Immersive walking safaris

Discover the magic of the African wilderness at Simbavati Trails Camp, a hideaway nestled in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This camp offers an authentic African safari experience that puts emphasis on walking adventures, allowing visitors to intimately explore the wonders of the bush. Operated seasonally from 1 March to 30 November, it's a vacation opportunity that harmoniously melds luxury, adventure, and respect for nature into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trails Camp's architecture is inspired by vintage African designs, offering an authentic connection with the surrounding landscapes. Each detail reflects the spirit of Africa – from the wooden deck overlooking the seasonal riverbed, perfect for sundowners, to the communal fire pit where tales of the day's sightings are shared under the starlit sky.

Safari rooms at Simbavati Trails Camp

Immerse yourself in simplicity and comfort in Simbavati's spacious Meru tents. As you step inside, you're met with unexpected elegance and thoughtfulness in every corner. Traditional yet comfortable furnishings create a home-away-from-home atmosphere right in the heart of the African bushveld. Each tent is an all-in-one sanctuary. The back opens to an en suite 'bathroom to the stars,' featuring an eco-friendly compostable toilet, a basin with water, and a traditional bucket shower, filled with hot water on demand. Under the open sky, an al fresco shower makes for an exhilarating experience.

Each tent is equipped with a mosquito net to ensure a peaceful, undisturbed sleep. There's also a cooler box stocked with milk and soft drinks, offering a refreshing treat after a day of adventure. One important thing to note: there's no electricity, Wi-Fi, or cell phone signal here. This is a deliberate design choice, to encourage guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with nature and their companions.

The camp area houses the mess tent, serving as a gathering point with a dining and sitting area. An open-air fire pit allows guests to gather, share stories, and enjoy the African night. During hot days, cool off in the small plunge pool, perfectly placed for you to admire the beautiful surroundings. Simbavati Trails Camp offers an unforgettable blend of simplicity, comfort, and true immersion in the wilderness.

Walking safaris at Simbavati Trails Camp

Embarking on a walking safari at Simbavati Trails Camp opens up a whole new dimension of understanding the African bush. Unlike a game drive where spotting is the main goal, walking safaris are a holistic experience led by armed, specially trained guides, offering a deeper connection with nature.

Walking through the wilderness, your senses will be fully engaged. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to pause and appreciate the intricacies of the bush. You'll discover fascinating insights about trees, bushes, their traditional and medicinal uses, anthills, termite mounds, animal spoor, and more. The experience is grounding and thrilling, and always informative. Without the engine's hum, you become attuned to the bush's symphony, from the songbirds' melodies to the crackle of branches hinting at elephants feeding in the distance. Under the tutelage of our qualified walking guides, you'll experience a profound sense of connection with nature, observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Encounters with large animals are always possible. However, the objective is to observe from a safe distance, maintaining respect for the wildlife while savouring the thrill of this unparalleled adventure.

Your walking safari at Simbavati Trails Camp will be more than just an activity; it will be an unforgettable immersion into the heart of the African wilderness, a journey of discovery, and a celebration of nature's grandeur.

Stay 3 pay 2 special offer at Simbavati Trails Camp

Book a two-night stay between 1 November and 30 November 2025, or between 1 March and 31 March 2026, and receive an additional night's stay at no extra cost!

TripAdvisor reviews Simbavati Trails Camp

If you do not have the expectation to see big animals, you will enjoy the walks more and just learning more about the little things, and if you do see them, it will be a nice surprise. You should be in good shape for walking (it was 100 degrees when we stayed!).

Nycpennylane from Maplewood, New Jersey

Walking in the raw African wilderness brings a whole new perspective to a safari, one which we will never forget. Shout out to our excellent guides as well as the thoughtful chef for preparing halaal meat for us.

Dahyah S from Cape Town, South Africa