And now for something completely different, decadent and refreshing: Simbavati Camp George in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Picture lush, indigenous gardens, an extensive and rare cycad collection and soft pillow lawns. Listen to a symphony of birdsong – there are over 360 species here – interspersed with wildlife calls and the rustle of wind in the treetops. Smell the wild herbs and raw earth, and imagine the sweet scent of rain in the air. Camp George encourages you to engage your senses and enjoy a truly sensual bush experience.
This is a deeply elegant bush retreat, set under giant apple leaf and fever trees along a dry riverbed. The camp is sprinkled with art and bespoke décor pieces. Every suite is absolutely individual, unique and magical. Above each bed is a specially commissioned, hand-painted mural headboard depicting a large and detailed animal, tree or bird. The headboards are huge and the artwork magnificent. You may be watched over by a sausage tree, a rhino, elephant, giraffe or even a ground hornbill, depending which suite you occupy.
Everything about Camp George is different and appealing. Old world thatched rondavels on the outside are open plan and thoroughly modern inside, and décor is in the most appealing and unexpected colours. Hot turquoise and deep green become a match and select retro pieces have pride of place. Furniture is from solid indigenous wood, beautifully crafted by local hands. The camp has just 8 suites, each one special and with a cocooning outdoor shower.
There are twice daily game drives for sure, and the Klaserie – being literally on the other side of the road to the Timbavati – has all the same prolific wildlife along with the Big Five, but not nearly as many game viewing vehicles. So it’s quieter and calmer, in keeping with the atmosphere of Camp George. But there are unique offerings here too, like enjoying a lazy picnic in the tranquil indigenous gardens, lying back and listening to the music of nature. Maybe forgetting your cares and remembering your childhood as you sit in a tree swing with the breeze in your hair. Or engage with the chef and cook alongside in the boma, where fireside suppers are so splendid.
Here at Camp George, there are all the traditional bush offerings and wildlife experiences, even bush walks, but there’s so much more too. There’s an elegance and a stillness that encourages relaxed sensory pleasure, so engage all your senses and soak up the delectable offering available. This is a place to slow down and appreciate the richness in simplicity. And here there’s an endless supply.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
What we love:
- the decadent picnic under shady trees on soft lawn, yet you are deep in the bushveld
- doing night game viewing from the deck overlooking the floodlit waterhole
- swimming laps in the huge swimming pool
- the sense of freedom to walk around the grounds, because it’s safely fenced
- that it’s always green and lush around the lodge, even in winter
Need to know:
- two suites share a dividing wall and a roof; there are also family suites available
- all bedrooms and public areas have wi-fi and there is satellite television in the lounge
- rooms all face the bush
- malaria precautions should be taken
- Getting there: Both Airlink and Comair fly from Johannesburg and Cape Town daily to Hoedspruit’s East Gate Airport. Private charter flights can land on an airstrip close to the lodge. The drive from Johannesburg takes 6 hours.