Experience Luxury Safaris at Sausage Tree Safari Camp | Greater Kruger National Park


Team Sausage Tree • December 10, 2024

Book your luxury safari experience at Sausage Tree Safari Camp today.


Nestled in the heart of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of the prestigious Greater Kruger National Park, Sausage Tree Safari Camp offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience that combines untamed wilderness with sophisticated comfort. This exclusive camp provides guests with an authentic African adventure while maintaining the highest standards of luxury and personal service.


Location and Natural Setting Strategically positioned within one of Africa's most renowned wildlife areas, Sausage Tree Safari Camp benefits from its location in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, a vast protected area that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. The camp overlooks a scenic dry riverbed, offering guests spectacular views of the surrounding bushveld and the majestic mountains beyond.


The Greater Kruger National Park is recognized as part of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Programme, highlighting its significance in global conservation efforts. This pristine wilderness area is home to over 147 mammal species and 500 bird species, making it one of Africa's premier wildlife viewing destinations.


Luxury Accommodation The camp features five meticulously designed, African-styled luxury safari tents that epitomize the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and refined comfort. Each tent has been thoughtfully positioned to ensure maximum privacy while offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.


Our luxury tents include:

  • Spacious en-suite bathrooms with freestanding baths
  • Private outdoor showers for an immersive nature experience
  • Elegant furnishings that reflect African design elements
  • Comfortable viewing decks for private game watching 


The Safari Experience At Sausage Tree Safari Camp, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional safari experiences that cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. Our experienced guides lead twice-daily game drives in specially equipped 4x4 vehicles, offering the best opportunities to encounter the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo.


Morning drives begin at dawn, when the African bush comes alive with activity. As the sun rises, guests have the opportunity to witness predators returning from their nocturnal hunts and herbivores emerging to graze in the cool morning air. Afternoon drives culminate in the cherished safari tradition of sundowners, where guests can toast the setting African sun while reflecting on the day's adventures.


Unique Activities and Experiences Beyond traditional game drives, we offer a range of activities designed to enhance your safari experience:

  1. Guided Bush Walks Expert rangers lead intimate walking safaris that allow guests to discover the smaller wonders of the African bush. These educational experiences provide insights into tracking, plant life, and the intricate relationships within the ecosystem.
  2. Night Drives Exclusive night drives reveal the mysterious world of nocturnal wildlife, offering chances to spot elusive creatures like leopards, hyenas, and smaller nocturnal species that are rarely seen during daylight hours.
  3. Photography Opportunities Whether you're an amateur enthusiast or a professional photographer, our guides are trained to position vehicles optimally for wildlife photography, ensuring you capture memorable moments of your safari experience.


Conservation and Sustainability Sausage Tree Safari Camp is committed to responsible tourism and conservation. Our presence in the Greater Kruger National Park contributes to vital conservation efforts through guest conservation levies that support anti-poaching initiatives and ecological programs.


We maintain strict traverse rules to minimize our impact on the environment and ensure wildlife can behave naturally in their habitat.


Dining Experience Our camp offers an exceptional dining experience that combines local flavors with international cuisine. Meals are prepared by skilled chefs using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and are served in various stunning locations around the camp. From bush breakfasts to candlelit dinners under the African stars, each meal is crafted to be a memorable part of your safari experience.


The Perfect Guest Experience Sausage Tree Safari Camp caters to various types of travelers, from adventure seekers to those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Our intimate camp setting is ideal for:

  • Wildlife enthusiasts eager to encounter Africa's iconic species
  • Photographers seeking perfect wildlife shots
  • Couples looking for a romantic safari getaway
  • Nature lovers wanting to connect with the African wilderness
  • Eco-conscious travelers interested in sustainable tourism


Best Time to Visit The Greater Kruger area offers excellent game viewing year-round, though each season brings its own unique advantages. The dry winter months (May to September) typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals concentrate around water sources. The summer months (October to April) bring lush vegetation and newborn animals, along with spectacular bird watching opportunities.


Making Your Reservation To ensure an intimate safari experience, Sausage Tree Safari Camp maintains limited occupancy. We recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates.


Sausage Tree Safari Camp offers more than just accommodation; it provides an immersive journey into one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas. Our combination of luxury amenities, expert guiding, and prime location in the Greater Kruger National Park creates an unforgettable safari experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Africa's wild beauty.



For those seeking an authentic African safari experience without compromising on comfort, Sausage Tree Safari Camp represents the perfect choice. Here, the romance of traditional safari meets modern luxury, creating an experience that captures the true essence of an African adventure.


By Team Sausage Tree February 12, 2025
Kruger Tented Safaris: Unforgettable Luxury & Immersive Bush Experiences Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the African bush? Discover luxury tented safari packages in Kruger National Park and experience the ultimate immersion in nature, combined with the comforts of luxury accommodations. Overview of Tented Safari Packages in Kruger National Park Sausage Tree Safari Camp offers a variety of tented safari packages, catering to different preferences and durations. Whether you're seeking a 3-day adventurer getaway, a 4-day exploration, or a nature discovery and luxury tented safari, there's an option to suit every adventurer. 3 Day Adventurer Getaway Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure that includes an immersive itinerary, travel details, and exhilarating game drives. Get ready to witness the wonders of the African wilderness up close. 4 Day Explore Kruger For those seeking an extended exploration, the 4-day safari offers unique wildlife encounters and an in-depth experience of the diverse landscapes within the greater Kruger National Park. 3 Day Nature Discovery & Luxury Tented Safari Indulge in a mix of comfortable luxury and nature immersion with a 3-day safari that promises a truly unforgettable experience. Day-by-Day Itinerary and Safari Highlights Each day of your safari promises new adventures, from game drives to experiential moments within the park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the African bush and witness the incredible wildlife that calls Kruger National Park home. What’s Included & Not Included Our tented safari packages come with a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. From luxury accommodations to guided game drives, we have everything covered to make your safari unforgettable. Exclusive Tented Camp Experiences Explore the unique features of our exclusive tented camp by booking the whole camp, with only 5 tented suites we can offer an unrivalled safari experience exclusively for your group. Why Choose a Tented Safari? Discover the benefits of choosing a tented safari, from immersion in nature and luxury comforts to sustainable practices and flexible itineraries. Experience the African bush in a way that's both authentic and luxurious. Booking Your Kruger Tented Safari Ready to embark on your adventure? Our clear CTAs and detailed booking process will guide you through planning the perfect safari, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Frequently Asked Questions Is Kruger the best safari? The greater Kruger National Park offers diverse wildlife, expansive landscapes, and a range of accommodation options, making it an excellent choice for a classic African safari experience.  How many days safari Kruger? Ideal safari durations range from 3-4 days for first-timers, 5-7 days for a comprehensive experience, and 8+ days for deep immersion and dedicated wildlife tracking.
A bedroom with a canopy bed and a couch.
By Team Sausage Tree January 15, 2025
Experience luxury safari glamping in Kruger National Park with our exclusive tents, offering comfort, style, and Big 5 game viewing.
By James Carne November 12, 2024
Solid advice based on us being mostly the slowest species in the bush and we frequently remind guests of this here at Sausage Tree Safari Camp.
By Team Sausage Tree October 14, 2024
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By Team Sausage Tree September 13, 2024
Why goatsucker you may not unreasonably ask ?
By Team Sausage Tree August 29, 2024
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By Team Sausage Tree August 8, 2024
A truly rare sighting...
A honey badger is walking across a dirt road.
By Team Sausage Tree July 15, 2024
It is a very rare sighting indeed and a few days ago very lucky guests staying at Sausage Tree Safari Camp here on Olifants West Nature Reserve had a very close up view of an unusually relaxed mother and cub.
A close up of a pangolin laying on the ground.
By James Carne June 7, 2024
We were privileged to attend a lecture on Pangolins given by Professor Raymond Jansen of Tswane University, predominantly for the benefit of our Black Mamba all female, anti poaching environmental monitors, at their Operations HQ here on Olifants West Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger To write that it was fascinating would be a significant understatement . The professor opened up with a banger : the 8 species of pangolin are in the unique order of Pholidota . The closest order is Carnivora! In fact medical treatment for pangolins follows along the same lines as for domestic cats. The pangolin has been traced back 85 million years to an ancestor fossil found in Germany, a relic from Pangea times. The pangolin is the only mammal to be covered in scales which are made of keratin, the one and the same substance as our fingernails and the horns of rhino. It is also unique for an African mammal, bipedal. The four Asian species are perilously close to extinction and the four African species are heading the same way. Two of the four African species are arboreal, the white bellied pangolin ( the most frequently encountered) and the black bellied pangolin. The rarest is the Giant ground pangolin weighing in at a staggering 44 kilos plus. These three species are predominantly found in Central and West Africa. The Temmincks ground pangolin weighing in between 6 to 14 kilos is the the most widespread species and is the one that if you are incredibly lucky, can be found in our area. Many a field guide has spent years in the field without ever having seen a pangolin. They are solitary and nocturnal and feed only on ants and termites using a tongue which is as long as their entire body attached to their sternum, which when not in use curls up within the abdominal area. Ground pangolin mortality has for many years been caused by electric fences when they walk unwittingly into one with the bottom strand being live, and on contact triggers their defence mechanism whereby they curl up into a ball and die of electrocution. Wandering onto roads and becoming roadkill is another. Traditional medicinal use in sub Saharan Africa is another as the scales are considered to have healing powers to treat a host of serious to minor ailments. However field research conducted by the Professor’s students found this to be possibly sustainable as a traditional healer attested to needing just two scales a year for grinding down into potions for an entire village. However the other traditional use of gifting a pangolin to tribal chiefs and elders as the most prestigious gift that can be made, is not sustainable and is said to be the reason why pangolins can no longer be found in KwaZulu Natal. In West and Central Africa traditionally pangolin have been hunted for their meat and openly and legally sold on the side of roads at around $20 per animal. The scales having no perceived medicinal or cultural value were discarded as waste. In more recent times the arrival of Chinese doing business in Africa has dramatically altered the pressure on the African pangolin. There has been a very longstanding tradition of using pangolin scales in traditional Chinese medicine and with the demise of the Asiatic species the illegal trade in African pangolin scales has rocketed. 90% of African scales are estimated to be China bound where they are eventually sold at very high prices and 75% of the trade is routed through Nigeria . Here in South Africa , our province of Limpopo has become a hotspot for pangolin poaching. The professor reports that entire containers full of scales have been confiscated in Hong Kong which represents a staggering number of pangolin poached. Efforts by a relatively recently formed pangolins anti poaching unit which includes members of the Hawks special unit of the South African police due to the Nigerian organised crime involvement has resulted in 267 arrests to date and recent sentences have risen to eight years. Hopefully this sends a strong message out, discouraging people from entering the illegal trade. Recovered pangolin from sting operations has led to rehabilitation sometimes as long as a year. Even after the pangolin has been medically treated for the inevitable dehydration and pneumonia acquired during its capture, it may take many months to stabilise it from the stress it has sustained. The sound of male voices ( poachers are usually male) is enough to make it curl into a ball which is why female volunteers are normally used at pangolin rehabilitation centres. The rehabilitation process is highly intensive as one cannot feed them in captivity but need to be accompanied on very long foraging walks . However these efforts are proving to be 85% successful. Sausage Tree Safari Camp supports these efforts via putting up free stay prizes at fundraising auctions, Back to the question, what fate for the pangolins? Something radical needs to happen if this extraordinary mammal avoids extinction within 10 to 15 years at the present rate of loss. It’s in a worse predicament than that of the other keratin carrying much poached African mammals, the rhino. The rhino can have its horn removed without harm to it and it regrows , no such option for the pangolin and its scales . The rhino can be kept in full and semi captivity and breeding farms . The pangolin cannot be kept in any kind of captivity. In an open letter to Director General of the World Health Organisation and the Executive Director of UN Environment program which can be found on the website below, Professor Jansen highlights the zoonotic origins of all the pandemics known to man including the current Covid - 19 virus which is thought to originate from a wet market in Wuhan whereby a natural host species, in this case the horseshoe bat, came into close contact with an intermediate species thought to be a pangolin via blood and/or excreta and was then consumed by a human. The proposal is not for a global ban on wet markets as this would be unrealistic and unfair to millions of people whose diet is wholly dependent on the animals and plants sold therein. Rather, to educate and regulate against the known SARS virus-carrying mammal species being sold in wet markets is the way forward to avoid further pandemics. The bycatch of this strategy, if adopted, could be the survival of the pangolin. If you want to help save the pangolin then please make a donation via: http://www.africanpangolin.org/
A small bush baby is sitting on a tree branch.
By James Carne May 8, 2024
Also known as the Southern Lesser Galago, and the “lesser” is fairly apt in terms of it is a lesser known mammal of the bush and for first time safari goers usually an unexpected and surprising sighting. As we are now in early winter here at Sausage Tree Safari Camp in Greater Kruger , the sparser vegetation makes for easier spotting of these endearing lesser primates. The first glimpse of this small, nocturnally active animal is often two bright orange eyes caught in the tracker’s spotlight up in a tree. If the bush baby remains still then its entire head ,body, arms, legs and tail will be visible to the general comments of how cute it looks. This may be followed by a display of its phenomenal leaping ability, bouncing from branch to branch as far as 5 meters in one jump. It has very large eyes which are fixed and fill up their entire sockets, so to compensate its head can swivel within an arc of 180 degrees. Its large ears can also move independently of each other. It’s nighttime vision is very good but its hearing is remarkable. Slow motion filming has revealed that a bush baby can grab an insect in mid air during one of its prodigious leaps, and has been concluded that this is thanks to a finely developed sense of hearing as it has its eyes shut for protection when the catch is made. Its tail can be as long as its body and helps it to maintain its excellent balance. Its diet during summer months is composed of insects and spiders, and during the insect free winter months it dines on the gum from acacia trees. Although highly social living in family groups of two to eight , it will forage on its own at night and sleep huddled together in its group tree nest during the day. They will groom each other using forward facing lower canines and an elongated second digit on their hind claw. They even have a secondary tongue below the teeth to clear hair trapped in their teeth. They are territorial and the dominant male and female will mark their territory by urinating onto their cupped hand and rub it onto their hind feet, spreading it as they move. The young males will leave their natal group on the onset of puberty to find another group, which avoids inbreeding. The gestation period is around 125 days and one or two babies is the usual. They grow quickly, are independent within eight weeks and can have a lifespan of ten years. Their enemies are many such as genets, civets and owls ie nocturnal predators active hunting at the same time as they are foraging, travelling as much as 2 km and visiting 500 trees in one night. Sometimes, in houses with thatched roofs in the bush, a mother will drop one of her newborns and doesn’t retrieve it. This is an opportunity to hand raise a bush baby, Sonja and James having raised several. They are not called babies for nothing though, as they need feeding every 3 to 4 hours around the clock (the real reason for being called bush babies is from the baby like cries of its much larger cousin: the Greater bush baby). After 8 weeks, a window is left open at night to encourage them to forage outside and thus the process of introducing them into the wild begins. They may take a few months or up to a few years, but eventually one morning they won’t return, having integrated with a local group, the way it should be.
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