Hamiltons Tented Camp

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

You can sense the romance of the Victorian safari goer when you arrive at this traditional tented camp, with its vintage steamer trunks, sepia photographs, and old-fashioned hurricane lamps. Overlooking Nwaswitsontso River, Hamiltons Tented Camp throws you back into the 19th century, as you sleep beneath the canvas of one of its six elevated tents, nestled among Jackalberry and Sausage trees and linked by timber walkways. Drifting off to the rustles and calls of the bush, your Kruger National Park setting, in a private concession shared with its two sister camps, lets you wake to some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife walks, game-drives, and bush dining experiences.

Amenities

  • Safari
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located within the Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Nwaswitsontso River.

Hotel information

6 private tents on raised teak decks, all showcasing traditional features such as steamer trunks, brass light switches and teak furniture. The tented suites are air-conditioned and offer tea/coffee-making facilities and en-suite bathrooms with a separate bath and outside shower. 

Full Board includes: three meals and selected beverages (soft drinks, water, beer, selected wines and spirits). Two daily game-drives.

Dine on the deck with champagne breakfasts, High Tea and dinner. Bush dinners (reserved for guests only in an unfenced area of a private concession in the Kruger National Park). Swimming pool. Wellness treatments*. Morning and evening game-drives, guided bush walks and bird watching. Butler service.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (471)
  • Very good (39)
  • Average (16)
  • Poor (6)
  • Terrible (8)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I do not recommend, overpriced for the safari set up.

Mar 30, 2024 sarahleef2016 Montreal, Canada

We were at Hamilton tented camp for 3 nights. On internet it is advertised as a private game reserve of approximately 10 k hectares. We ended up doing half of our drives in Kruger public part crowded with private tourist vehicles. The reason to go public side was that the guides were saying there was a lot less animals on their private side. It is… Read more
We were at Hamilton tented camp for 3 nights. On internet it is advertised as a private game reserve of approximately 10 k hectares. We ended up doing half of our drives in Kruger public part crowded with private tourist vehicles. The reason to go public side was that the guides were saying there was a lot less animals on their private side. It is not the experience you expect at this price point. On the public side, it is not possible to off-road when you see an animal. It highly impacts the quality of your sightings and for me it is the main reason to pay the high price of the private lodges. We also couldn’t off-road on the private side. As a result we had 2 leopards sightings of 3-5 seconds each and weren’t able to follow to view them longer. This poor game drive set up is the same at their 3 lodges Imbali, Hoya hoya and Hamilton tented camp. Our fist guide was also not great with communication of trying to find and stop for animals that interested us and we requested to change. He also drove the exact same road twice 2 days in a row when there was other options we told him we were interested to see. The second one, Hali, did a great job. It is the reason I put 2 stars instead of 1. The lodge, room and food were good. Our problems was with the game drive dynamic for the price we paid. Also a few items were not 5 star level, for example the placemat and tissue napkin were stained and looked unclean at every single meal. The alcohol selection included is very limited. We were in contact with management to request to leave 1 day earlier and get a refund as we felt we didn’t get the experience we were sold. The camp was also almost empty so it is not like the lost a sale. They were not accommodating at all Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fun and value for money

Mar 23, 2024 Phil_cape

Great setting (though the access road was challenging even with an SUV). The "Out of Africa" vibe is charming. But the décor is a little tired and after a while we found the Disney-esque artificiality started to overshadow the charm. Food and service were generally good to very good. However, this isn't the smoothest, most seamless, hospitality.… Read more
Great setting (though the access road was challenging even with an SUV). The "Out of Africa" vibe is charming. But the décor is a little tired and after a while we found the Disney-esque artificiality started to overshadow the charm. Food and service were generally good to very good. However, this isn't the smoothest, most seamless, hospitality. We felt in several instances there was not enough attention to detail and management was quite complacent about shortcomings. Fair to say that Hamiltons can't compete with the very top lodges - but then the price does reflect that. The game drives provided excellent sightings and our ranger was very motivated. At times his English pronunciation was very approximate and difficult to understand, though. And some of his plant and fungus identifications were incorrect - we have never experienced that before. Lots to like about this camp and you get what you pay for. If your expectations are realistic you should have a very enjoyable stay. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very luxury tents

Feb 19, 2024 Ursula J Staefa, Switzerland

I can recommend this Camp. We have seen a lot of animals on Safari which were very near. Our ranger had a lot of knowledge. Very luxury tents. Good food. Frienly staff. We had everything that we wanted.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Kruger National Park - Hamiltons Tented Camp

Feb 7, 2024 mddubey Marco Island, Florida

There are simply no words to completely express my total satisfaction with this Camp. The staff, the food, the wine and accomodations were beyond my expectations. The knowledge of the guides who took us on safari were exceptional. I would have no problem returning to Hamiltons.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A true Bucket List experience

Feb 7, 2024 Lawrence V

An amazing place in the middle of the Jungle. Set on a river, the "tents" are far from ordinary. There are only 6 tents, but they are magnificent. The furthest tent from the main lodge is a bit of a walk. So if you have mobility issues request tent 1 or 2. The food served at the lodge is wonderful. as are the guides that take you on two daily… Read more
An amazing place in the middle of the Jungle. Set on a river, the "tents" are far from ordinary. There are only 6 tents, but they are magnificent. The furthest tent from the main lodge is a bit of a walk. So if you have mobility issues request tent 1 or 2. The food served at the lodge is wonderful. as are the guides that take you on two daily game drives. One is at dawn and one in the late afternoon. You return for great breakfast and have the rest of the day to chill in your tent. each tent has a wonderful outdoor seating area where you can relax, read a book and or jump into your private plunge pool! I do mean private - so you are free to be you. The guides were incredible. We learned more about the animals and their environment than I could believe. The main guide we rode with was a tracker before he became a guide. At one point he pointed to some tracks and said two female lions were here recently and are going that direction. In about 3 minutes we found them - just amazing. We saw 4 of the big 5 and lots of other amazing animals. You will need a type M electrical adapter. Go if you can, it is truly the experience of a lifetime Read less