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Description

Kabouga Mvubu Camp is a truly rustic, secluded campsite set on the banks of the Sundays River in the Kabouga section of Greater Addo Elephant National Park. It is designed for those who love untouched wilderness, value solitude, and are seeking a genuine off-grid camping experience instead of crowd-oriented resorts or “glamping” comfort.

 

Who is it for?

Adventurous campers and nature lovers looking to disconnect and enjoy remote surroundings.

Wildlife enthusiasts and birders​ interested in the area’s diverse species, especially river and bushveld animals.

Self-sufficient travelers with 4×4 vehicles and experience in untarred, sometimes rough, roads.

 

Who should not choose this camp?

Those who require modern amenities (there’s no electricity, no potable water, no onsite store, and only basic ablutions, with one paraffin-heated shower and a communal tap).

Visitors who need cell or Wi-Fi coverage, or require accessible facilities.

Families or individuals uncomfortable with wild settings, as hippos are present in the river, and the camp is unfenced.

 

Wildlife & Nature Experience

Wildlife viewing is intimate and subtle — you won’t encounter large congregations or the Big Five here (those are in Addo’s main game area). Instead, expect to see kudu, hartebeest, warthog, bushbuck, duiker, vervet monkeys, baboons, and occasional hippos.

Birding is excellent due to the blend of riverside and mountain habitats.

Fishing and canoeing are possible but come with a hippo warning.

The camp forms part of the historic Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail, rich in Anglo-Boer War history and spectacular landscapes.

 

Kabouga Mvubu Camp is for wilderness purists and off-the-grid adventurers who treasure total immersion in nature, comfort with basic facilities, and the ability to be self-sufficient. It is not for those seeking luxury or convenience, but paradise for those seeking solitude, wildness, and genuine Eastern Cape bush character.

General Information

Alternative Name
Mvubu Campsite, Mvubu Camp, Kabouga Mvubu
Resort Group
SANParks
Nearest Town
Kirkwood
Distance To Nearest Town
±20 km
Nearest Major City
Gqeberha
Distance To Nearest Major City
±85 km
Nearest Major Airport
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (formerly Port Elizabeth International Airport)
Distance To Nearest Major Airport
±85 km
Speed limit
40 km/h
24-Hour Front Desk
No
Business Hours / Gates Open During
Main Camp Reception : 07:00 to 19:00.
Arrival and Departure Times
Check-In Time: 14:00
Check-Out Time: 10:00
Security Rating
Moderately Secure
Family friendly
Yes
Day Visitors Allowed?
Yes
Day Visitors Visiting Hours
07:00 - 18:30 and 19:00 depending on season and the specific gate.
Pets Allowed
No
Electric vehicle charing point
No
Special / Unique Features
Located on Sundays River banks, 4x4 access only, extremely secluded with only 6 camping stands, paraffin-heated shower.
Nearby Landmarks
Sundays River, Zuurberg Mountains, Kabouga Gate.
Things To Seek
Hippos in Sundays River, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, game viewing.
Interesting Facts
Part of Bedrogfontein 4x4 trail connecting Kabouga to Darlington, historic Anglo-Boer War route.
Malaria Risk
No
Remember to bring along
All supplies including food, water, fuel - nearest shops in Kirkwood 30 minutes away.
Special notes to guests
High clearance 4x4 vehicle essential, no potable water, no electricity, hippos present in river.

- A high-clearance 4x4 is absolutely essential. Access is via a long, rough dirt/gravel track (about 12 km from the Kabouga Gate); most cars will not make it safely.
- Bring everything you need: All food, water, cooking fuel, and any other supplies (the nearest shops, medical help, and fuel are 15–30 km away in Kirkwood).
- No pets allowed: Confirmed by both on-site signage and the latest Park rules.
- Most campsites have bare soil surfaces, with some offering patches of grass and limited shade.
- There are mobile braai stands (bring your own grid), and only a communal tap for water - this is not potable water.
- Swimming in the river is not allowed. It is clearly stated on the notice board at the campsite entrance. Extreme caution is required due to hippos.
- Night-time game viewing is minimal; this section of Addo is about peace and isolation rather than abundance of big game.
- It’s not wheelchair-friendly, and is generally unsuited to those seeking accessibility, organised activities, or group/family resort vibes.
- This camp is ideal for privacy and star-filled nights: there’s little risk of noise or crowding - perfect for self-reliant travellers wanting real wilderness.

Seasonal Information

Busy Months
January , April, July, August , December
Quiet Months
February , June, October, November
Best Months
May, June, July, August , September

Road Conditions

Road Towards Main Gate
Dirt Road
Road Condition
Fair Condition
Dirt Road Distance (from Tar Road)
10KM - 20KM
Suitable Vehicles
Bakkie, SUV, Caravan, Trailer
Internal Road Type
Dirt Road
Nearest Fuel Station

Contact Information

Phone 2
Reservations Email
addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Address
Kabouga Section, Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape
Kabouga Section, Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape

Financial Information

Banking Details
Account Name: South African National Parks
Bank: First National Bank (FNB), South Africa
Branch Code:
253145 (for teller deposits)
250655 (for internet/EFT transfers)
Account Number: 62029335678
Reference: Use your reservation number as payment reference — this is essential for tracking your booking

International transfers:
Bank Address: FNB South Africa, Church Square, Pretoria, South Africa
SWIFT/BIC: FIRNZAJJXXX
Additional Vehicle Fee
Yes
Payment Methods
Online, EFT
Cancellation Penalty
Percentage Penalty
Pensioner Discount
Yes

Resort Facilities

Electricity
Guards,Patrols,Park Rangers
Own Generator Allowed
No
Cellphone Reception
No
Wifi Reception
No
Wheelchair Friendly
No
Parking Facilities
Open Parking
Communal Facilities
Ablution Facilities, Braai Area, Picnic Area
Laundry Facility
Yes

Amenities

Nearby Amenities
None - must bring all supplies.
Nearby Medical Assistance
Kirkwood Hospital is about 35 km from Addo Elephant National Park.
If you need them after hours, call: +27 (0)42 230 0406
During the day, call: +27 (0)42 230 1082

Private Hospitals nearby:
- Greenacres Hospital
- Livingstone Hospital
- Netcare Cuyler Clinic

Public Hospitals:
- Livingstone Hospital
- Humewood Clinic
- In case of emergency:

Park Reception (office hours): +27 (0)42 233 8600
Hospitality Manager (after hours): +27 (0)82 471 0267
Ambulance in Addo: +27 (0)42 233 0358
National Emergency Number: 10111

Activities

Outdoor Activities
Angling / Fishing, Mountain Biking, Game Drives, Bird Watching, 4x4 Trail
Hiking / Walking
Hiking
Game Drive
Self-Drive, Game Drive

Camping Facilities

Campsite Electricity
No
Wheelchair Friendly Campsite Stands
No
Campsite DSTV Dish
No
Amount of Camping Stands
±6 Stands
Smallest Camping Stand Size
3.5 x 4.5m
Campsite Stand Covering
Bare Soil
Shade Over Campsite Stands
Some / Little Shade
Braai Facilities
Private Braai Area
Campsite Braai Facilities
Own Grid

Ecosystem & Wildlife (Fauna & Flora)

Local Resident Animals
Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Ostrich, Warthog, Bushbuck, Duiker, Vervet monkeys, Baboons
Occasional Animals
Hippos in Sundays River
Local Resident Bird Species
Diverse bird species across riverine and mountain habitats

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