Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is a venture by the dedicated team of conservation-minded people running Shindzela Tented Camp. Both camps are owned by the same family and are situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa.
The idea behind two camps with completely different styles arose during years of travelling to various destinations in Africa – separate products, both offering a unique and authentic taste of what it means to stay in a safari tent amid the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Thabamati, meaning “mountain and water”, became a reality in 2019. The camp consists of 4 luxurious and spacious en-suite safari-style tents, each overlooking a beautiful dam with amazing views of the Drakensberg Mountains beyond. The elegant intimate tented camp accommodates only 8 guests, which is an added attraction.
- Luxury wildlife safaris
- Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles/safari walks.
- Professional, knowledgeable and fully qualified guides.
The highlight is probably observing the wildlife, including the Big Five and numerous bird species, in their natural surroundings during our game drives and optional daily short bush-walks.
The “green” camp is eco-friendly, utilising only solar power and gas. This means that you can enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer, as she intended it.
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our dynamic and experienced team who will see to it that all your needs are met. So relax and enjoy your safari vacation, knowing that you are in good hands.
Rates inclusive of 15% VAT • South African Rand • Subject to Availability
| Details | 1 Jan 2021 to 31 Dec 2021 |
| Per Person per night sharing | R6 795 |
| Per single person per night | R7 470 |
| Per person for 3 night special | R19 985 |
| Per single person 3 night special | R21 960 |
| Per person 4 night special | R26 645 |
| Per single 4 night special | R29 275 |
| Guide per person per night (applicable to qualified guides only) |
R3 700 |
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Specials
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Bushwalks
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Facilities
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Game Drives
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Terms
| Details | 1 Jan 2021 to 31 Dec 2021 |
| Per person for 3 night special | R19 985 |
| Per single person 3 night special | R21 960 |
| Per person 4 night special | R26 645 |
| Per single 4 night special | R29 275 |
Guide per person per night (applicable to qualified guides only) R3 700
THABAMATI ON FOOT
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 order to participate in the morning bushwalk, guests need to be physically capable to walk for about 1 hour without any assistance and need to understand and speak English. Ages allowed to partake are 16 years up to 60 years. If you exceed the upper age-limit, a medical certificate is required, confirming that you are physically fine to participate in the walk.
A typical day on Safari
Upon your arrival at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, you will be met by one of the guides or front-of-house staff members and proceed with your check-in procedures. After check-in, you will be shown to your tented accommodation. Enjoy an early lunch, followed by high tea, before embarking on your safari game drive.
Summer/Winter Programme (times may vary, depending on the season and animal activity):
MORNING
05:00/06:00 – Wake-up call (early but worth it!) 05:15/06:15 – Morning coffee and rusks in the dining room before departure. 05:30/06:30 – Morning safari departs. 07:30/08:00 – Stop for morning coffee-break somewhere in the bush. 09:00/10:00 – Back at Camp for breakfast/brunch. 11:00 – Check-out. 11:00-14:30 – If you are not checking out, enjoy time around the pool or just relaxing in the lounge with a book.
AFTERNOON
11:00-14:30 - If you are not checking out, enjoy time around the pool or just relaxing in the lounge with a book. 14:30 - Lunch. 15:30/16:00 - Afternoon safari departs.
EVENING
17:30/18:30 - Stop for a sundowner break. 18:30/19:30 - Return to camp, time to freshen up or just relax around the fire before dinner starts. 19:00/20:00 - Dinner.
What to bring on Safari
We have a curio shop in camp where you can purchase souvenirs, shirts and caps. For the ladies we offer lovely African silver jewellery and for kids cute stuffed animal toys.
Clothes
Walking shoes, sandals, neutral-coloured clothing: long pants, shorts, fleece/jumper, light raincoat, long-sleeved tops
Personal
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock, personal amenities, insect repellent, reading material
Winter
During the winter months (May to September), add a tracksuit, beanie, scarf, gloves and a warm fleece.
Equipment
A flashlight, camera and spare batteries.
MAIN AREA AT THABAMATI
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 following is Included in your stay: Accommodation, three meals per day, sundowner game-drive drinks (local beers, local soft drinks, local spirits and house wines), bottled water, tea, coffee, laundry, morning and afternoon game drives, optional morning bushwalk of approximately 1 hour after breakfast, emergency medical assistance and evacuation, VAT, unlimited WI-FI, star-gazing after supper and room turndown.
Meals
INCLUDED AT THABAMATI
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.
Canopies of Canvas
OUT OF AFRICA
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.
THABAMATI’S SAFARIS
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 (4 rows of 2 individual seats). 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. A full safety briefing will be conducted prior to embarking on your first African safari.
A typical day on Safari
Upon your arrival at Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, you will be met by one of the guides or front- of-house staff members and proceed with your check-in procedures. After check-in, you will be shown to your tented accommodation. Enjoy an early lunch, followed by high tea, before embarking on your safari game drive.
Summer/Winter Programme (times may vary, depending on the season and animal activity):
Morning
05:00/06:00 – Wake-up call (early but worth it!) 05:15/06:15 – Morning coffee and rusks in the dining room before departure. 05:30/06:30 – Morning safari departs. 07:30/08:00 – Stop for morning coffee-break somewhere in the bush. 09:00/10:00 – Back at Camp for breakfast/brunch. 11:00 – Check-out. 11:00-14:30 – If you are not checking out, enjoy time around the pool or just relaxing in the lounge with a book.
AFTERNOON
11:00-14:30 - If you are not checking out, enjoy time around the pool or just relaxing in the lounge with a book. 14:30 - Lunch. 15:30/16:00 - Afternoon safari departs.
EVENING
17:30/18:30 - Stop for a sundowner break. 18:30/19:30 - Return to camp, time to freshen up or just relax around the fire before dinner starts. 19:00/20:00 - Dinner.
What to bring on Safari
We have a curio shop in camp where you can purchase souvenirs, shirts and caps. For the ladies we offer lovely African silver jewellery and for kids cute stuffed animal toys.
Clothes
Walking shoes, sandals, neutral-coloured clothing: long pants, shorts, fleece/jumper, light raincoat, long-sleeved tops
Personal
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock, personal amenities, insect repellent, reading material
Winter
During the winter months (May to September), add a tracksuit, beanie, scarf, gloves and a warm fleece.
Equipment
A flashlight, camera and spare batteries.
Included in your rate:
- Accommodation,
- three meals per day,
- sundowner game drive drinks (local beers, local soft drinks, local spirits and house wines), bottled water, tea, coffee,
- laundry,
- morning and afternoon game drives,
- optional morning bushwalk of approximately 1 hour after breakfast,
- emergency medical assistance and evacuation,
- VAT,
- unlimited WIFI,
- star gazing after supper and room turn down.
Excluded in your rate:
- Curio shop purchases,
- transport to/from camp,
- gratuities,
- all items of personal nature,
- all drinks (except on activities),
- Timbavati Reserve vehicle entry fee, Timbavati Conservation Levy, community donations and Travel Insurance.
Please Note:
- All rates are quoted in South African Rand and is inclusive of VAT
- Accommodation rates are all quoted for per person sharing or single per night
- Timbavati Reserve Fees are extra and subject to change
- The normal per person sharing rate will apply when 1 adult shares with 1 child
- Making use of Thabamati Rates will imply acceptance of our Terms and Conditions•
- Drones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the Timbavati Game Reserve, failure to comply with this rule will result in a heavy fine or arrest by reserve management.
- No Children under the ages of 10yrs at Thabamati
- Children of all ages are welcome when booking out the whole camp as a villa option, POR
- Qualified tour guide/leader rates are only applicable to registered personnel
RSA +27 87 820 4160