ttravels

Has anyone stayed at this lodge in the past? I am looking for information on evening dress code, if they have laundry facilities, etc. Also if anyone took the small plane transfer - would love info on that experience. Anything info would be great.

sandi

I'm not familiar with the camp other than what I've seen on the various websites, and the camp looks lovely. But as to the evening dress code - something warm. It is winter, so it will be chilly, if not downright cold at night. And though you will be eating indoors, you don't need more than what you'd wear during the day. Slacks and a shirt/sweater, with a jacket or sweather. Women may prefer something more along the lines of nice casual, so might brighten up with a colorful scarf or sweater.

And because it is winter, don't forget a hat, gloves, scarf and socks as the wind picks up in those open safari vehicles. I've seen people wearing sky parkers even in the summer months. Be prepared, as there is nowhere to buy additional clothing once you're at the camp.

As to laundry, most camps do handle this, except for "smalls" (underware), and might charge a fee, then they may not. I would suggest you have your tour operator find out the specifics or email the camp direct and ask.

There are scheduled flights from JNB into Nelspruit or Hoedspruit - so ascertain which airport is closest to the camp and compare this round-trip airfare with the charter transfer cost. Flying into either Nelspruit or Hoedspruit will also entail a road transfer to the camp proper so that price has to be considered as well.

Besides price, consider that the equipment into either airport are small SAA Express planes, seating about 30 versus the charter, which is much smaller. With which will you be more comfortable?

Hope this helps.

Roccco

ttravels,

Did you happen to pick up the four night Luxury Link package at Hamilton's Tented Camp? I believe that it was selling for under $2,000 USD ($1,000 USD pp).

It does look like a great place, and if it is anything else like other luxury lodges in the area, I would say that "smart casual" would be a good dress code, whatever that means!

jrruff

The last Hamilton's safari package that I saw on LuxuryLink was for 2 people for 5 nights, and went for $2875 on or around 3/3/2004. I bid on it, but without success.

ttravels

No - I first saw the camp on luxury link - but ended up booking my trip through Karell's travel instead.

stepmoore

We stayed at Hamiltons a month after it first opened and although we had no other camps to compare it to it is still one of our highlights of traveling so far in 12 years of marriage. It is not a stuffy camp by anymeans although we always dressed smartly, albeit sometimes in shorts, for dinner. The place is not that big, I think only 10-12 tented suites which were top notch so it ends up being pretty relaxed and you get to know everyone that you are paired with for the drives. The drives were the best...you do not get excited at home to drive around for 3-4 hours but in Kruger it was awsome. I believe we payed $1700.00 for three nights for the both of us...an amount upon booking that I thought was staggering but one which I would not hesitate to pay again. HDS was the only serviceable airport from CPT. I think it took @ 2.5 hrs to get there from the airport. Enjoy!