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About Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp is a gorgeous bush retreat situated in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, an exclusive 3000-hectare sanctuary adjacent to the Greater Kruger region. Surrounded by ancient riverine trees on the banks of the scenic Blyde River, the camp offers an immersive experience in one of the most magical regions of South Africa. The camp's design embraces simplicity and elegance, harmonising with the natural ambience.
The camp features just six elevated Canvas Tented Rooms, four of which offer breathtaking views of the flowing Blyde River, while the remaining two overlook the serene bush surroundings. Wooden walkways connect the tents to the main areas, which include a refreshing infinity pool for hot summer days. The central space encompasses a spacious balcony, a well-stocked bar, a cosy fireplace, and a comfortable lounge area, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and socialising.
Rukiya Safari Camp Setting
The Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve is located about 10km outside Hoedspruit in the neighbouring Greater Kruger region of the Limpopo province of South Africa, forming part of the 12000-hectare Blyde Olifants Conservancy. Rukiya Safari Camp lies on the banks of the Blyde River, just 500m upstream from the confluence of the significant Blyde and Olifants Rivers.
Although the reserve is not classified as a Big Five reserve, it boasts a diverse range of wildlife species and an abundance of captivating birdlife for guests to admire. Additionally, the camp offers a wide array of safari experiences, including game drives, bush walks, full-day excursions to Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route, scenic boat trips, hot air balloon rides, and more.
About Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp is a gorgeous bush retreat situated in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, an exclusive 3000-hectare sanctuary adjacent to the Greater Kruger region. Surrounded by ancient riverine trees on the banks of the scenic Blyde River, the camp offers an immersive experience in one of the most magical regions of South Africa. The camp's design embraces simplicity and elegance, harmonising with the natural ambience.
The camp features just six elevated Canvas Tented Rooms, four of which offer breathtaking views of the flowing Blyde River, while the remaining two overlook the serene bush surroundings. Wooden walkways connect the tents to the main areas, which include a refreshing infinity pool for hot summer days. The central space encompasses a spacious balcony, a well-stocked bar, a cosy fireplace, and a comfortable lounge area, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and socialising.
Rukiya Safari Camp Setting
The Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve is located about 10km outside Hoedspruit in the neighbouring Greater Kruger region of the Limpopo province of South Africa, forming part of the 12000-hectare Blyde Olifants Conservancy. Rukiya Safari Camp lies on the banks of the Blyde River, just 500m upstream from the confluence of the significant Blyde and Olifants Rivers.
Although the reserve is not classified as a Big Five reserve, it boasts a diverse range of wildlife species and an abundance of captivating birdlife for guests to admire. Additionally, the camp offers a wide array of safari experiences, including game drives, bush walks, full-day excursions to Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route, scenic boat trips, hot air balloon rides, and more.
Activities
Hot Air Ballooning
Full Day Kruger National Park
Full Day Panorama Route Tour
Boat Cruises
Moholoholo Rehab Centre
Game Drives
Bird Watching
Sundowners
Bush Walks
Reviews
Beautiful Lodge
A wonderfully located safari lodge, sleeping in safari tents with everything you need, beds are comfortable. Service is great and food is good. Safari’s are spread over two private reserves and there is a possibility to see the big-5.
Daan C.
Amazing Destination
Rukiya was amazing and filled with great individuals. My partner and I had an unforgettable experience at the camp. We wish we had stayed longer.
S. Kolo
Beautiful Lodge
A wonderfully located safari lodge, sleeping in safari tents with everything you need, beds are comfortable. Service is great and food is good. Safari’s are spread over two private reserves and there is a possibility to see the big-5.
Daan C.
Amazing Destination
Rukiya was amazing and filled with great individuals. My partner and I had an unforgettable experience at the camp. We wish we had stayed longer.
S. Kolo
Guests can enjoy game drives and walks in the Big 5 areas or on the Wild River Reserve (Non-Big 5). Join in on the exciting leopard research program, which the camp is involved in.
Please note Reserve/Conservation Fees are not included in the Accommodation rate
Secured parking
Free parking
Laundry service
Outdoor Pool
Restaurant
BBQ / picnic area
WIFI
Wifi Yes, on entire property
* Game drives
* Nature walks
* Fishing
* Blyde Dam Boat Cruise
* Khamai Reptile Park
* Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (Please support them)
* Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Please note Reserve/Conservation Fees are not included in the Accommodation rate
Location
Wild Rivers Nature Reserve,, Hoedspruit, 1380
How to get there
From the South (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Lydenburg)
Drive to Hoedspruit. At the stop street at the intersection of R40 and R527, travel North towards Phalaborwa.
Continue for 10 km on R40.
At the "Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve" signpost, turn left onto the gravel access road. This is directly opposite the Mohlabetsi signpost and entrance gate. Continue about 600m (across the railway line) to the entrance gate. (Be careful, the railway line is active). Then once in the reserve follow signs to number 21.
From Phalaborwa
Drive West for about 5 km from town. Turn left on R40 (South) and continue on R40 until you reach the Olifants River Bridge. From the bridge, drive 13.6 km towards Hoedspruit.
Turn right onto the gravel access road. The sign here is not very visible! Turn directly opposite the Mohlabetsi signpost and entrance gate.
Continue about 600m (across the railway line) to the entrance gate. (Be careful, the railway line is active). Then once in the reserve follow signs to number 21.
From Tzaneen
Drive East on R71 (towards Gravelotte and Phalaborwa) In Gravelotte continue straight (do not turn left towards Phalaborwa) towards Mica. This is now R526.
At the Tjunction, turn right on R40 towards Hoedspruit, and continue until you reach the Olifants River Bridge.From the bridge, drive 13.6 km towards Hoedspruit.
Turn right onto the gravel access road. The sign here is not very visible! Turn directly opposite the Mohlabetsi signpost and entrance gate.
Continue about 600m (across the railway line) to the entrance gate. (Be careful, the railway line is active). Then once in the reserve follow signs to number 21.
Frequently asked questions
Children over the age of 4 are welcome at Rukiya Safari Camp.
No, the afternoon game drives are not Big Five game drives as they are conducted on the Wild River Reserve
13:00 - 11:00
Cardholder, ID/Passport is required at check-in.
The credit card used for the online deposit must be present at check-in.
Reserve Fees of R250.00(2024)/275.00(2025) per person per stay are not included in the accommodation rates and can be settled directly at the camp or per-paid
Check in from 13:00 and check out 11:00.
No pets allowed.
Smoking outside only.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL THE CAMP INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS and to familiarise yourself with the property you have booked - https://www.rukiyacamp.com/
TERMS & CONDITIONS
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
a) In this agreement the following words will have the meanings referred to below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: “Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes or shortened versions thereof” means the companies known
and registered/operating under as Rukiya Camp (Pty) Limited, C Jackson, LR Loubser and HC Loubser and/ or Blue Footprints Eco Lodge trading as
Sava Dunes, For Their Respective Rights and Interests
b) “The Client” means the agent/guest that the booking has been made for.
c) “Day” means a calendar day.
d) “Arrival Date” means the date of arrival.
e) “Deposit” means the monies payable by you to Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes to secure your booking.
f) “Force Majeure” means any extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of all parties, including but not limited to, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, WHO-recognized epidemics and pandemic as well as fire.
g) “Involuntary change” means a change/s to a booking caused by scheduled airline failure, bad weather, airport, or airline strikes and all other Force Majeure, which may result in additional costs including but not limited to cancellation, amendment and administration fees and cost of new services.
h) “Voluntary change” means changes requested by you that do not constitute an Involuntary Change which may result in additional costs including but not limited to cancellation, amendment and administration fees and cost of new services.
i) “In writing” means written communication sent to Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes by recorded delivery by email.
j) “Supplier” means a third party who supplies travel services, including but not limited to airlines, transfer companies, car rental
companies, tour operators and other hotels, Employees and consultants of the companies.
K) “OTA’S” mean Online Travel Agent, including but not limited to booking.com, Lekkerslaap, Agoda, Expedia etc
l) “Total Confirmed Price” means the total cost of services rendered to you on behalf of Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes or by Rukiya Safari Camp and Sava Dunes, as indicated in the booking.
m) Expressions in the singular also include the plural, and vice versa; and Pronouns of any gender include the other gender
1.BOOKING PROCESS
1.1 The Client shall be responsible for informing Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes of any bookings,
confirmations, booking amendments, or cancellations of rooms or services in writing by e-mail. The onus of proof of delivery
in this regard will be on the Client.
1.2 Provisional bookings will be held as follows:
Number of days before Travel Number of Days held
61 +days 14 days
Between 60 days and 31 days before travel 7 days
Less than 30 days before arrival 3 days
1.3 Upon expiry of the above provisional periods Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes reserve the right to release such reservations, unless requested in writing by the Client to extend the provisional period. The extension of any provisional period will be at the sole discretion of Rukiya Safari Camp and Sava Dunes.
1.4 In the event Rukiya Safari Camp and Sava Dunes receives a confirmed reservation request against any space being held on a provisional basis by the Client, Rukiya Safari Camp and Sava Dunes reserves then reserve the right to request confirmation or release of the provisional within 48 hours.
1.5 Upon confirmation it will be required to disclose information of guest/s which will solely be used for booking and statistical purposes.
a) Full name and surname
b) Contact telephone number
c) Travel information
d) Nationality
e) Age if guest is under 12 years
1.6 Confirmed space will be subject to the appropriate cancellation and payment policies.
2.TRAVEL DEALS AND DISCOUNT RATES
All Travel Deals and Discounted Rates advertised on the Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes website or quoted in the booking are only bound by the Standard Terms and Conditions and not Pandemic Terms and Conditions.
3.SECURING YOUR BOOKING AND PAYMENT TERMS
3.1 A booking is only held on a provisional basis until a deposit has been paid.
3.2 To confirm your booking, you need to make the following payments to Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes:
i. 30% Deposit at time of booking or within 14 days of Confirmation.
ii. Final balance due 30 days prior to arrival.
iii. 100% Of the Total Confirmed Price for bookings made less than 30 days prior to arrival,
iv. Greater deposits may be required in instances of specialist products and/or peak season travel.
3.3 If the above payments are not received as indicated, Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will be unable to confirm the booking.
3.4 When adding a Private Game Drive or activity to a booking, full payment of the charge is due and is 100% non-refundable
4. PAYMENT METHODS
4.1 Payments can be made via direct transfers or via a secure payment link into the bank account/s.
4.2All payments should be made in full and free of any bank charges.
5.STANDARD CANCELLATION
5.1 If you cancel your booking, in full or partially, for any reason whatsoever Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will levy cancellation charges as defined below. In the occasional instance where Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes can obtain waivers of cancellation fees and/or secure an ex-gratia refund from suppliers Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma
Cottages and Sava Dunes will pass this on to you less the Service Fee of 5%. However, Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes makes no guarantees as to securing such waivers or refunds.
5.2 Cancellations of bookings must be done in writing. Where cancellations are sent by e-mail, you must obtain an e-mail proof of receipt and retain written acknowledgement of receipt from Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes.
5.3 Reservations held by Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes where no deposit has been paid will be cancelled by Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes with notice to the Client
5.4 On cancellation of a confirmed reservation Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes shall, subject to the relevant provisions of the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008 (as amended from time to time), and to the extent that the provisions of said Act are applicable, be entitled to the payment of the following cancellation fees:
i. 999+ days before arrival: Deposit non-refundable
ii. 30 - 8 days before arrival: 70 % Cancellation fee of booking total
iii. 7 – 0 days before arrival: 100 % Cancellation fee of booking total
5.5 Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will make every effort to confirm the required services after deposit
payment. In the in the unlikely event of us being unable to confirm the itinerary travel services you will be offered alternative available travel services. Should the alternative available travel services not be acceptable to you we will provide a full refund.
5.6 Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will make every effort to ensure delivery of services as defined in the
confirmed itinerary however we reserve the right to cancel services where unavoidable due to circumstances beyond the control of
Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes. In the unlikely instance that Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes should cancel services defined in the confirmed itinerary Rukiya Safari Camp and Sava Dunes will provide a full refund on the cancelled service/s only.
5.7 Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will make every effort to avoid misquotation. However, we reserve the right to cancel a reservation without liability or penalty if an obvious error or omission leads to a material cost implication.
5.8 No refunds will be given by Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes for partly used vouchers or for no-shows.
6.VACCINATION, IMMUNISATION AND MEDICATION
6.1 You must ensure that you meet the vaccination, inoculation, and medication regulations of the various African countries. Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes recommends you seek the advice of Experts in the field and review the guidelines
displayed on government websites relating to vaccination, inoculation, and medication regulations. You remain ultimately responsible for ensuring you meet the vaccination, inoculation, and medication regulations requirements of each African country you visit.
6.2 It is your obligation to ensure that you are medically fit to travel.
7.TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
7.1 You agree to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of your booking. You acknowledge that without such travel insurance, you will be responsible for all costs arising from any cancellation, re-routing, or rescheduling of your trip or any emergency (medical or other) that may arise during your travels.
7.2 SAVA DUNES, all travellers MUST have medical insurance due to remoteness of the lodge, the insurance must also include evacuation cover.
7.3 You agree that in the event of you failing to purchase adequate insurance cover, you will not hold Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes responsible for any harm or loss that you may suffer.
7.4 In the event of a medical emergency the Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will contact emergency medical professionals/first responders.
7.5 Where medical professionals recommend a course of action, and either the guest or their next of kin is unavailable or unable to make a decision, Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes reserves the right to act and follow the advised course of action. All expenses incurred as a result of this decision, including but not limited to transportation, call-out fees, medical fees, ambulance/airlift, and first response, shall be the responsibility of the guest
8.VISA’S/TRAVEL ADVICE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
8.1 It is your responsibility to check and ensure you have the correct VISAs in place to travel and enter the various African countries.
8.2 It remains your responsibility to ensure that you have all the update VISA requirements, documents etc prior to your travel.
8.3 All your baggage and personal belongings are always and remain your responsibility. Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will not accept any liability for your misplaced baggage or any loss or damage to your baggage or personal effects.
9. FORCE MAJEURE/PANDEMIC CANCELLATIONS/INVOLUNTARY CHANGE/VOLUNTARY CHANGE
9.1 if the cancellation of a booking is made due to Force Majeure, then proof of qualifying criteria must be presented in the email
cancellation request
9.2 Qualifying Criteria
a) The government in the guest’s country of residence restricts travel, which has a direct causal impact on the guest’s travel plans.
b) Travel restrictions on the destination/s are imposed by the guest’s country of residence
c) South Africa/Mozambique falls under official government sanctioned lockdown/restrictions
d) South Africa or Guest country of residence closes their borders to all international travellers.
e) International flights are cancelled, with no alternative routing available to reach South Africa
f) A mandatory quarantine period is imposed by South Africa or on return to the guest’s country of residence
g) If the guest has contracted an illness and is in quarantine or under medical treatment up to 48 hours prior to travel.
9.3 Each booking will be treated on a case-by-case basis
9.4 Cancellations due to fear of contracting a WHO-recognised pandemic or the prevalence of comorbidities will not constitute
legitimate grounds for the cancellation fees being waived.
9.5 Should the qualifying criteria listed above not be present, then the standard Cancellation Terms and Conditions will apply.
9.6 The Standard Operating Procedure for bookings being cancelled due to Force Majeure/Pandemic Cancellations where funds have been received is to issue a credit note to the agent/guest for the amount paid.
9.7 If bookings are postponed and the new dates fall into a new rate period, then guests will be liable to pay for the applicable increase in rates.
9.8 if the cancellation of a booking is made due to Involuntary change/Voluntary change, then proof of reason must be presented in the email cancellation/amendment request, these cancellations/amendments fall under travel insurance claims and Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes will provide you with the proof of cancelled or amended booking which can be submitted to your travel insurance.
10.BANKING DETAILS
10.1 Electronic transfers may be paid directly into the below listed bank accounts.
10.2 A copy of the deposit slip or bank draft, together with the appropriate guest details, reservation number and invoice number must be emailed to Rukiya Safari Camp, Rukiya Kuma Cottages and Sava Dunes to reconcile the appropriate records.
10.3 Failure to do so may result in the payment not being reflected against the booking, and the space released due to non-payment.
10.4 Banking details will never be advised for a booking by typing them out in the email body, account details are listed on the bookings sent or as per the account details below.
10.5 If Banking details are requested via email we will attached a bank verified confirmation to the email.
10.6 It remains your responsibility to verify any details sent and If you receive alternative banking details to use as well as being advise that our secure links are not working, then this is a scam and we advise that you do not attempt to make payment to those details.
12.HOUSE RULES
12.1 RESERVE FEES are not included in the accommodation rate and are payable either with the balance payment 30 days prior or directly at camp.
12.2 We are a fully licensed properties and have inhouse bars. No private Liquor/Alcohol and/or drinks and/or cooler boxes are
permitted in our public areas or on activities. A corkage will be charged for any alcohol brought onto the lodge property unless booked on Self-catering.
12.3 Music boxes/speakers are strictly prohibited and respect must be given to fellow guests and the tranquillity of the properties.
12.4 No feeding or attempts to feed wildlife are permitted.
12.5 Strictly no PETS allowed, birds are included in this rule
12.6 Swimming is restricted to pools and ocean only, there are crocodiles and hippos in the rivers.
12.7 We have a Zero tolerance policy on litter please use bins provided
12.8 There may be power interruptions due to power outages during your stay, please be advised that the lodge, management and staff cannot be held liable for power cuts at the lodge as it is beyond our control.
12.9 There is no self-driving on the reserve, we do offer morning Big 5 game Drives and Afternoon Wild Rivers Non-big-5 Game Drives at an additional cost if not booked on the Full Board and Activities option
12.10 Reserve gates operated by 3rd party operators and we have no control over times.
12.11 Right of access and use of facilities is reserved at all times by Management
.