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Date: 2025-04-15
Departure From: Citrus River Camp (Kirkwood)
Departure Time: 07h30
Destination Name: Mvubu Camp (Addo Elephant National Park)
Arrival Time: 09h45
Total Travel time: 2:15 hours
Weather:
Clear blue skies
Departure Temperature: 8C
Peak Temperature: 22C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 241 457
End: 241 507
Total Distance: 50
Passes:
Passes:
Bedrogfontein (4x4 Trail) [Gravel]
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
Today was a short drive of 16km to the entrance of the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) where I checked in before heading for the Mvubu camp site. The staff at Reception were very helpful and gave me some instructions to get to the Mvubu camp site.
The gravel road was well sign-posted and easy going to Mvubu campsite. I saw Waterbuck, Kudu, Warthog & Baboon along the road.
I arrived at 09h45 which meant I could relax in the camp for the rest of the day.
The camp site is located in the bush next to the Sundays River. When I arrived there was a horrible smell. I parked my vehicle inside the camp perimeter and walked around to find the smell. When I got to the camp site closest to the Sundays River, I noticed litter around the braai place. I then noticed about 10 small dead fish, covered in flies, on the ground. Now I know where the smell was coming from. What a pity ... the best camp site next to the river with a deck and bench table overlooking the river. 4x4 campers and nature lovers would not litter like this so I think illegal campers had decided to occupy the best spot and turn it into a pig stie. I threw the dead fish into the river and cleaned up the mess.
River View from the Deck with Bench Table
Litter around the Braai Area
Dead Fish resulted in a terrible smell
Due to the lingering smell and the thought of illegal visitors, I decided not to pitch camp and continued along the 4x4 trail. I stopped off at the Kabouga Cottage as I was curious about its location. It is in a deep valley and has a view across the valley. The cottage was locked however I peered in through a window and it appeared to be very civilized.
I continued along the twin track 4x4 trail. You definitely require a high ground clearance vehicle with 4 wheel traction. Low range would be a bonus as you can take some rough sections slowly to avoid damage to vehicle, goods or occupants.
There were many dry river bed crossings and some were very rocky that required slow speed. The 4x4 trail is great as it winds through ravines and up to the mountain top and down again through dense bush. Some ascents and descents were very steep and rocky. I noticed one reasonable tyre print that was old and I think it belonged to a Suzuki Jimny. Otherwise the route did not appear to be frequently used.
I ascended to about 30% of the last mountain crossing and saw a lovely area where the bush was sparse with a lovely view of the ravine along which I had driven - So far I had completed about 1/3 of the 4x4 trail. I decided I would stop here and setup a bushcamp.
The site includes the remains of an old truck from the early 1900's. It was 4x2 vehicle with wooden wheels. My gosh, it must have been a challenge in those days and the skeleton of the truck is a testament to this.
Kabouga Cottage
Skeleton of an Old Vintage Truck (What model could this be?)
The 4x4 Route provided stunning views
The 4x4 Route provided stunning views
Enjoying the Serenity of the Bushcamp and Braaing some Steaks
This is a lovely camp site that can accommodate a number of campers. It is fenced off with an access gate to prevent animals from entering the area.
I was expecting a bush-camp experience and was therefore surprised to find the Mvubu campsite includes a cold water shower, separate toilet and basin, a single water tap and a single dustbin. As the water comes directly from the river, it was not potable.
There are no other facilities such as laundry, electricity or kitchen.
Mvubu Camp Entrance Signage
Mvubu Campsite
Mvubu Camp Site Ablutions
The best Mvubu Campsite with Deck
The Route:
The Route:
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