Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Shindzela Tented Camp
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve · Kruger
Eight thatch-covered safari tents for a maximum of 16 guests on a 6,500-hectare Timbavati concession, full board with two drives a day; solar and gas power, no power points in the tents.
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The stay
Solar, gas, canvas and a waterhole
Shindzela started in 2009 as a walking-trails camp of small bow tents and grew into eight safari tents under thatch, still capped at sixteen guests. The tents have twin or double beds, a semi-open en-suite bathroom and a wooden deck, but no power points: the camp runs on solar and gas, and devices are charged at a station in the open-plan main area, which looks over a dry riverbed and a waterhole. There is a pool, a bar and a boma for dinners. Drives run morning and late afternoon in open 4x4s with a maximum of eight guests per vehicle, across a roughly 6,500-hectare private concession of the Timbavati shared with two other lodges. Three meals and unlimited Wi-Fi are included; all drinks are charged.
Why Shindzela
It is one of the better-value ways into the Timbavati for guests who care about time in the field rather than in-tent luxury, and its size means every guest is on one of two vehicles. The compromises are real and should be understood before booking: no in-tent power, no air conditioning described, drinks extra, and a rough road in the wet season.
Rooms & Suites
Safari Tent
Max 2 adults
Maximum 16 guests in camp.
Safari & Experiences
Game drives
One early-morning and one late-afternoon/evening drive in open 4x4s on a roughly 6,500-hectare private Timbavati concession shared with two other lodges.
Two vehicles operate; 8 guests per vehicle. Arrive by 14:00 for the afternoon drive.
Walking safari
Guided walks are offered; the camp began in 2009 as a walking-trails camp.
Good to know
Families
Child rates apply for ages 10-11 and the conservation levy is reduced for under-12s.
Power & connectivity
- Solar and gas powered
- Central charging only — no in-room power points
Solar and gas power. No power outlet in the tents; a charging station is in the main area. Unlimited Wi-Fi is included.
Getting there
- Nearest airport: Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport
- Drive time: About 1.5 hours from Hoedspruit Airport; about 3.5 hours from KMIA; about 6.5 hours from Johannesburg
Enter via Timbavati or Enkhulu Gate; from Kruger's Orpen Gate allow two hours (exit Kruger, re-enter via Timbavati Gate). September to April a high-clearance 2×4 or 4×4 is recommended; in winter a sedan is fine. Do not follow GPS — use the camp's written directions. Shared shuttle from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and private transfers available.
Sustainability & Conservation
Eco-friendly camp run on solar power and gas.
Guests pay the Timbavati conservation levy and a vehicle entry fee directly to the reserve.
Add the road leg
Private transfers, arranged with the stay.
Spurwing can arrange private road transfers from Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo, regional airports or another lodge where the routing is practical, or build the road leg into a wider South African itinerary.
Tell us where you are coming from and where you are going next. We confirm the practical route, vehicle and timing before anything is booked.
Request This Stay
Rates on request
One trusted partner for the whole journey — speak to us and we’ll help plan the stay alongside the rest of your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my phone or camera in the tent?
No. The tents have no power outlets. Shindzela runs on solar and gas and provides a charging station in the main area.
Are drinks included at Shindzela?
No. Tea, coffee and cooler water are provided, but all other drinks are charged separately.
Do I need a 4×4 to reach the camp?
From September to April the camp recommends a high-clearance 2×4 or 4×4; in the winter months a normal sedan is fine. Use the camp's written directions rather than GPS.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes — unlimited Wi-Fi is included in the rate.