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.

Each Java safari-style tent lies next to the dam and 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.

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.

The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and lies nestled between the Kruger Park to the east, the Klaserie and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves to the north and the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve to the west. As there are no fences between the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the reserve boasts a wide variety of game species, including the Big Five.

The Timbavati lies within the Savanna Biome of South Africa. This biome covers 32% of the country.  In essence, savanna is classified as a vegetation type consisting of both a tree and a grass layer, with complex interactions between these two structural layers.

Thabamati offers a great experience for individuals or small groups and can also be booked out as a villa option, complete with your private guide, vehicle and chef.

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.

Times

Summer/Winter Programme (times may vary, depending on the season and animal activity):

05:00/06:00 - Wake-up call (early, but worth it!)

05:15/06:15 - Morning coffee and rusks in the dining room before departure

05:30/06:30 - Morning safari departs

07:30/08:00 - Stop for morning coffee-break somewhere in the bush

09:00/10:00 - Back at camp for breakfast/brunch

11:00 - Check-out

11:00-13:30 - If you are not checking out, enjoy time around the pool or relax in the lounge with a book

13:30 – Lunch

15:30/15:00 - High tea

16:00/15:30 - Afternoon safari departs

18:00/17:30 - Stop for a sundowner break

19:30/18:30 - Return to camp in time to freshen up or relax around the fire before dinner starts

20:00/19:00 - Dinner

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.

What to bring on safari

A flashlight, comfortable closed walking shoes, socks, sandals, neutral-coloured safari clothing: 2 or 3 pairs of long pants, 2 or 3 pairs of shorts, T-shirts, a fleece (jumper), a lightweight raincoat, 2 long-sleeved tops for evening game drives, a wide- brimmed hat, sunblock, sunglasses, personal amenities, insect repellent and reading material. During the winter months (May to September), add a tracksuit, beanie, scarf, gloves and a warm fleece. Don’t forget a camera and bring spare batteries. There is a curio shop where some of the above items can be purchased.

Children in camp

Regrettably, we do not accommodate children younger than 10 years old at Thabamati. Children who are 10 years and old are welcome to go on game drives. There is no upper age-limit on the game drives. There is one family tent, which can accommodate a maximum of 3 persons. Confirm with reservations when making a booking if this suite is available.

Getting to Thabamati

The closest airports to Thabamati are:

o   Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), approximately 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive away

o   Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), approximately 3.5 hours’ drive away

o   Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), approximately 2 hours’ drive away

There are daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to the above airports. Thabamati also offers private transfers from any of the above airports, using a local transfer company. Please enquire about the costs.

Thabamati also has its own airstrip.  Therefore private charters can also be booked. enquire with reservations.

Self-drive

Guests who opt for a self-drive experience can easily reach us by following the written directions on the website. PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW THE GPS.

When self-driving to Thabamati between the months of September and April, it would be better to hire a 2x4 or 4x4 high-clearance vehicle, because this period is our rainy season. In our winter months (May to August) a normal sedan will suffice. 

Remember ALWAYS enquire about the self-drive directions to camp. We do not recommend following GPS/SATNAV, because these will lead you on to the wrong roads.

Reputable car-hire companies in South Africa

a. Europcar - www.europcar.co.za

b. Avis Car Hire - www.avis.co.za

c. Budget Car Rental - www.budget.co.za