Luxury Seasonal Walking Camp in Timbavati

Simbavati Trails Camp is a luxury low-impact walking base in one of the richest wildlife habitats in South Africa.

It is part of the Simbavati collection of luxury safari lodges and camps located in the remote northern extreme of Timbavati Reserve. The reserve is at the heart of a wide east-west game migration route and healthy populations of the full range of big game can be found here. As well as open boundaries with other large private reserves to the west and north, to the east of the camp lies a 15,000-hectare wilderness-zoned sector of Kruger National Park.

The comfortable camp is established for the duration of the walking season alongside an ephemeral river. There are four Meru-style tents, each with an en-suite flush toilet and a bucket shower that is filled with warm water when required. Apart from these comforts, the camp is off-grid – no power, no phone signal, no Wi-Fi, just the chance to unwind in a remote corner of the lowveld. Solar chargers are provided for small devices, and there is a reservoir-style plunge pool for cooling off.

Each day, an experienced trail guide leads dawn walks, which are about three hours long. The walks, conducted at a gentle pace, explore the seasonal drainage lines in mixed bushveld on mostly level terrain. There are a couple of dams in the walking zone, with hippos in residence. Trail snacks and water are provided for rest breaks.

Back at camp there is time to relax, bird watch and enjoy lunch. After afternoon tea there is another nature walk that ends in the rich evening light.  Dinner is served on the deck, or around the fire in the open-air boma.

While the minimum stay is two nights, it is recommended that guests stay for at least three nights to appreciate the full immersive experience of a wilderness trails camp.

Scheduled transfers to the trails camp are compulsory and self-drive guests can park at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. The minimum age for Trails Camp guests is 16. 

• Tented accommodation
• All meals
• Two bush walks per day with professional trails guide and tracker
• Beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines)
• Return transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)

• Timbavati Conservation Levy of R510 per person per night
• Vehicle Entrance Fee of R230 (for self-drivers)