Set in Big 5 territory within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Trails Camp offers an off the grid walking safari with no electricity or WI-FI. This makes for an enchanting, back-to basics-in-luxury experience and the fire-to-table style of cooking sets the tone to the ambience in camp.
The culinary delights that are plated at each sitting are memorable and one of the highlights of the safari.
The heart and soul behind Trails Camp’s food is charismatic Head Chef Raphael, who is a joy to connect with around the fire or table setting in camp. His pride in his dishes is captivating and his incredible cooking skills are so impressive.
In conversation with Head Chef Raphael, we found out more about his passion for cuisine and what makes Simbavati Trails Camp so special.
What makes cooking at Trails Camp different compared to a traditional safari lodge?
Here we encourage one of the oldest forms of cooking: from the fire, straight to the plate. It is unique and wonderfully rustic.
Fire cooking is one of the most challenging methods because you need to regulate the temperatures by using instinct to detect the heat and keep it perfectly set to cook the dish. I took it as a personal challenge that if I could master cooking on the fire I would be able to do wonders in the industry, in any other way of cooking too. Simbavati Trails Camp has the ability to drive back time. In camp we are able to use a rustic form of presenting luxury. I love that.
What are your passions and how do you share these at Simbavati Trails Camp?
I love cooking with my heart. It is my passion. I’ve been at this special camp from the day it opened about three years ago.
I choose to be at Simbavati Trails Camp and to share my passion for food and for connecting with people, through stories around the campfire. We are connected through food and through humanity.
What are your favourite dishes to prepare at Simbavati Trails Camp and why?
I enjoy making traditional dishes. I like to fuse dishes to accommodate every guest, no matter where they are from in the world, so they will appreciate the food at a high standard. I like to add traditional and international touches to bring out flavours that everyone will love. This is how I like to put a twist on my creations
On plated evenings at Trails Camp I enjoy making Braised Pork Neck. This is one of my signature dishes. I serve braised pork medallions, baked mashed potato cakes, broccoli and baby corn with apple jus. I like to serve this on a shared board, between two people, enjoyed around the fire.
Boma nights at the camp are enjoyed around the fire together, where all guests dine side by side and get to know each other. It’s an African tradition. People from different nationalities interact and share stories, discovering that the world is one and we have so much in common.
I serve them traditional African dishes, cooked on the open fire. Part of the boma spread is pap, a maize meal dish. It is one of my favourites. It is a dish that tells a story of humankind as it is found all over the world and throughout history. In Africa we eat with our hands. I prepare the pap so it is fluffy and served with a stew made with lamb neck, slow- cooked over the fire, so it falls off the bone. The pap can soak up the sauces and flavours of the stew.
What is it that connects you to this unique walking safari camp?
It gives true variety to my well being. It gives me the pleasure of combining two of my passions, that being cooking in an authentic fire-to plate style and also connecting with the guests.
I love Trails Camp. Trails Camp is my home.
Simbavati Trails Camp invites guests to explore the untamed wilderness on foot, surrender to a connection with nature, enjoy incredible food and revel in a rejuvenating reset.
Discover more at www.simbavati.com/lodges/trails-camp/
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- Luxury accommodation at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge
- All meals as per the itinerary
- Wine tastings and pairings from Boschendal, Bellingham, and Fryer’s Cove
- Guided activities including sundowner walk, cellar visit, stargazing, and rock art tour
Excludes: Spa treatments, beverages outside the tasting menus, transfers, curios, and personal expenses.
Rates (Per Person Per Night, Sharing)
- Classic Rooms: R3,380
- Luxury Suites: R3,820
- Superior Suites: R4,040
- Superior Pool Suites: R4,240
Single Supplement: 33% of the per-person sharing rate
Special Offer: Extend Your Stay & Save
Make your wine weekend even more memorable. Add a 3rd or 4th night on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis at these exclusive rates:
- Classic Room: R2,125 pppn sharing
- Luxury Suite: R2,500 pppn sharing
- Superior Suite: R2,700 pppn sharing
- Superior Pool Suite: R2,850 pppn sharing
Cederberg
Cederberg Ridge
The Cederberg Ridge Wine Weekend
- 3 classic and 6 luxury including a two bedroom superior suite
- Communal lounge areas and ocean-view decks
- A private villa option for the couple or VIPs
- Gourmet meals and local wines
- Outdoor activities including hikes, e-biking, and nature walks
Spend your mornings on sunrise walks, your afternoons by the pool, and your evenings around the fire pit under a starlit African sky.
Ceremony & Reception Options
Choose from a variety of magical locations for your ceremony and reception:
- A wooden deck overlooking the Indian Ocean
- A tranquil forest clearing surrounded by birdsong
- Open fynbos fields with 360° views
- Intimate indoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows
Each space is adaptable for your style — rustic, romantic, boho, or beach chic.
The Best Place for a Destination Wedding in 2025
Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is perfect for international couples seeking a unique, nature-immersed celebration with the charm and warmth of African hospitality.
With George Airport just 45 minutes away (with daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg), and private transfers available, travel logistics are a breeze. The lodge also has a long-standing reputation for hosting overseas guests, ensuring a seamless, welcoming experience.
Elopements & Micro Weddings
Big weddings aren't for everyone. If you're looking for a more intimate experience, Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is also a popular elopement venue. Exchange vows with the ocean breeze in your hair and nothing but birdsong around you. Elopement packages are simple, elegant, and stress-free.
Picture-Perfect Moments
If your wedding album is important to you, you’ll be blown away by the setting. With a variety of natural backdrops — from golden dunes to deep green forest paths — your photos will be as breathtaking as the day itself.
Many photographers call Simbavati Fynbos on Sea one of the most photogenic wedding venues in the Garden Route.
Activities for You and Your Guests
Make your wedding a full-blown adventure! Guests can enjoy:
- Guided fynbos and birdwatching walks
- Beach trips to Myoli or Gericke’s Point
- Sundowners with a view
- Day trips to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, or wine estates
There’s something for every generation, making this an ideal multigenerational destination wedding venue.
Planning Your Wedding at Simbavati
Dates book fast — especially during peak Garden Route seasons (September to April). We recommend securing your date 8–12 months in advance if you’re hosting a full-scale wedding or bringing guests from overseas.
Get in touch with our team at Simbavati to start planning your one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea
We’re in Sedgefield, along South Africa’s Garden Route, about 45 minutes from George Airport and 30 minutes from Knysna. Easily accessible by road or air.
Up to 20 guests can be accommodated on-site. Additional nearby accommodation is available in Sedgefield and Wilderness.
You’re welcome to bring your suggestions up with our Simbavati management team. We’re flexible and happy to collaborate.
From full weekend weddings and destination events to micro weddings and elopements — we cater to them all.
Absolutely. We offer exclusive-use options, ensuring complete privacy for you and your guests during your celebration.
Yes! We frequently host couples from abroad and can help coordinate logistics, guest stays, excursions, and local vendors.
Spring (September–November) and Autumn (March–May) offer the best weather and lighting. Summer is also beautiful, but busier in the Garden Route.
Our Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming — but with the right guidance, it can be a joyful, seamless experience. Here are our top tips to help you plan your dream wedding at a venue like Simbavati Fynbos on Sea.
Start Early and Book in Advance
Popular wedding venues — especially in sought-after destinations like the Garden Route — get booked quickly. Secure your date 9–12 months in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak season (September to April in South Africa).
Visit the Venue (If You Can)
If it’s feasible, try to visit your venue beforehand. It helps to envision the space, meet the team, and finalize layout ideas. Simbavati Fynbos on Sea offers private viewings and virtual consultations for overseas couples.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A local planner knows the best vendors, legal requirements, and cultural touches to make your day flawless. Simbavati works with experienced coordinators who can handle everything from florals to guest transport.
Keep It Intimate
Destination weddings naturally lend themselves to smaller guest lists. Focus on inviting your nearest and dearest — and treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime gathering with those who matter most.
Provide Guest Information Early
Help guests plan by sharing detailed information well in advance. Include:
- Travel and visa details
- Accommodation options (on-site and nearby)
- Itineraries for wedding weekend events
- What to pack and weather expectations
Incorporate Local Flavour
Embrace your destination by incorporating local cuisine, décor, music, or traditions. At Fynbos on Sea, you can serve Cape wines, enjoy South African-inspired menus, and even add a nature walk or beach brunch to your celebration.
Prepare for the Weather
The Garden Route has a temperate climate, but always have a backup plan (e.g. indoor ceremony space or marquee tent) in case of rain or wind — especially for outdoor weddings.
Legal vs Symbolic Ceremonies
If you're marrying abroad, check the legal marriage requirements for that country. Many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony in their destination and complete the legal paperwork at home.
Plan Group Activities
Make your wedding a full experience by organizing optional activities like sunset drinks, beach days, game drives, or group hikes. At Simbavati, your guests can enjoy guided nature experiences throughout the weekend.
Stay Calm and Be Flexible
Destination weddings come with moving parts — flights, vendors, weather, etc. Stay open, trust your venue and planner, and focus on what matters most: celebrating love with your favourite people.
Ready to Say "I Do"?
Whether you're searching for wedding venues near me, planning a destination event, or simply looking for a setting that reflects your love of nature, Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is where your forever begins.
[post_title] => Your Ultimate Wedding Venue on the Garden Route: Simbavati Fynbos on Sea [post_excerpt] => Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a multi-day destination wedding, this venue offers everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable. Let’s explore why Simbavati Fynbos on Sea is one of the best wedding venues in South Africa — and possibly the world. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => destination-wedding-venue [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-28 15:29:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-28 13:29:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.simbavati.com/?p=20540 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )Let nature bear witness to your vows. Let luxury surround your celebration. Let your story begin at Simbavati.
Fynbos on Sea
Your Ultimate Wedding Venue on the Garden Route: Simbavati Fynbos on Sea
- Morning Sunrise Rituals: Start your day with a quiet sunrise at Myoli Beach, sipping coffee as the first light paints the sky.
- Journaling in Nature: Find a peaceful spot in Goukamma Nature Reserve to reflect and write.
- Mindful Evenings: Swap screen time for stargazing or storytelling around a fire pit.
Sedgefield, A Place to Be Present
Sedgefield is more than just a destination—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re savoring fresh produce at a market, meditating by the ocean, or hiking through fynbos-covered hills, this slow town encourages you to be present in every moment. By embracing its laid-back charm, supporting sustainable initiatives, and immersing yourself in mindful experiences, you’ll leave not just refreshed, but with a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Sedgefield: The Perfect Destination for a Slow Holiday
So, the next time you visit Sedgefield, don’t just pass through—slow down, stay longer, and let this tranquil haven work its magic on you.
[post_title] => Embracing Slow Travel in Sedgefield: A Deeper Dive into Tranquility [post_excerpt] => Sedgefield, nestled along South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route, is more than just a scenic stopover—it’s a destination designed for those who seek to unwind, reconnect with nature, and [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => embracing-slow-travel-in-sedgefield-a-deeper-dive-into-tranquility [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-04-15 12:33:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-15 10:33:00 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.simbavati.com/?p=20312 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )
Fynbos on Sea
Embracing Slow Travel in Sedgefield: A Deeper Dive into Tranquility
Fynbos on Sea
Simbavati Safari
Cederberg Ridge
Simbavati Tanzania
