Okay I say this all the time — DON’T ASK ME HOW THIS IS MY LIFE, BUT ALSO DON’T FORGET TO MANIFEST — but somehow, by some stroke of the universe, I have been fortunate to go on a few safaris. Like, more than the average person would ever dream of, I’d say. It’s kinda ridiculous but trust me, I do not take a single moment/impala for granted!!!

I have been incredibly fortunate to get to know many people in the safari biz, and some of the most gracious and trusted people I’ve met in the industry are from Simbavati Safari Lodges. I’ve had the privilege of staying at a few of Simbavati’s properties on agent/press visits and thought I would share my experiences and thoughts in case you guys want to visit for yourselves (which I would defs recommend)!

If you are looking to go on safari and don’t know where to start, don’t forget about my Adventurelust Trip Planning service, where I can help organize the best safari for your needs, desires, and budget! I know the options can be overwhelming so would love to help arrange the safari of your dreams! :)

For a closer look at an experience with SImbavati you can also take a look at my blog post on my first Adventurelust safari meet-up, an adrenaline-pumping adventure spent at 3 of Simbavati’s properties. I’ve written articles on my other safaris on my blog as well, feel free to browse!

I’ve stayed at 4 Simbavati Properties now — Camp George, Amani, Trails Camp, and River Lodge — and will go into deets below. But there are a few things you can expect from Simbavati no matter which property you stay at.

The Simbavati staff is incredible. Friendly, attentive, approachable, doting, they literally make you feel like royalty. Some are hilarious and will keep you on your toes, some are just so sweet they make you want to hug them all the time (in like a COVID-friendly kind of way), some are way too good at cooking that my waistline is not okay, some know how to whip up a mean G+T. But they are all professional, kind people, in my opinion some of the best in the biz. A safari is an amazing experience, for many people a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Simbavati truly go the extra mile and include so many extra touches to make it as special as possible.

Simbavati legends Willem, Inneke, and Manny at Amani

Each property I’ve been to is beautiful and I have had epic animal sightings at every one. If possible, I’d recommend doing a couple nights at multiple lodges, as some of them are quite close to each other. But if you chose to post up for some serious R&R at one spot, there will be 0 regret attached to that decision.

The other thing I have to say about Simbavati… you are going to be very very uncomfortably full for the entire duration of your stay. The food is ridiculously good and it just keeps on coming. You’re on safari, just lean in and embrace it. Do some yoga or something.

Here’s what you can expect from each accommodation I’ve stayed at!

Camp George

Pulling up at Camp George will bring you the warmest welcome from Inneke, who is a safari lodge QUEEN. She greets you with the biggest smile and ensures you are welcomed and comfortable throughout your stay. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is more perfect for the job than her. You will also get to meet Manny, who is just in a league of his own in terms of his UNIQUE sense of humour and calibre of guiding/lodge management. You can count on Manny for thrilling wildlife sightings that will get your heart pumping or melting (or both simultaneously), being an epic tracker and conservationist, telling stories from his many years of guiding with that will make you think they’re fake, and keeping you on your toes with his jokes… assuming you can keep up with his wit and don’t take life too seriously (sometimes I still am trying to keep up)!

Camp George’s rooms are… probbbbably one of the nicest I’ve ever stayed in. Beautiful open layout, private balcony, outdoor shower, beautiful bathtub. I was too overwhelmed when I checked in here and never wanted to leave. The property is also soooo beautiful and expansive, like a garden oasis, with a gym, pools, tons of areas for lounging and eating, and waterhole views where some ellies came for a drink. It’s perfect if you are looking for an upscale experience, perhaps a romantic getaway, or just an incredibly entertaining stay.

Game drives at Camp George brought me a couple heart-pounding elephant encounters, the most hilarious close-up hyena walk-by, and some magical sundowners.

Elephants at watering hole at Camp George

Amani

Amani has a more homey and intimate vibe with epic poolside waterhole viewing. It’s one building with the rooms, kitchen, and common area right next to each other, so your group can all gather together and keep everything you need within easy access. This is where I stayed on my most recent trip I planned with Adventurelust, and it was the perfect spot because it was a group of best friends so they could always hang out together in the various lounging areas.

The property is beautiful and during the day we would sit and enjoy entertainment from the vervet monkeys swinging in the trees above us, tree squirrels scampering on the trees and roof of the lodge, mongooses running from the moneys, birds chirping above, and impalas and kudu hanging out by the waterhole. It was so nice and relaxing, I loved the r&r here, doing yoga, meditating, reading, gazing out at the animals doing their thing.

Game drives at Amani brought us some epic lion encounters, from stalking and hunting impalas to a pride surrounding us from all angles, plus we saw wild dogs on the drive to the lodge and my first leopard in the Klaserie!!

Our butler Sipho pouring mimosas on my bday :)

Trails Camp

Each safari experience brings something different, and a walking safari is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in your life. Trails Camp doesn’t offer game drives, but its bush walks can connect you with nature, add some activity into your safari, and maybe, just maybe, give you the thrill of your life.

When we say “camp”, yes it is off-the-grid, no wi-fi, eco-friendly (you could pack up the entire camp and not leave a trace), staying in tents… but nothing about Trails Camp is rustic. The tents are GORGEOUS, full-on glamping, I loved the outdoor shower under the stars, the main area is so cozy and magical, the pool area is so comfy and you really feel connected to the bush. I came here for one night and it was perfect for me, but if you really want to immerse yourself in nature, this may warrant a longer stay!

The thing you have to understand about game walks is that they are higher risk — you may not see anything — but higher reward — if you do see something, it is going to be way more thrilling. Go in with zero expectations other than to breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of the bush, but be prepared for anything. And LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDES so you don’t die okay?

On our first game walk, we didn’t see anything, but had a lovely surprise from Natasha, JP, CJ and the team (not going to spoil it but it was magical).

On our second game walk, we had an elephant encounter that kept my heart pumping for days. Even as I write this my palms are getting sweaty. So so so worth it. You can read more about that experience here.

River Lodge

River Lodge has a lovely view of — you guessed it — the river, where you will see hippos and crocs, I also saw beautiful waterbuck on the riverbanks and well it’s the wild so you can see literally anything else. It has a nice large lounging area and the main building is beautiful and comfy, and the rooms are private spaces so you can enjoy the quiet to read, relax, enjoy another outdoor shower (this is my fave can you tell?)

This was my first game drive in the Timbavati Reserve, annnddd it brought me my first leopard of Kruger outside the Sabi Sands! It was in a tree at night and we actually saw it climb up the branches and then jump down and disappear into the night, which was pretty freaking epic. Also saw an adorable rhino cub and had a hippo walk through camp, the animals are abundant in Timbavati!

As you can see, I have been extremely lucky to be able to visit Simbavati and experience all the amazingness that comes with it, but don’t forget, if there’s a will there’s a way, so hopefully you can visit as well! Don’t forget to message me if I can help organize your trip through Adventurelust, and if you do visit Simbavati please share your experience with me in the comments, I would love to hear.

Happy safariing!!! :)

Simbavati Safaris: Where to stay on your magical Kruger adventure

Camp George

Amani

Trails Camp

River Lodge