Shindzela Tented Safari Camp

Situated in the Timbavati Game Reserve, Shindzela Tented Safari Camp offers an affordable Kruger safari holiday without compromising on important safari experiences such as the thrill of viewing African wildlife, marvelling at a beautiful sunset or relaxing around the camp fire with a drink.

The main focus is on game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (day and night drives) as well as walking safaris. 

The open Land Cruisers can comfortably accommodate 10 guests per vehicle. The game drives (one drive early morning and one late afternoon and early evening which last for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each, depending on animal movements) are conducted in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on Shindzela’s traversing concession and often you will drive off-road into the bush in search of predators or unusual sightings. 

The walking safaris (maximum of 8 guests) are led by a professional, experienced safari guide and a tracker.  Your Kruger walking safari generally begins at dawn and there is ample opportunity to stop along the trail to examine interesting features of the bush or to observe animals, before returning to the camp mid morning to enjoy a hearty brunch.

Shindzela has 8 safari canvas tents. Each tent is built on a wooden deck and has a thatch grass roof, designed to keep you cool in summer and cosy in winter. The tents all have a private en-suite bathroom and a private deck/porch where you can sit and relax. Six of the tents have a view of the waterhole and 2 tents are set further away, offering slightly more privacy with views of the dry river bed.

The main guest areas at the camp include a swimming pool, a dining area and a lounge area.

Rates Include

All meals; tea/coffee; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; and daily shared safari activities (morning/afternoon game drives and/or walking activities) are included. PLEASE NOTE: Other drinks are NOT included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).

Children Policy

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 16 may not participate in a walking safari.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. Children 16 to 21 years of age to be accompanied by an adult.

Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a bush walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A bush walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guests must also be able to speak and understand English fluently.

Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 21 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.

ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit.

From the Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate, travel about 12-13 km, and turn right where it is signposted Shindzela.  Continue to follow the Shindzela signs until you reach the camp. Driving time from the Timbavati Gate to Shindzela on the dirt road is about 60 minutes.  If you are lost, or have any queries, please call on +27 (0) 82 307 9493.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!

General Information For Guests

The tented chalets at Shindzela are en-suite and have solar main and bedside lights, mosquito nets and bathroom amenities, all bedding and towels, bug and mosquito repellent spray and a corner stand fan (no air conditioning as the camp is solar powered).

Because Shindzela runs on solar power, camera and phone batteries can be recharged in the main dining room area.

The main area has a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, boma and internet access (complimentary).

You can drink the water in camp, but due to a high mineral content, it does not taste very good! It is perfectly safe, however, to brush your teeth using the water.

The 3 meals a day are all homemade, and include different meats, freshly baked bread, salads, vegetables and fruit. Vegetarian option available - please request this in advance

The activities that are available at Shindzela include game drives in the morning and afternoon/evening, lasting around 3 hours or more. Walking safaris are done in the morning and last for around 2-3 hours. The walks are mainly focused on nature as a whole, focusing on fauna and flora as well as animal tracks, insects, bird life and the occasional encounter with one of the Big five.

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. Children 16 to 21 years of age to be accompanied by an adult.

Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a bush walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A bush walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guests must also be able to speak and understand English fluently.

Popular Alternatives to Shindzela Tented Safari Camp

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Shindzela Tented Safari Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.