Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Package, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

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.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Luxury wildlife safaris

• Game drives in open 4×4 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.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Luxury Safari Tents

Each luxury Java safari-style tent lies next to a dam and is built in such a way that each 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. Enjoy your morning coffee on your private deck staring out over the waters, before embarking on your morning safari. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom with a gorgeous bathtub, inside and walk out-side shower with an amazing view of the water. The camp’s main area encompasses of a pool, viewing deck, sunken boma, library, curio shop, bar, lounge and dining area. The whole camp has been designed to offer you a complete bush experience.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Star-Gazing

In the evenings, after your fine-dining bush meal, you can make your way to the main deck area where we offer star-gazing at the bright lights of the Southern African skies.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Main Area

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.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Meals

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 Luxury Tented Camp Canopies of Canvas

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 Luxury Tented Camp Game Drives

​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).

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Safari Activities

Thabamati uses 1 (one) open, spacious safari vehicle for game drives. It seats all guests comfortably. All safaris are conducted by a professional guide. Bushwalks of about one hour are scheduled daily after breakfast (weather permitting), and guests between the ages of 16 and 60 are allowed on the these walks. Guests older than 60 years of age must present a medical certificate confirming that he/she is physically capable of participating in such bushwalks. All participants in safari walks must understand English fully. Should visitors fail to comply with these conditions, Thabamati reserves the right to refuse guests participation in bushwalks.

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp Drinks

Thabamati’s tariff includes sundowner drinks. This applies to local beers, local soft drinks, local spirits and house wines. Bottled water is also included. All other drinks are excluded, and payment for these must be made in camp by credit card or in cash (a small card fee will be added).

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.

Timbavati Reserve Fees: (subject to change without notice):

R 424 per person per night for adults (12 years old and above)
R 212 per person per night for children under 12 years old.
R 210 per vehicle entry fee only payable directly at the gate unless when a transfer has been booked through us