Adventurous wildlife encounters at Ratho Bush Camp
Alldays - Limpopo - South Africa
Rocks near Ratho
Ratho Bush Camp, a wildlife experience like no other.
Is that what we had?
In January 2020 we took a road trip and safari through the Kruger National Park and Limpopo with our caravan. We had travelled from south to north through the Kruger camping at a few of the main rest camps. When we exited the north of the park we spent a night at Nthakeni as well as Tshipise.
Our next camp of choice was Ratho Bush Camp. Christoff from Get Out Go posted a review of the campsite. After watching the video we were very keen to experience this rustic, adventurous bush camp.
Campsite at main camp
Ratho Bush Camp
Ratho Bush Camp is part of Rakwena Crocodile Farm and about 17 kilometres west of Pontdrif, the border post between South Africa and Botswana. The camp is abundant with birdlife and if you are lucky you may even see an elephant or two.
Fish Eagle
The 4x4 bush camp is situated on the banks of the Limpopo, a stone’s throw away from Botswana which is across the river.
Campsite in main camp
Rustic bathroom for campers
Accommodation
Accommodation at Ratho consists of luxury tented camps, campsites and a 4x4 bush camp. There are rustic ablution facilities with hot water for all the campsites. The camps are divided into two sections. The 4x4 bush camp is unfenced and directly on the banks of the Limpopo river. The tented camp and campsites situated under Nyala trees is a short distance away from the river. The perimeter of this camp is fenced.
Inside the safari tents
Bathroom in safari tents
4x4 camp next to the river
Enter at own risk - there is even a sign saying beware of crocodiles
We were feeling a tad adventurous and our aim was to camp in the bush camp. We were however disappointed because it was not operational. Between December and March, the 4x4 bush camp is closed due to the extremely good possibility of flooding. However the normal campsite next to the safari tents is open.
The 4x4 bush camp is truly wild. Although it is not far from the main campsite, because it is unfenced wild animals roam freely along the riverbanks and cross over from Botswana periodically. In fact, they could walk right through your campsite.
Looking onto waterhole
Communal kitchen for safari tents
Ratho is also situated close to Mapungubwe, a national park of South Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you do not want to stay at the park, you can drive from Ratho for the day or a few hours to explore this national park.
Bushbuck, warthogs and baboons at the waterhole at Ratho
Rakwena crocodile farm at Ratho
Next to the river
View of the deck at the main campsite from near the waterhole
Our experience at Ratho
We spent two nights at Ratho. Although we didn’t go on a tour of the Rakwena Crocodile farm we peeked through the fence to have a look at them.
We had the entire campsite to ourselves although Sandra was expecting a large group of birders the day we left.
Self drive 4x4 route
We drove the easy 5 kilometre 4x4 route near the river. It is very picturesque in summer.
About getting up close and personal with the wildlife of Ratho, we showered with a huge scorpion. Just goes to show even fences can’t keep out everything. Luckily the scorpion stayed on the wall and we kept a wide berth. Needless to say, we had an extremely quick shower that night.
Lappies the cat
Furthermore we witnessed a kill or rather the offerings of a kill. There are two domesticated cats at the main campsite – Lappies a beautifully marked cat and Melkie a snow-white cat. Both of them are very friendly and Lappies often sat on our laps and greeted us with such enthusiasm every morning.
Lappies
Melkie
Every night Melkie braves the horrors of the wild and goes through the fence into the bush for an adventure. He faces the dangers of going out into the jungle, with a huge possibility of being captured and devoured by predators. His mission: to catch a mouse for Lappies. Once he has caught a mouse, he then duly presents it to her. Quite sweet, don’t you think? Not that Lappies does not venture into the bush herself, but she probably enjoys the attention of having an offering presented to her.
Open air ‘bar’
Unfortunately we did not see any elephants or other larger game. We sat on the wooden deck and overlooked the dry water hole and saw bushbuck, baboons and warthog. Apparently because there was an abundance of food, the elephants stay away in summer.
We would like to return to Ratho, but this time would love to spend a night or two at the 4x4 bush camp… as long as we don’t get trampled by elephants!
Activities at Ratho
Crocodile tours. Rakwena crocodile farm is fully operational. Crocodile skins are exported mainly to Italy, Korea and Cape Town and the meat of the crocodile is sold as a delicacy and is exported. It is worth finding out more about the Nile crocodile and touring the breeding pens.
Birdwatching. There is an abundance of birds in the area. If that doesn’t satisfy you, you can take a drive to Mapungubwe and visit the Maloutswa hide where you will definitely see more birds.
Game-viewing. As it is with most game, they come and they go. There is a good chance you will see small game and if you are lucky the larger animals such as elephants. Once again you can drive through to Mapungubwe for some more game viewing. Be sure to go to the main gate on the eastern side of the national park to pay the conservation and entrance fee.
4x4 routes. There is a beautiful scenic route next to the river where you can take a leisurely drive. Be sure to stick to the path though. There are sections on the track that is muddy, so beware that you don’t get stuck.
Scenic 4x4 drive along the river
Ratho is situated on a citrus farm and the gate closes at 6 in the evening. It is advisable to make arrangements prior to the time, if there is a chance that you could be late.
Hope you enjoyed reading about our tongue-in-cheek adventures at Ratho.
Where is Ratho
Ratho Bush Camp is situated in the north west of South Africa and the closest town is Alldays. It is located on the Limpopo River in South Africa, therefore not in the Tuli Block. Pontdrif is the nearest border post into Botswana, only approximately half an hour away so is a great place for an overnight stay on route to this neighbouring country of South Africa.
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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