The Safari Camp and amenities

The actual location is outstanding. The safari campsite is a grassy area of approximately two hundred metres in length, running along the back of the beach, by  thirty-five metres wide from beach to thick forest. A few years ago this was completely densely overgrown thicket. After much hard work and careful planning we now have a very beautiful campsite, which has greatly impressed many people who have traveled far and wide.

Throughout the campsite are many tall shady trees, which not only give shade but attract some beautiful birds, butterflies and monkeys – the latter are particularly fond of the fruit of the strangler fig trees.

We have kept the campsite in tune with nature whilst being fully aware that some creature comforts are also important. Instead of electric lighting we have gas lights and candles which are quite adequate and give a very romantic feel. We do have a water purification unit and flush toilets.

A short distance from the camp, is our tree top look-out platform (for those who are agile and don’t mind heights) where one can quietly observe the forest canopy wildlife.

In the evenings we usually sit around the campfire, exchanging stories whilst watching the intensely bright stars and planets shining above – you’re guaranteed to see shooting stars. With no light or other pollution the heavens shine brilliantly in the Mergui Archipelago. 

Directly in front of the camp is a huge white powdery beach, at the end of which are caves. Strolling along the beach in the early morning, many fresh animal tracks can be seen, and very often turtle tracks, where these huge creatures have lumbered up the beach to lay their eggs.

Snorkeling: Not far off the beach, within swimming distance in fact, is a beautiful coral reef alive with healthy corals and fish including a resident Nurse Shark, Sea Horses and Ghost Pipefish. At very low tide the reef actually breaks the surface.

Diving: Can be arranged on request for an additional fee

Surfing: When the wave conditions are right, our guests enjoy surfing from the beach right in front of the safari camp on boogy boards, surf boards and surf kayaks. Great fun!

Trekking: We have cut paths across the island, starting from our safari camp. Naturally the paths don’t stay there for very long due to the rapid undergrowth, particularly during the monsoon season. A machete is part of the guide’s equipment!

Treks can be from anything from an hour and a half to four hours, depending how energetic our guests are feeling. The routes can be circular or across the island, where we are picked up by our support vessel. It’s well worth the effort – you’ll see many rare orchid plants hanging from the treetops, huge ancient trees, beautiful birds and monkeys.

Yoga: Our sea kayaking guide Cedric, is an avid Yoga teacher, and is happy to offer daily yoga classes before breakfast to help limber up and stretch mussels, in preparation for the days kayaking adventures. Morning classes are held on the beach in front of the camp. After a good work out, it is time for a nice healthy breakfast and a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Bird Watching: In the diverse habitats of the islands, more than forty species have already been identified as resident or migrant. From the camp, a short hike takes us to a twenty-meter high viewing platform (tree house). At dusk the canopy is alive with Hornbills, Flower-peckers, Sunbirds, Woodpeckers, Parrots, Drongos, Monarchs, Gofins, Shamas, flycatchers, Pigeons and Doves.

With the kayaks, one can approach with ease to a good variety of shy species that inhabit the Mangroves. Birds such as Kingfishers, Egrets, Herons and Kites.

The rocky shores, sandy beaches and tidal estuaries of the archipelago provide one of the best undiscovered habitats for Southeast Asian shore birds; Turns, eagles, Bee-eaters and Thick-knees.

Never the less the highlight of the bird life that we spot on the safari is often voted to be a rare and healthy colony of Plain Pouched Hornbills.

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