The small, intimate Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is situated within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. Here you can relax under canopies of canvas and enjoy views of the dam below your feet, the bushveld beyond and the Drakensberg mountain range on the horizon. Accommodating only 8 guests in 4 luxury safari-style tents, Thabamati offers a timeless safari feel with some modern elegance.

Each Java safari-style tent lies next to the dam and has a view of the water. The tents comprise a writing desk, seating area, bedroom, en-suite bathroom with a wooden closet, WC, bath and an inside and outside shower. Amenities with the scents of Africa are provided for your enjoyment.

Entering the main area at Thabamati, you will find a spacious open-plan reception and lounge area designed with nature in mind. The camp’s main area comprises an infinity pool, viewing deck with seating areas, sunken boma, library corner, curio shop, bar, lounge and dining area. The dining experience at Thabamati is truly South African and freshly prepared daily. Our passionate chef will provide a selection of dishes for you to choose from.

Thabamati offers two safari game drives per day – one in the morning and one late afternoon/early evening – in one spacious game viewer seating 8 guests comfortably. Immerse yourself in nature while seeking out animals and birds of the Southern African bush and enjoy morning coffee and sunset stops along the way. Each safari activity is led by a qualified field guide who will share with guests his passion and knowledge of the animals, birdlife and vegetation.

We also offer a short morning bushwalk after breakfast, focusing more on smaller animals and vegetation that one does not necessarily observe in detail during game drives. In the evenings, after your fine-dining bush meal, you can make your way to the main deck area for stargazing at the bright lights of the Southern African skies.

Thabamati offers a great experience for individuals or small groups and can also be booked out as a villa option, complete with your private guide, vehicle and chef.

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.