10 Top-Rated All-inclusives in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park

May 15, 2023 Fernanda Pittenger

Discover the best All-inclusives in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park including Simbavati River Lodge, Motswari Private Game Reserve, Shindzela Tented Camp, Geiger's Camp - Motswari Private Game Reserve, Kambaku Safari Lodge, Umlani Bushcamp, Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Kambaku River Sands, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Kings Camp Private Game Reserve.

1. Simbavati River Lodge

Timbavati Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 690 reviews

Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the northern sector of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife and rich wilderness in which you can experience an authentic and affordable African safari. The design of this family friendly intimate lodge is contemporary, warm and welcoming. Guest common areas offer a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the Nhlaralumi river where regular wildlife sightings take place and guests can unwind. Accommodation consists of eight luxury tents and three chalets, all are privately situated, comfortably furnished and with en-suite facilities.

Luxury safari experience

Reviewed By Remy J

Our experience at Simbavati was top-notch! This place is so luxurious, and we had a wonderful vacation. We saw the big five on our game drives, and the scenery was so stunning. The lodge is positioned at the bottom of a hill with a watering hole, and we also regularly saw animals in and around camp, including an entire herd of elephants who came to drink water and then wander through camp during breakfast one morning. It was an experience like none other! The food was amazing as was the service by all of the staff, but particularly by our butler, Ralph. They go above and beyond to take care of their guests with new surprises each day. They even arranged a private boma dinner for our family to celebrate my upcoming birthday. We absolutely loved our time at Simbavati!

2. Motswari Private Game Reserve

Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 928 reviews

Motswari Private Game Reserve

An African dream beckons – one that is defined by extraordinary scenery, an authentic atmosphere and warm hospitality. This is Motswari Private Game Reserve, a family-owned and operated luxury safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, offer incredible viewing opportunities as they bask in their natural habitat. Motswari means “to conserve and protect” in Tswana and that is what the reserve aims to do. Motswari Private Game Reserve, located within the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, stretches out over 150 square kilometres. It has been in existence for over four decades and its friendly staff members are intrinsic to its success. Great emphasis is placed on personal attention, ensuring that each guest instantly feels at home in this stunning setting. Artworks by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, additionally bring the lodge to life and add to its visual appeal. "Arrive as visitor, leave as a friend."

Dream Honeymoon

Reviewed By 869adame

What an absolutely incredible experience this place has to offer! Unfortunately the maximum I can score for this review is 5, otherwise I would be saying higher! This was a bucket list trip for us on our honeymoon, and with all honesty, not knowing exactly what to expect as this was our first safari experience. I think flying into Hoedspruit airport and seeing warthogs running alongside the runway set the tone! About an hours taxi ride to the reserve, seeing multiple different animals along the way as the taxi was kind enough to stop and show us what Hoedspruit had to offer. The welcome on arrival was fantastic and the resort/reserve was so rustic and earthy, exactly what you might expect being on a safari. This reserve had up to a maximum of 32 guests staying at any one time, meaning they provided a very personable experience and never felt ‘busy’. The lodge we stayed in was great, perfectly kitted out Safari style, huge bath and shower facilities, A/C, spotlessly clean and quiet. Housekeeping were great, attending to our room twice a day. I would go as far as to say this was some of the best food I have ever eaten. Different meals each night, different breakfasts and lunches each day (also singing traditional songs as they brought the food in was a great touch!) as well as different dinner locations each night were great! The veranda - overlooking the reserve, The amazing open-air Boma experience and also the dried riverbed experience, eating literally in the wild with tables set out on the actual dry river bed. The people were incredible at this reserve, so so friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble and regularly remembered us by name each time we saw someone. We also experienced a great massage so highly recommend booking! Now onto the Safari itself. We had an amazing guide and tracker, Megan and Jackie. The enthusiasm and knowledge they had made the drives so fascinating and enjoyable! We saw the big 5 within 24 hours of being there and saw so many animals I never thought we’d see! (We were told we had a very lucky truck!) with both morning and afternoon drives, Megan and Jackie led the way, providing a real personable experience and getting very close to ‘the action’. They care for the reserve and the animals greatly and still manage to ensure you have a great, up close and personal experience with the animals. On the first evening drive, we had a heard of elephants walking past is within striking distance and even a pride of lions walking beside us! Incredible experience. We shared our game drives with a couple also celebrating their honeymoon and another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On the second to last night game drive, the Motswari team decided surprise us all and laid out a spread for us with drinks and snacks, near the runway, surrounded by animals and enjoying the beautiful sunset which was very thoughtful! The whole experience far exceeded any expectation of mine and every single aspect of this was spot on. I would go back again in a heartbeat. Thank you to the Motswari team for making our honeymoon so special.

3. Shindzela Tented Camp

Johnniesdale Farm Greater Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 556 reviews

Shindzela Tented Camp

Shindzela, named after the honey badger in the Shangaan language, is an unfenced tented camp within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Our safari style tents are situated under thatch (grass roof) structures and can be made up in either twin or double-bedded accommodation. Enjoy your morning coffee on your wooden deck or freshen up in your semi open en-suite bathroom (shower, W.C. and hand-basin) We strive to offer an affordable wildlife safari during which you can explore the African wilderness on game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (don’t forget your sunscreen) and/or on foot during a walking safari. Our safari activities are conducted by professional, knowledgeable and fully qualified guides. The camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in total, (8 safari tents) where you will be treated with our warm South African hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and soak up the true African wilderness

Di & Warren Vickers enjoyed another visit to Shindzela Tented Camp

Reviewed By BushLovers4ever

Shindzela is an awsome and very comfortable 8 tented camp with bathrooms en suite. Casual and homely vibe. The food is always pleasant and plentiful. We had 2 warm days out of 3 - cold front and rain were passing over then. Always pack warm clothes just in case! All staff members are friendly and helpful. A very relaxed atmosphere in the lounge and boma area and around the pool. Great view on to the drinking spot for the game. Lots of time to relax and also get to know the other guests. Really enjoy staying at Shindzela.

4. Geiger's Camp - Motswari Private Game Reserve

Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 84 reviews

Geiger's Camp - Motswari Private Game Reserve

Privacy, elegance with a hint of rustic charm, and a great sense of tranquility – this is what guests can look forward to at Geiger’s Camp. An opulent African adventure is in store, in the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve. Perched on a ridge, this hideaway boasts panoramic views of the Nhlaralumi River and Big Five terrain. Geiger’s Camp was originally a traditional family house and thus maintains a homely atmosphere, beyond its luxuriousness. Walls are decorated with stunning artworks, painted by owner, Marion Geiger-Orengo, bringing the splendour of the outdoors inside.

Amazing experience

Reviewed By SarahK88

This was our first experience doing a safari and I think we might be spoiled for all other experiences (unless of course we make it back to Geiger's!). We had a relaxing 3 nights at Geiger's camp. Our guide, tracker, and other camp staff were friendly, knowledgeable and made our stay stress free. You will enjoy amazing meals, great wine/beer and great game drives to take in nature / the wild life in the area. Our guide and tracker worked hard to show us the animals we were interested in, but also introduced us to other wildlife that we would never had thought to look for! We stayed one night in the Giraffe's Nest which was a one of a kind experience - highly recommended. Thanks again!

5. Kambaku Safari Lodge

Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 903 reviews

Kambaku Safari Lodge

Kambaku Safari Lodge is nestled in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which can be found within the world renowned Greater Kruger National Park.The camp is well situated in this unspoilt natural wilderness area, home to an astonishing array of animals including the Big 5. Kambaku provides the ultimate escape from busy schedules, with eight well appointed thatched chalets overlooking our own private waterhole.Attracting guests from around the world, Kambaku offers superior standards in all of our facilities yet always maintaining a high level of environmental consciousness. Our dedicated staff will cater to the individual needs of our guests making for a truly memorable stay. With scrumptious bush cuisine in a relaxed, rustic setting our guests can truly unwind and immerse themselves in the restorative powers of nature.

Amazing staff and safari experience

Reviewed By Pfeng

The staff at Kambaku is amazing and one of a kind. They are so very hospitable, and will tweak the game drive schedules dependent on weather. We had two rainy days, yet they still took us out even though driving conditions weren't ideal. Lizette does a great job managing the lodge. If I ever come back again for another safari experience in South Africa, I will most definitely stay at Kambaku!

6. Umlani Bushcamp

Kruger National Park 7985 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 661 reviews

Umlani Bushcamp

Umlani Bushcamp, a rustic yet exclusive lodge, accommodates guests in cozy en-suite reed and thatch rondavels. Early morning and evening game drives are in open four wheel drive vehicles accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers offers exceptional game viewing opportunitys. Umlani makes the whole event personalized and specializes in escorted walks into this unspoiled wilderness. Umlani, meaning Place of Rest, was established in 1990 by Marco and Marie-Louise Schiess, in the central section of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, which is part of the greater Kruger National Park. Umlani is the perfect nature lovers choice.

A Truly Magical, Intimate Place of Rest

Reviewed By kathy1966

We spent four nights at Umlani made memorable by the hospitality and friendliness of our host Marco and the entire staff. Meals were creative, healthy and delicious with a wide selection of beverages. The guides and trackers went out of their way to make each game drive a success. Animal sightings were plentiful with Elvis always on the "ready to go"! We saw the big 5 along with hippos, pack of wild dogs, and a cheetah with her 3 cubs. Highlights included a memorable viewing amid crackling sounds from a leopard perched high above a tree enjoying her fresh kill while a hyena waited below for falling remnants and a large group of female lions strolling down the dirt path with baby cubs playfully in tow. A daily bush walk and day time or overnight visit to the tree house also should not be missed. What made Umlani special is the infectiousness of the warmth and friendliness generated from the hosts and Umlani's intimate setting. We enjoyed getting to know each and every guest trading backgrounds, experiences, photos, and viewings from the day. I can't even begin to describe how Marco and the entire staff truly went out of their way to ensure a wonderful experience at Umlani.

7. Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Limpopo, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 542 reviews

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Tanda Tula Safari Camp in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, offers a five-star personal wilderness experience in ultimate luxury. Here, in your own private piece of Africa, you will come face to face with nature as it always was, with not a fence in sight to inhibit your freedom. Set on the banks of the Nharalumi riverbed, Tanda Tula is shaded by stately trees and overlooks a water hole that attracts a wide variety of game from dawn to dusk.

Tanda Tula Plains camp

Reviewed By 744nicholasr

We returned to Tanda Tula after what seemed like years - actually it was years - away from the bush. We were used to at least two visits to the western Kruger each year but that wretched virus and international travel rules wrecked our return to TT on more than one occasion yet the lovely people in their admin and reservations - step forward Lorraine and Viv - were so helpful in rolling our reservation on and on and on until finally, like the Terminator, we were back! Claire and I last stayed in the safari camp which is currently being totally renovated. They have opened the Plains Camp in the meantime and we were not at all disappointed. We were booked for six nights and joined by a couple lifelong friends from Jo'burg for the last two nights. Plains camp is very, very comfortable with terrific suites each with a plunge-pool (very useful in summer) and the camp has a central lounge/verandah for meals, much like the old Safari Camp. The large difference to Safari Camp is that whilst that is perched on the high bank of the Nharalumi river, Plains camp is on the edge of a wide plain which, by the way, was packed with wildebeest, zebra, impala and warthogs for the entire time we were there along with transient hyena, giraffe, elephants and lions wandering by. In short, the view from our room was spectacularly interesting, particularly good at night when the presence of the hyena den a mere few hundred metres away provided a regular whooping and howling accompanyment with the usual bush night sounds of Scops owls and nightjars. So great to lie in bed at night with those sounds and the distant roaring of lions somewhere on the reserve. We were grateful to be on a vehicle with a guide who is an old friend, Chad, and an excellent tracker, Jack, who was just incredible in his ability to see what nobody else could. Another word about Jack; he was very happy to take time to show us tracks and explain what was happening on the road and also to challenge us to make our own interpretations of what we had seen. Such great company. The morning drives with them punctualted by coffee/rusk stops and the magnificent evening gin'n'tonic'n'biltong sunsets are God's own work and worth the journey to TT all by themselves. This six days was probably our best game-viewing ever. As mentioned before, the plains game were abundant and we had never seen these great herds of zebra or wildebeest in the Timbavati before. Added to that, wonderful elephant encounters, amazing herds of buffalo, leopards all over the place - on kills, with cubs, up trees - as well as the best lion sighting we have ever had; the local pride of eighteen (!) devouring a zebra one day and then posing out in the open, awake and alert, the next day. Added to all of this were the unsung heroes of the bush; Plains Camp seems to be the favoured residence of all the Timbavati raptors! The trees were thick with vultures roosting, eagles of all kinds, hawks and there was a resident secretary bird which passed its days on the plain in front of the camp - our first sighting of that. As well, snakes and chameleons, hippos, crocs and owls and what about a monkey-moth caterpillar? I mean, who knew? Just a wonderful time, each day starting at 5:15am with the promise of something new to come before we collapsed into bed after supper in the boma or on the verandah. The Tanda Tula family have been transplanted from Safari Camp and they continue to set the bar for friendliness and superb service. Of course chef Ryan makes brilliant meals which ought to be impossible, considering the location. And everyone else, Smiling, Harry, Happiness, Florence, Dolphin, Pretty, Innocent, Vusi, Patrick and I have probably missed a few - they just make your stay so memorable. Such delightful people. In case this sounds like too much of a good review may I add that I am not connected to TT in any way. We have been visiting the bush regularly for maybe thirty years and have stayed in all sorts of camps in different countries, and yet when we got on the 'plane home last week, we looked at one another and said;"Back in September? OK" Thank you Tada Tula, for another wonderful holiday. Nicholas & Claire Robinson Kent, England

8. Kambaku River Sands

Enkhulu Gate, Arygle Road, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 427 reviews

Kambaku River Sands

Kambaku River Sands is an unfenced camp perfectly situated on the banks of a dry river bed allowing animals to roam freely around and through the camp. The suites are set spaciously apart, allowing for secluded views of the unspoiled bush. The main lodge has a spacious lounge with two enormous open fireplaces, a pool and bar overlooking the waterhole, and well stocked wine cellar. This more exclusive lodge offer a bush spa and gym, spa baths and outdoor showers. Come and experience classic luxury in a pristine setting…with traditional Kambaku style and hospitality.

Kambaku Safari

Reviewed By Chedwo

I was privileged to have stayed at Kambaku for 5 days on safari. The location, game viewing and accommodation were excellent. Cordelia, Irene and the lodge team were exceptional, nothing was too much trouble. My Ranger Palence and tracker Kenny were very experienced which provided for fantastic, informative and fun game drives. I would definitely recommend a stay.

9. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Argyle Road Enkhulu Gate, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 379 reviews

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is situated in Timbavati Game Reserve on a beautiful small koppie, an ideal vantage point for stunning views of the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. A pure authentic, tranquil safari experience in pavilion-style luxury tents. The Simbavati Hilltop Lodge boasts breathtaking views from eight individual luxurious tents, specifically arranged to create a unique village feel. Privacy is guaranteed thanks to the careful placement of the tented-suites, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable stay.

Great Honeymoon Experience!

Reviewed By jaammm

My husband and i visited Simbavati Hilltop for the first leg of our honeymoon. It was an absolutely incredible experience! The staff was all amazing, the food was absolutely delicious, and the game drives were unreal! We saw literally every single animal we wanted to see, and multiple times! We also got a couples massage that was amazing. From our balcony we could see the watering hole with hippos every day and occasionally we saw baboons, water bucks, crocodiles, and giraffes one day! The staff even did special honeymoon-y decor around the room one night. Would definitely recommend visiting!

10. Kings Camp Private Game Reserve

Unkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 478 reviews

Kings Camp Private Game Reserve

Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp reflects the charm and romance of a colonial past in a pristine corner of unspoilt Africa. Kings Camp is situated facing an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife, day and night.Eleven generously spacious colonial suites are luxuriously equipped with air-conditioning, Victorian ball-and-claw bath, indoor and outdoor double shower, fully stocked mini-bar and private verandah. Dark tones of wood and thatch offset the natural colours of the bushveld.

excellence in location, safaris and service

Reviewed By FredAlberse

We have spent 3 days at Kings Camp. We enjoyed them so intensely, that it seemed more like a week. The service of the staff and the architecture of the lodge make you feel like a royal family. The surroundings are examplary of the the beautiful nature South-Africa has to offer. The guide (NIck) and the tracker Sunny-boy made the safaris an exciting as well as an instructive experience. We carry the memories of Kings Camp as a treasure deep in our hearts. Warren and Lisha made us feel at home right from the start and even took the trouble to send a simple but dear cardigan, I had lost on the way to the airstrip, all the way to Holland.

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