specializing in walking safaris in the Kruger. The concession comprises of environmentally sensitive areas previously unexplored, with huge diversity of both fauna and flora. This is an ideal setting for wilderness walking safaris.

Built in authentic pioneer tradition, Rhino Plains Camp has the serenity of a 19th century naturalist's bush camp. Mahogany furniture with brass hinges and leather straps, copper taps in the bathroom and various surveying tools and Africana memorablia complete the 'Out of Africa' ambience. The camp has four comfortably furnished African explorer-style tents all en suite with overhead fans. You can sit on your raised wooden deck and watch game quietly traverse the plain in front of you.

In keeping with the ethics of Rhino Walking Safaris 'tread lightly on the land' policy. No trees were cut down in the construction of this camp and no concrete was used - all structures are canvas and wood. There’s an open lounge and dining area with outdoor fireplace. This camp was specifically designed for low energy consumption and makes use of solar power and limited generators for its power needs such as overhead fans. (The generator system can be used to re-charge camera batteries at specific times.)

Walking Safaris

After an early morning wake-up and an invigorating cup of fresh coffee in the lounge, you set off on a trail where your guide will share his experience with you. A walking safari affords you the ultimate, close-to-the-wild experience. It also gives you a chance to focus on the smaller bush inhabitants including birds, insects and butterflies. You can also discover the interesting worlds of trees, grasses, flowers, geology and ecology - of course, occasionally big game can be seen on walks - including rhino, buffalo and lion. The heat of the day will be spent at the camp, enjoying the small book collection or the plunge pool overlooking the plains. These are often host to zebra, buffalo, giraffe, even elephant, rhino and lion. Afternoon walks and sundowners complete a fulfilling African experience before dinner back at the camp.

Plains Camp strives to keep everyone together during their trail, without the inconvenience of different people arriving and departing throughout your stay. Therefore, there are set departure days for Plains Camp so that all participants begin their walking safari together. From Plains Camp, there is also the opportunity to take part in the Sleep-outs. The elevated wooden Sleep Out platforms are located within the concession, approximately 1½ hrs walk from Plains Camp. In keeping with their policy of keeping everyone together on the walking safari, if the first guests to reserve their trail at Plains Camp request the Sleep Out, then all subsequent reservations will be required to participate.

The Sleepout at Rhino Plains Camp

The Sleep Out is an overnight experience offering a true "under the stars" Kruger wildlife encounter. You leave Plains Camp in the afternoon and arrive at the platforms in the early evening. You are only carrying a lightweight rucksack containing a change of clothes, a pillowcase, a sheet inner for the sleeping bag and refreshments. After hanging up mosquito nets and preparing beds, sundowners can be enjoyed on the platforms that also overlook a waterhole.

While dinner is prepared on an open fire, you enjoy sounds and senses, heightened as you share the wilderness at night. You will always be safely guarded by the observant guides during this time. The rumble of the elephant passing by or the roar of the lion at the nearby waterhole, are the only noises that might disturb you. The following morning you enjoy a light snack after which you head back to camp for a hearty brunch.