Shindzela Tented Camp

Established in 2009 as a mere walking trails camp, consisting out of small bow tents, Shindzela Tented Camp has grown into the wonderful tented product that is before you. Situated within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, Shindzela offers guests an authentic African wildlife experience.

The eco-friendly solar-powered tented camp is a place where one can feel part of the bush. They are passionate about conservation and the staff strive to make guests feel right at home with the aim to provide an enjoyable and fulfilling experience in an exceptional wilderness area.

The camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in total in 8 Safari Tents where you will be treated to a warm South African hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and soak up the true African wilderness.

The Safari Tents are situated under thatch structures and can be made up in either twin or double-bedded accommodation. Enjoy your morning coffee on your private wooden deck or freshen up in your en-suite bathroom with a semi-open shower. Each tent is furnished with wooden floors, corner standing fans, mosquito nets and luggage racks. Each tent does not have a power charging point; however, there is a charging station in the main area.

Shindzela’s layout encompasses of an open-plan lounge, dining room (breakfast and lunch served here) and bar area overlooking a dry riverbed and a small watering hole where animals flock for a drink of water during the hot summer days. Enjoy dinner under the African stars in the boma-style set-up (weather permitting). There is also a small swimming pool where you can enjoy your book or just stare out into the bush.

For breakfast you will be handed a slip during pre-dinner drinks the night before, to select tasty dishes for your hot breakfast served plated style. Fruit, yoghurt, cereals and juice will be provided in the dining area.  Lunchtime will either be a traditional bobotie served with freshly baked bread and salads or handmade South African style pies. Plated African dishes with delicious vegetables, meats and salads are available for a true African dinner experience.

Shindzela offers two game drives per day in open 4x4 vehicles – one early morning and one late afternoon/early evening. Your guides will endeavour to track the big mammals in the bush, inform you of the insect and plant life and point out some of the 350 bird species in the area. Also, be on the lookout for crocodiles and hippo at dams. If you’re fortunate, you may even see wild dog. In addition to big-five animals, there is an array of nocturnal creatures such as bushbabies, civets, genets, African wild cat and porcupines.

You can choose to substitute one game drive with a morning walking safari. All walking trails are led by experienced, qualified and armed trails guides. The guides will do their utmost to offer guests sightings of the larger animals, but the walks are more of an educational experience focusing on the amazing fauna and flora!

About Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and lies nestled between the Kruger Park to the east, the Klaserie and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves to the north and the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve to the west.

The Timbavati lies within the Savanna Biome of South Africa. This biome covers 32% of the country.  In essence, the savanna is classified as a vegetation type consisting of both a tree and a grass layer, with complex interactions between these two structural layers.

Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free-range and ensuring guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that Africa has to offer. View the big game from open vehicles, on foot or from the comfort of your room as you experience timeless Africa. Escape from the grind of daily life and succumb to the tranquil wilderness of the Timbavati Nature Reserve in the South African Lowveld. The Timbavati is especially well known for its frequent elephant sightings, as well as leopard and rare African wild dog. It is also home to over 350 bird species, making it a must-see destination for keen bird watchers.