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Trails Camp

A Day in the Life at Simbavati Trails Camp

WRITTEN BY

Simbavati Lodge Collection

LAST UPDATED

September 21, 2023

Simbavati Trails Camp is where simplicity meets luxury in the heart of the Timbavati wilderness. Expect an authentic, back-to-basics-in-luxury experience that allows you to disconnect from modern complications and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the bush. Differing from the typical safari lodge experience, Trails Camp focuses on guided walking safaris and provides an enchanting, off-the-grid stay. The  ambience in camp offers an “Out of Africa” feel that’s both nostalgic and unforgettable.

Approximately an hour’s drive from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, the journey to camp is an adventure in itself, with a guided safari drive taking guests there. Our host Russel excitedly welcomed us to camp and our senses were captivated instantly as we surrendered to the tranquility of the setting.

The camp

The heart of the camp is a large canvas tent that houses an open-plan dining area and lounge. The pool, slightly elevated, overlooks a Mopani forest, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. Adjacent to the pool is a sunken lounge with plush cushions beneath an umbrella, the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail and a good book.

Tents in the wilderness

Simbavati Trails Camp features four Meru-style tents, accommodating a maximum of eight guests. Inside, you’ll find two single beds pushed together under a hanging mosquito net, a vanity area with a sink and bucket for washing, and an invigorating outdoor shower. While there’s no running water or electricity, the bucket-style showers are filled with warm water before each use and  there is a flushable toilet for your convenience. The strategically placed tents in the bush provide privacy and an authentic, wild feel. The canvas side walls are left open with netting, allowing refreshing air to flow through and granting you uninterrupted views of the wilderness from your bed.

Morning Walk: A bushveld awakening

Each morning, the adventure begins as your friendly guide awakens you at sunrise, and the harmonious chorus of birds greets you naturally. Hot coffee and freshly baked muffins and rusks are served at the main guest area, setting the tone for the day. Our trails guide Martin, shared exciting insights about the morning walk and was equipped for any situation. In single file, behind the guide, guests embark through the bush, searching for tell-tale spores and taking in the wonderment of being in nature. We encountered elephants on foot and revelled in the thrill. We learnt the art of tracking, spotted zebras and waterbucks and heard the distant roar of lions. Martin shared  insights into the region’s diverse trees, rocks and soils, explaining how they shape the ecosystem and how the ground determines which plants flourish, attracting specific wildlife and their predators.

Morning walks are typically 2.5 hours long to avoid the midday heat.

Simbavati Trails camp - walking safari & guiding

Return to camp: A warm welcome

As we returned to camp, our smiling butler, Donald, awaited with chilled orange juice and refreshing damp cloths, providing a warm and comforting welcome. 

Shower time beckons before breakfast, which is wonderfully rejuvenating. 

Breakfast: A feast to savour

Breakfast is a feast and differs slightly each day, featuring trays of scones, cinnamon flapjacks, seeded toasts, cheeses, cold meats, and fruits, muesli and yoghurt, all served on the center server table.

Today’s breakfast highlight is a bacon-stacked eggs benedict on a toasted English muffin, a renowned favourite at Simbavati Trails Camp

Daytime: Rejuvenation

After breakfast, the pool becomes the preferred spot to unwind until lunchtime. With panoramic views of the Mopani forest and the bush, it often attracts elephants, who consider it their personal watering hole. Eight towel-laden loungers overlook the pool, providing a perfect setting to bask in the sun, birdwatch and savour the view.

 A delectable lunch is then served and ours featured a South African favourite of  bunny chow made with fire-baked bread and chicken curry. Guests then choose to rest, read or play board games in the communal tent before  a sumptuous high tea is enjoyed, satisfying those sweet cravings.

Afternoon walk: Tracking Secrets

Every afternoon walk begins with a debriefing, where the guide discusses expectations and plans for the walk.

Our journey took us through dense bush, and a dry river bed, leading to a waterhole. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with ancient Jackalberry trees gracing the horizon and gold orb spider webs glistening in the sunlight.

Martin delved into the intriguing and unusual facts about the bush. From the life cycle of termite mounds to discovering an elephant’s favorite sleeping spot, we learnt about dung and  the fascinating relationship between honeyguides and humans.

We spotted aardvark prints and porcupine signs before learning about the lion prides of the Greater Kruger and following their tracks. It was immersion in the wilderness at its best.

Sundowner surprise: An enchanting end to the day

As the sun set, we found ourselves walking along a dirt road, and the sky painted itself in shades of red and purple.

Martin signaled, hinting at a surprise just around the corner.

A delightful sundowner table awaited, stocked with snacks, wine, gin, cooldrinks, ice-cold beer, and Amarula.

It was the perfect way to conclude a thrilling day of adventure before driving back to camp in the dark, where we were lucky to see hyena, elephants and other creatures along the way.

With no electricity at camp, paraffin and solar lanterns illuminate the pathways. Simbavati Trails Camp is unfenced, so walking around with a torch is essential, and a guide or your butler will escort you to and from your tent.

Guests take time for a soothing shower under the stars before dinner and the tents and camp are lit up, creating a tranquil setting

Dinner: a boma feast

At dinner, tables were arranged in a half-moon shape around an open fire, reminiscent of a traditional South African boma night, where fireside tales are shared. Chef Raphael or Thompson, will tantalize your taste buds with options like succulent pork ribs, spicy chakalaka, hearty lamb stew and traditional pap, flavourful veggies, beef rump with chimichurri and more, allowing international guests to savour local cuisine, often with a twist. Dessert that night was a decadent chocolate cake, and the staff’s traditional African songs filled the air.

Nighttime serenade: Nature’s chorus

As we retired to our tent with full bellies and hearts, the sounds of the African bush serenaded us. Hyenas made whooping sounds in the dark around us. Scops owls called in the trees above us.  The African bush is alive at night with choruses of frogs and nocturnal creatures, ending the perfect day at Simbavati Trails Camp.

Discover more at www.simbavati.com/lodges/trails-camp/

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At Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, our dedicated guide portrays passion and personalised professionalism which transforms each guest's experience into an extraordinary journey. Meet Keith, a  true maestro of his craft, with a knack to intertwine knowledge with exploration in nature to create a memorable adventure.

Radiating a genuine enthusiasm for showcasing the wonders of the Garden Route and the setting at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, Keith ensures that every guest departs with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Nature Enthusiast

Beyond his role as a guide, Keith is a nature enthusiast, avid bird watcher, and an expert in plant knowledge. A warm,  open-minded, accepting, and patient individual, Keith is a treasured member for the Simbavati family.

His journey into guiding began with a discovered appreciation for Fynbos, and led to a deeper exploration of nature's wonders. One of Keith's focus areas lies in revealing the healing power of plants. As a guide, he sees this role as an opportunity to help others understand themselves and nature.

Adventures and Activities

Join Keith on an exploration of Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, where his passion and knowledge converge to create an immersive experience. 

Experiences available range from guided nature walks to kayaking, beach explorations, guided mountain biking excursions, 4x4 eco drives and rejuvenating sunset barge cruises. The protea farm tour is also a favourite activity and a must-do during a stay at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea.

Unlock the secrets of Simbavati Fynbos on Sea’s enchanting environment, with Keith as your guide.

Discover more about Simbavati Fynbos on Sea:

https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/fynbos-on-sea/

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Fynbos on Sea

Meet Keith: Guide at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea

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Simbavati Waterside is a quintessential, beautiful and enticing safari lodge set in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Those in search of romance will enjoy the lodge’s many intimate spaces, imaginative private dining settings and the joy in knowing that no two meals are ever quite the same. Surprise special touches are added to the experience for those celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries too or for those simply enjoying the disconnection from a busy life to reconnect with each other on safari. 

Dining Variety and Flair

At Simbavati Waterside, we believe that an extraordinary safari experience extends far beyond thrilling game drives and breathtaking wildlife encounters. A vital aspect of this experience is the opportunity to indulge your palate in a remarkable setting, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Our dining settings and options are designed to enhance your safari adventure and create unforgettable memories. 

Bush Boma: An Authentic Safari Feast

During a safari stay at Waterside, one of your evenings will involve dining under a star-studded African sky in our Bush Boma, with the sounds of the wilderness as your soundtrack. The traditional boma experience offers you an authentic safari feast like no other. Gather around the crackling fire as you savour a delectable blend of traditional and contemporary African cuisine. The atmosphere is both enchanting and communal, as you share stories of the day's adventures with fellow travelers and the Waterside team, creating lasting connections and enjoying some traditional African song and dance too.

Beach Boma with a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Simbavati Waterside's beach boma is a unique gem, where you can bask in the serenity of a private beach setting alongside our active waterhole. Beside the tranquil waters of our private dam, delight in our unique wood-fired pizza oven. Sip on your favourite beverage as you dine with a view over the wilderness and a sense of tranquility. An option on the menu may well be one of our signature, freshly baked pizzas with a delightful array of toppings. This unique dining experience offers a perfect combination of relaxation and indulgence on safari. 

Al Fresco Dining Overlooking the Waterhole

The iconic and captivating dining setting at Simbavati Waterside is our al fresco dining deck, overlooking the waterhole. Take a seat on our open-air deck and witness the mesmerising theater of nature unfold before your eyes. While you enjoy gourmet dishes created by our talented chefs, watch as elephants, hippos, and various other wildlife come to quench their thirst at the waterhole. It's a dining experience that allows you to become one with the African wilderness.

Private Dining

For those seeking a more intimate and personalised experience, Simbavati Waterside offers private dining options. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a special celebration, we can arrange a private dining experience that suits your preferences. Some secluded locations include dinner in our private wine cellar, on your private deck or tucked away in one of our more secret locations. Under the guidance of our expert culinary team, you'll enjoy a meticulously crafted menu in a secluded location. Private dining at Simbavati Waterside is an exquisite way to celebrate life's special moments or simply relish a quiet evening in the wild.

Simbavati Waterside's unique dining settings and options are an integral part of our safari experience. We believe that indulging in exceptional cuisine amidst the awe-inspiring African wilderness adds an extra layer of enchantment to your adventure. We aim to make your culinary journey at Simbavati Waterside as unforgettable as the safari itself. 

Discover more about Simbavati Waterside:

www.simbavati.com/lodges/waterside/

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Waterside

Unique Safari Dining Experiences at Simbavati Waterside

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The Cederberg, a ruggedly beautiful region of South Africa with a remarkable history, tells a story that traverses through time. It spans from the original inhabitants, the San and Khoikhoi people, to colonial explorers, early settlers, and later conflicts and triumphs.

The Original Inhabitants 

Long before European settlers arrived, the Cederberg was home to the San, or Bushmen people, and the Khoikhoi people. The San were hunter-gatherers who roamed this vast land, leaving their legacy in the form of ancient rock art found in caves and overhangs throughout the region. Some of these rock art depictions date back over 2,000 years and portray herds of eland, elephants, leopards, and more.

Early Explorers

The first European contact with the Cederberg was made by the explorer Bartholomew Dias when he spotted these imposing mountains from the Atlantic Ocean. He named them the "Sierra dos Reis," which translates to the "mountains of the three wise men of the East." These three mighty peaks, including Sneeuberg, Sneeukop, and Tafelberg, are still visible from Cederberg Ridge today.

The name "Cederberg" itself originates from the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis). This rare and endemic tree typically thrives at altitudes above 1,500 meters. It is revered for its fine-grained wood, but the arrival of European settlers nearly led to its complete extinction. The cedar tree was heavily utilized for furniture, housing, and even telegraph poles. Today, these trees are strictly protected, with only isolated, hard-to-reach specimens remaining.

Early Colonization 

Around 1670, one of the earliest colonists to the Cape, Marthinus Oloff Bergh, led an expedition north from Cape Town to explore the Cederberg. The owners of Simbavati Cederberg Ridge are proud 10th generation descendants of this visionary explorer. Bergh's scouting party encountered the river that flows through the valley, observing herds of elephants along its banks, leading to its apt naming as the Oliphants River. Regrettably, these elephants were eventually hunted to extinction in the region by later settlers.

Clanwilliam's Growth

The Cederberg area began to see population growth with the arrival of the 1820 settlers from England and Ireland. Although many of these settlers initially found the area challenging due to its mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate, Clanwilliam, one of South Africa's oldest towns, steadily expanded. Clanwilliam's establishment as a municipality in 1808 marked an important milestone. In fact, it is the seventh oldest town in South Africa, a testament to its historical significance.

Impact of the Anglo-Boer War 

The Cederberg was the unexpected southernmost battleground of the Anglo-Boer War. Boer commandos traveled southward from their strongholds in northern South Africa, aiming to threaten the English Cape Colony. The town of Clanwilliam, the northernmost English stronghold, was a focal point of this conflict. The Boers sought to garner local support from Dutch-descendant farmers, but their efforts proved futile. These farmers, while harboring no love for English colonial governance, believed that the English would ultimately emerge victorious, and they feared repercussions. As a result, they chose to remain loyal to the English.

The Englishman's Grave 

A poignant episode from this era is that of Lieutenant Clowes, an Englishman leading a patrol from Clanwilliam. His patrol was ambushed by a Boer commando, resulting in his tragic death. He was buried on the spot, and his family later erected a headstone resembling a Celtic cross with the words "brave and true." This location became known as Englishman's Grave, and Lieutenant Clowes' mother made the arduous journey from England to visit her son's grave each year until 1936.

Clanwilliam Dam and Rooibos Tea 

The construction of Bulshoek Dam in 1914 marked an important turning point for the area's fortunes. The much larger Clanwilliam Dam was built in 1935 and later expanded in 1964. These developments allowed neighboring farms access to the vital resource of irrigation water. Today, the region's primary agricultural products are wine, table grapes, citrus, and renowned rooibos tea. Plans for further dam enlargement are in the works, offering potential for continued growth.

Cederberg Wilderness Reserve

The Cederberg Wilderness Reserve was officially established in 1973, serving as a protected area that now spans about 5,250 hectares. In 1987, an additional reserve was established with the primary goal of preventing the Clanwilliam cedar tree's extinction. These trees, remnants of a colder era, are now found on cooler mountain slopes in remote, inaccessible areas. All farming livestock was removed from the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve, and small quantities of indigenous fauna were reintroduced, allowing the mountain fynbos to recover. The reserve has become a cherished wilderness destination, providing solace for those seeking refuge from the demands of modern life.

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge - setting

Cederberg or Cedarberg? 

A curious historical note is that the English name for the region was initially the Cedarberg, while the Afrikaans name was Sederberg. About 15-20 years ago, it was decided to merge the two names into the new name, Cederberg. As a result, you may encounter both spellings: Cedarberg and Cederberg.

The Cederberg, with its rich tapestry of history and natural beauty, continues to enchant visitors, offering a captivating glimpse into the past while embracing the present.

Discover more about Simbavati Cederberg Ridge:

https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/cederberg-ridge/

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Cederberg

Cederberg Ridge

The History of the Cederberg