Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide 

Your escape to the African bush. Our child-friendly and owner-run Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide is an exclusive, 3-star graded self-catering establishment within the Grietjie Private Nature Reserve (northern section of the Balule Nature Reserve) in the Greater Kruger Park area. We offer an authentic and relaxing bush experience in an exclusive and welcoming rustic setting to nature enthusiasts and photographic groups who are looking for a great Kruger Park alternative with unique opportunities for sight-seeing and game viewing at affordable rates. 

With the reserve part of an open system, our bush camp can boast almost all the game species that you could expect to find in the Kruger National Park. 

Our Accommodation 

If what you are looking for is an affordable break away in an exclusive facility for small groups or families then Antares is the place for you.

Our camp boasts five air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms which are linked to the main building by a same level deck allowing for easy access but only cater for a maximum of eight guests at any one time. Thus ensuring that you and your friends can enjoy this piece of paradise on your own. 

Each of the five bedrooms has an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower as well as a beautifully appointed circular outdoor shower allowing you to enjoy those starry nights after a magical game drive where you may have been lucky enough to see an elusive leopard. One of the bedrooms is set up as a family room, a queen bed for mum and dad and at the other end an adjoining room with a bunk bed, ensuring that even families with younger children can enjoy our hospitality. 

Our Activities & Facilities 

On offer are game drives and game walks, the chance of viewing the Big 5 reserve as well as additional activities in the area including guided birding. Once you have settled in you have a choice of relaxing in the clear African air with the animals coming to you, or you can arrange to go on a guided experience, either in an open game viewer or on foot.

Also, enjoy our unique waterhole photography hide just in front of the camp allowing you the opportunity to view and photograph the wildlife up close and from a ground level perspective such as regular sightings of elephant and lions along with a large variety of general game and birdlife. Our bird list is close to 300 species and rarities such as Pel’s fishing owl, African finfoot and a few other can be seen along the river. 

Facilities range from different seating areas in the lobby or in the lounge with a small library, an outside dining deck with waterhole views, the large outside firepit for a barbecue or the inside dining area with seating for up to 10 guests, to a spacious kitchen with modern appliances and the gardens with an impressive, approximately 80 years old Baobab tree. Cool off on those hot summer days in the small plunge pool by the deck. 

We also offer you the opportunity to request a chef at an additional fee who will come on site and prepare all your meals for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the bush to its fullest. You will still be responsible for providing all the food and beverage requirements for your party. 

Follow us through the camp with our photo gallery and on our website and imagine yourself immersed into the tranquility of the African bush. If you have enjoyed the journey, then consider paying Antares Bush Camp & Umgede Hide a visit to see for yourself just what a magical setting we have waiting for you to discover and enjoy.