Simbavati Machaton Camp offers a slice of seclusion and tranquillity overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. Sharing a border with Kruger National Park, the camp and the private reserve it occupies, enjoys a wealth of wilderness to discover complemented by delicious African-inspired cuisine and private plunge pools.


Plan your journey

Location

The camp sits within the Timbavti Private Nature Reserve, over 12,000 hectares of wilderness where white lions and all Big Five game call home. The reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and is situated on the western border of Kruger National Park. With no fences to separate the reserve from the park, guests at the camp enjoy the benefit of animals moving freely throughout the surrounding wilderness in a secluded spot away from the park’s crowds. From the camp itself, enjoy views of the bush and Nhlaralumi River.

Rooms

There are just three suites at Simbavati Machaton Camp, each located in the main building. Interiors are decorated in soothing, natural tones with African art on the walls and dark wooden furnishings. The bedroom leads to a relaxing day room featuring day beds and a terrace with private plunge pools. En-suite bathrooms have bathtubs and outdoor showers.

The Camp

In Simbavati Machaton Camp’s main building sit the lounge, kitchen and shaded veranda as well as the three private suites. Overlooking the river is a game-viewing terrace so guests can observe the wildlife with a drink in hand. Dine on the patio or in the comfort of private suites, take a dip in the plunge pool overlooking the dry river bed and retreat to the firepit in the evenings, surrounded by lanterns and the surrounding bush.

Activities

Take game drives in the early morning, afternoon and evening to see all Big Five, 360 species of bird as well as the endangered wild dogs and cheetah. A day at camp usually begins with breakfast at the lodge, a three-hour game drive with a coffee break in the bush with a return to camp for lunch and leisure time, followed by an afternoon or evening drive with sundowners.

Fully inclusive

Accommodation
All standard meals
Two game drives per day
Selected drinks (selected spirits, house wines, local beers and soft drinks)

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

AUTUMN

Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

AUTUMN

Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

WINTER – DRY SEASON

These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SPRING

Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SPRING

Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

SUMMER – WET SEASON

A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.

The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.

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