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. Over the past 20 years Grietjie has developed into one of the most sought after pieces of real estate that can now boast the “Big 5” and a host of other species of mammals and birds.

Our traversing covers almost 7000 Ha and includes over 10kms of Olifants 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.

Antares started off as a well-respected and reputable training camp for Field Guides and had produced some of the best guides now found operating in other lodges across southern Africa. In 2018 a decision was taken to change the focus of the business and we decided to open up as a self-catering camp. Catering for a maximum of eight guests ensures that we continue to strive for that personalised attention we promised our trainees.

The camp has undergone a major transformation and as with butterflies that emerge from a chrysalis the same can be said for our camp. You can read more about this under the accommodation page.