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Simbavati Trails Camp

Lodge

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

hotel
hotel

Why people book this hotel

Friendly staff
18 mentions

Staff: Extremely friendly and catering to every need

Very friendly and enthusiastic staff; always welcoming and ready to accomplish a…

Great location
9 mentions

Nice Location in the middle of the bush

Location: right in the middle of the African bush

Pool
4 mentions

The highlight undoubtedly was the elephants comeing to drink from the camp pool …

Very nice to see elephants coming for drink at the pool

Comfortable rooms
2 mentions

the staff are very friendly and will go out of their way to make you feel safe a…

The camp itself has everything you need to make a stay more than comfortable

Clean rooms
1 mentions

Chef, butler, camp hand, guide, cleaner Activities: Twice daily walks in the v…

Free Wi‑Fi
1 mentions

Naturally grounded without WiFi, electricity but with candles and campfire after…

Overview

With Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve reachable in 8.5 km, Simbavati Trails Camp offers accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a bar. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and slippers. The nearest airport is Ngala Airfield Airport, 34 km from the lodge.

Traveller reviews

P

Pia

extended_group

November 12, 2025

1

Nice Location in the middle of the bush. But no too safe. Hyena next to tent (Tent was also a bit eaten by the animals)

T

Tjaart

family_with_children

September 5, 2024

10

Our second time there. Won't be long before the third time follows!

Location: right in the middle of the African bush. Very peacefull. Food: Top notch. Typical African cuisine. Staff: Extremely friendly and catering to every need. Chef, butler, camp hand, guide, cleaner Activities: Twice daily walks in the veld with the armed guide, who is extremely knowledgeable. Very educational. The highlight undoubtedly was the elephants comeing to drink from the camp pool (dry season), literally metres away - hugely thrilling.

A

Andrea

family_with_children

August 18, 2024

7

Nice atmosphere, high price

Very friendly and enthusiastic staff; always welcoming and ready to accomplish all the requests. Interesting (although not always exciting) walks in the bush, with competent guides that teaches about details of the bush. Good dinner under the stars. Very nice to see elephants coming for drink at the pool. Overall atmosphere is very good.

T

Tjaart

family_with_children

July 31, 2024

10

We don't just say we will be going back, we really are; booking has been made!

Remote location exactly what we required. Extremely friendly staff Personal attention Fabulous food Bush walks thrilling

L

Lyra

couple

October 11, 2023

2

Extremely overpriced, very disappointed.

Chef Linda was so happy and friendly.

L

Lisa

couple

August 22, 2023

10

The place to go to connect with yourself and nature.

An intimate, off-the-grid camp in the heart of the reserve. Excellent attention to detail and 7-star treatment by the wonderful staff.

V

Valerie

family_with_children

August 20, 2023

10

Amazing and unforgettable experience

We loved the location in the middle of the bush. The amenities and the comfort are outstanding while eco responsible. The staff is absolutely lovely and very careful while being very professional. The food is excellent and changes every day, the walk games are wonderful even if of course you don't see as many animals as in cars...but the contact with the nature and the intercation with animals is unique...and our guide was so nice and skilled. I defintely recommend to anyone who wants to live a true expreience in the bush

N

Nadia

couple

September 4, 2022

10

Simbavati really is value for money!

This was an amazing experience and we would love to do it again! the staff are very friendly and will go out of their way to make you feel safe and be comfortable.

D

Debbie

family_with_children

July 18, 2022

10

Food and service was excellent. Attention to detail superb and every need met. Staff were amazing.

T

Thomas

couple

July 5, 2022

10

Absolutely magical location in the Timbavati, with a great team to host you.

authentic, great food, good field guides and great service

D

Devon

couple

June 20, 2022

10

Incredible!

Absolutely amazing stay! The staff are superb - their attention to detail, their service with a smile and their knowledge is just fantastic! And don’t forget the food from Chef Raphael - delicious! The camp itself has everything you need to make a stay more than comfortable. We cannot wait to go back already!

N

Nicole

couple

June 8, 2022

10

the most incredible place

everything was incredible!!! the staff, the sightings, the tents, the layout, the food!

T

Tamarin

couple

June 5, 2022

10

Exceptional experience

Exceptional everything, we loved our stay and experience. The accommodation is remote, perfect to relax and disconnect from everyday life, the food was out of this world each dish only got better, our walks were well guided and informative. All the staff at the camp were friendly helpful and went above and beyond. We’ll definitely be coming back.

D

Der Martin

extended_group

May 17, 2022

10

Life in the African bush

The passion and enthusiasm of the entire staff and guides. Raphael, Donald, Linda, Nicolas and JR as well as Edward and Guianie. Service and the warm hospitality were on point and beyond. The knowledge of the guides about animals, trees and plants is fascinating and you can feel and see that they love the life in the bush.

M

Monika

family_with_children

April 28, 2022

10

Amazing experience

Amazing experience we wish we could have enjoyed for at least a week. Staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and friendly

A

anja

couple

April 2, 2022

10

Best Bush break!

Absolute luxury with the best food and amazing staff and guides.

D

Darrel

solo_traveller

March 27, 2022

9

The Love of the people

D

Der Martin

extended_group

March 15, 2022

10

From the moment we entered this beautiful place we forgot about the hectic and stress of the modern world. Naturally grounded without WiFi, electricity but with candles and campfire after sunset and the smell and noises of the bush around...The hospitality could not be better and the entire staff walked more than an extra mile! We will return and already booked again!

P

Petr

couple

October 18, 2021

10

It very interesting place. this camp specific for walking safari. and it's tents in open bush, animals can walk around tents. it's amazing experience. its portable shower on the air back side of the tent, no tap, only a washing basin and a jug. Only 4 tents in the camp. Food was very tasty Staff very friendly and professional. During our stay we saw like elephants drink a water from a swimming pool )) it's was brilliant Definitely must visit for 1 or 2 nights!

I

Ilse

couple

August 30, 2021

10

Bush adventure

I can honestly say that we have never experienced such personal attention and care as we had at the Simbavati Trails Camp. From the moment we arrived we were warmly welcomed by every member of the outstanding staff. The walks were exceptional, with CJ and Geoff as our very knowledgeable guides. Miles was the perfect hostess, Donald a fabulous butler and Rafael and Thomson superb chefs. With elephants coming right up to the pooldeck during sundowners and lions roaming between our tents at night, we were lucky to enjoy some authentic African bush entertainment :)

Facilities

Activities

Walking tours

Cleanliness & disinfecting

Property is cleaned by professional cleaning companies, Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay

Entertainment and family services

Board games/puzzles

Food & Drink

Breakfast options, Wine/champagne, Restaurant, Bar, Special diet menus (on request)

Food & drink safety

Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Delivered food is securely covered

General

Designated smoking area, Non-smoking rooms

Outdoors

Terrace, Outdoor pool (all year), Outdoor furniture, Outdoor fireplace, Outdoor pool

Physical distancing

Contactless check-in/check-out, Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed

Pool and wellness

Pool/beach towels, Swimming pool, Swimming Pool

Reception services

Invoice provided

Safety & security

24-hour security, Fire extinguishers

Safety features

Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Access to health care professionals, Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available

Services

Private check-in/check-out, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage

Hotel Policies

Check-inFrom 12:30 to 13:30
Check-outFrom 10:00 until 11:00
Cancellation & prepaymentCancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. Please check your booking details before finalizing.
Accepted credit cardsThe hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
The fine print⁠Comp Transfers: * Self-drive: Guests to drive to Hilltop Lodge (13h45). You are welcome to arrive earlier, and make use of our swimming pool or other facilities. * Check-out is prior to 10:00 on the day of departure. NOTE: Self-drive guests will also have to use this transfer. Please ensure that you will arrive before the scheduled departure time, as unfortunately, we cannot wait for late arrivals. There will be an extra charge for late arrivals. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour 30 mins. Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees are subject to change. Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night. A vehicle entrance fee of R300 is only payable at the Timbavati or Klaserie Control Gate.Please inform in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation. Managed by a private host
Last updated: Apr 12, 2024, 6:08 AM

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