Antares Bush Camp is a small exclusive bush camp set within the open system of the Greater Kruger National Park. In the northern section of the Balule Nature Reserve is an area of land that had its origins in small scale agriculture. Balule is a 60 000 Ha nature reserve made up of several regions of which Grietjie is one of the founding members. The reserve is bordered to the north by the town of Phalaborwa and in the south by Hoedspruit. To the east lie the Klaserie and Timbavati reserves and the Kruger National Park, while in the west the R40 National road creates a logical boundary that has effectively become the western boundary of the Greater Kruger National Park.

The Grietjie region, which is where we are located, is a 3000 Ha reserve that had its humble beginnings as a farming community. Over the past 20 years or so the region has transformed from an agricultural background to one that is well-sought after as a Big 5 Nature Reserve. Our boundary fences have all been removed and we have expanded our traversing area which now covers almost 7500 Ha and includes over 10kms of Olifant’s River frontage. The vegetation is a mixture of Marula/Knobthorn savannah veld and Mopane veld. There are a number of small granite/syenite kopjies (small hill made up of rocky boulders)) on the reserve and the largest hill is named “Grietjie Berg” after which the reserve gets its name.

Our winter months produce a comfortable environment to explore the bush in, with dry and relatively warm days. We don’t experience extremely cold conditions although the clear skies at night can make the temperature drop a little especially nearer the river. During the summer we expect to receive our annual rainfall between October and April and the day time temperatures can get very high, but this just gives you the perfect excuse to laze away in the plunge pool while you watch the animals come down to the waterhole to quench their thirst.

With the reserve part of the open system now, we can boast almost all the game species that you could expect to find in the Kruger National Park, although species such as eland, roan antelope and a few others are highly unlikely to be encountered due to their habitat preferences. Our bird list is close to 300 species and rarities such as Pel’s fishing owl, African finfoot and a few other can be seen along the river. Regular sightings of elephant and lions occur at the waterhole just in front of the camp along with a large variety of general game and birdlife. With the development of Umgede hide at the water’s edge there is a great opportunity to get close to the action. With free Wi-Fi available throughout the camp, our guests will have the luxury of being able to video their favourite sightings and send them home to their jealous families and friends.