'Africa under canvas' — a 1920s expedition camp
Quatermain’s is a classic 1920s-style expedition camp set in a secluded valley on Amakhala Game Reserve, around 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth. Just three canvas tents — an intimate six-bed camp — fitted with military campaign-style furnishings, the choice of the pioneers, hunters and explorers of the era. The camp is named for Allan Quatermain, H. Rider Haggard’s fictional Victorian explorer, and the whole stay leans into that “Africa under canvas” romance.
Hosts Riaan and Julie Brand are experienced rangers who run the camp themselves. Riaan is a specialist bird guide, so beyond Big 5 game drives expect a much deeper feel for the smaller life of the bush — over 16 antelope species on the reserve, plus extraordinary birdlife across the surrounding fynbos, thicket and Bushman’s River habitats.
Inside Quatermains Camp
Rooms & suites
Double/Twin Safari Tent
Sleeps 2 adults · Double or twin configuration · Military campaign-style furnishings · Canvas with raised wooden deck · 3 tents in total
Experiences at Quatermains Camp
Two game drives daily are included, hosted personally by Riaan and Julie Brand. Riaan is a specialist bird guide, so birding and detailed bush interpretation sit alongside Big 5 tracking.
- Twice-daily Big 5 game drives
- Specialist birding safaris with bird-guide host
- Guided bush walks on request
- Mid-drive coffee stop in the morning, sundowner stop in the afternoon
- Waterproofs and blankets provided on game drives
- Antelope and small-creature interpretation (16+ species on the reserve)
Facilities
- Free parking
- Operates fully unplugged — no Wi-Fi anywhere on the property
Best time to visit
Tented camps are at their most magical in winter (May–September) — cold mornings, warm hot-water bottles, fires every night, and the sound of the river. Summer brings warmer evenings on the riverside deck and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.
May – September
- Best Big 5 game viewing
- Fires every night around the boma
- Crisp morning walking safaris
- Hot water bottles in your bed
October – March
- Long warm evenings by the river
- Dramatic afternoon storms
- Lush green riverbank
- Best photographic light
Reviews
“This is what we came to Africa for. Falling asleep to hippos in the river, waking up to fish eagles. Pure magic.”D. Hartmann · TripAdvisor
“Boma dinners around the fire, walking safari at sunrise. Felt like we had stepped into a Hemingway novel.”The Coopers · Google
“More authentic than the bigger lodges. Smaller, simpler, and somehow much more powerful.”L. Faulkner · Feedback Co
Policies & practicalities
Check-in / Check-out
From 13:00 · Out by 20:00
Wi-Fi
Not available — the camp is intentionally unplugged
Pets
Pets not allowed
Smoking
Non-smoking property
Booking lead time
Bookings need to be made at least 1 day in advance
Cancellation policy
- 60+ days before arrival — no forfeit
- 46 to 60 days — 10% of deposit forfeited
- 31 to 45 days — 50% of deposit forfeited
- 3 to 30 days — 75% of deposit forfeited
- 2 days or less — 100% of deposit forfeited
Your full cancellation terms appear in the booking widget before you pay and on your booking confirmation email. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Questions about Quatermains Camp
What's included in the rate?
Accommodation in one of three 1920s-style canvas safari tents, breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, selected house beverages, and two game drives daily with named host-rangers. Lunch is not included by default. Premium drinks, bush walks (on request), and additional activities are arranged separately.
Are children welcome at Quatermain's Camp?
Quatermain's is adults-only (18+). The camp's six-bed intimate scale, military-campaign aesthetic, and the host-rangers' style of stays are designed for adult guests. Families with children should consider Bush Lodge (children 12+), Woodbury Lodge (children 6+), or Leeuwenbosch Country House (all ages) on the same reserve.
Is there Wi-Fi at Quatermain's Camp?
No — Quatermain's is deliberately unplugged. There is no Wi-Fi anywhere on the property, by design. Guests are expected to disconnect for the duration of the stay.
How do I get to Quatermain's Camp?
Approximately 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport — turn in at the Amakhala / Carnarvondale entrance, roughly halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown on the N2. The camp will share door-to-door directions on confirmation. Airport transfers can be arranged through African Safari Group on request.
What's the unusual late check-out about?
Check-out is at 20:00 (8pm), much later than most lodges' 10:00 or 11:00 standard. The reason is practical — guests can join the afternoon game drive on their departure day and still travel home that evening. A real differentiator for short stays.
Who are the hosts?
Riaan and Julie Brand. Both are experienced rangers and personally host the camp — meals, drives, and the day-to-day. Riaan is a specialist bird guide, so birding sits alongside Big 5 tracking on every drive.
What is the cancellation policy?
60+ days before arrival — no forfeit. 46 to 60 days — 10% of deposit forfeited. 31 to 45 days — 50% of deposit forfeited. 3 to 30 days — 75% of deposit forfeited. 2 days or less — 100% of deposit forfeited.
