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Join us at Camp George and experience true africalm!

Camp George
Local is Lekker

OVERVIEW

Oasis of tranquillity

Camp George offers an oasis of tranquillity within the wilds of the Klaserie Game Reserve. It is a classic safari escape, set alongside a dry riverbed and within lush indigenous gardens Designed for couples, family and friends, this intimate lodge comprises eight luxury suites, each with its own private deck.

This elegant safari lodge is the perfect mix of authentic tradition with a modern twist.  The convivial and art-filled living areas lead out to expansive terraces. Beyond lies the mature indigenous garden which naturally evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation. Enjoy the serenity of the many huge fever and baobab trees, read a book in the swing chair, or watch the game at the waterhole where animals come to drink through the day.

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Why we love it

Refined Luxury

Refined bushveld retreat offering stylish suites

Art & Décor

The perfect mix of authentic tradition with a modern twist. A bespoke collection of local art, both indoors and outdoors

Fenced Garden Oasis

Peaceful indigenous gardens with huge fever trees & rare collection of cycads

Food & Wine

Imaginative cuisine with fresh seasonal produce, paired with fine South African wine

ROOMS

Select Room

Eight Luxury Suites

Eight luxury suites with their own private deck overlook the dry riverbed. Each has a beautiful wall mural which adds a unique touch of style to the room. Each of the air-conditioned suites has a king-sized bed (convertible to twin).

It is elegantly furnished with beautiful indigenous wood furniture. There’s a large and indulgent bathroom with deep soaking tub, indoor and outdoor shower and separate toilet.

Simbavati Camp George - bedroom
Simbavati Camp George - bedroom detail
Camp George - suite
Simbavati Camp George - bedroom & bathroom
Camp George - suite deck
Simbavati Camp George - ouitdoor shower

RATES & OFFERS

Our Price

Bookable within 30 days of arrival

25 Nov 2024 – 31 Jan 2025

Per person sharing

R5,600

Offers

EXPERIENCES

Things to see & do

Top Reasons to Visit

Cycads and garden

Cycad Tranquility

The tranquil gardens of Camp George are certainly a distinguishing feature with many mature fever trees and baobab trees. Birdlife is naturally attracted to the flowering shrubs so relaxing in the garden with some binoculars can be an enjoyable and restful activity. Within the garden is a rare collection of cycad species.

There are myriad ways to relax at Camp George; lounge around the expansive swimming pool, leisurely game-viewing by the waterhole. Or why not indulge in a garden picnic under the beautiful, almost luminous fever trees.

ART WORK

Local artists

Camp George showcases a good collection of modern African art with local artists.

CUISINE

Chef’s Island

Get personally involved with the chef in preparing South African dishes around the Chef’s island or in the Boma over an open fire. Choose a wine from our wine collection to compliment the dish.

Camp George food

PICNICS IN THE GARDEN

Garden Picnics

One of the special elements of Camp George are its garden picnics. Perfect for those celebrating a special anniversary but available to all romantics. You enjoy a picnic under the shade of the fever trees overlooking the productive waterhole just beyond the garden confines. Perhaps follow it up with a short siesta as the fenced garden means that you can truly relax.

/ Camp George

REGIONS

Getting There

Simbavati Camp George is approx 60 to 90 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport, depending on how comfortable you are driving on gravel roads. It can be accessed via a rental car.

Directions from Hoedspruit Airport

As you exit the Airport, turn left for Timbavati Game Reserve onto Argyle Road. Continue until you reach the Enkhulu control gate of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.  Please note that continuous cell phone reception ends here.

At this gate you will tell security you are going to Camp George/Amani/Homestead in the Klaserie. You DO NOT pay an entrance fee at this gate. Immediately after the gate, there’s a cattle grid in front you. Do not cross this grid. Instead you turn immediately left before the grid and follow the road as it doubles back on itself and then curves to the right to head to the Klaserie main gate (Incheni Gate). This takes about 10 to 15 mins drive.

At the gate, you will be required to pay an entrance fee in cash. (This changes on a yearly basis).  This gate is open from 6am to 6pm. The lodge would have at this stage sent a QR code to the gate for your entry (Passport or SA ID information is required for your QR code). 

Go through the gate and continue straight on the main road for quite some distance (approx 20 minutes) until you reach a big cell/radio tower. At the cell tower you will find a sign on a stone plinth on your left saying Northumberland/Fife/Klaseriemond/Durham/Dundee East. Turn right.

Follow the powerline on your left for approx 3.2km. Where the powerline heads away from the road, you will find a sign on your rights saying Camp George/Amani Safari Camp. Turn left here. 

Continue until the next sign (on a stone plinth) and turn right here. At the next stone plinth/sign, you continue straight on for Camp George. At the triangle, keep right. The fork will fork again and you keep left. At the next fork, keep right. This will take you to Camp George down the hill.

Aim to arrive by 2.30pm, if possible so that you have ample time to settle in before the game drive. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please let us know on (015) 004 1400

Note: Please do NOT rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. It will lead you onto the incorrect roads where you could get loss and stuck!

Timing 

From Johannesburg Airport – ± 6½ to 7 hours’ drive (505km)

From Kruger Airport – 3 + hours (190km)

From Hazyview – 2 to 2 ½ hours (140km via the R40)

From the Three Rondavels view point (last point on the Panorama route, 145km) – 2½ hours (so depart by 12 noon latest).

Directions from Johannesburg to Simbavati Camp George (± 6½ – 7 hour drive)

The most direct route is via N4 then Dullstroom to Lydenburg and Ohrigstad and onto Hoedspruit. However some people prefer to take the northern route via Polokwane and Tzaneen as there are fewer potholes. See Downloadable Directions. 

From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank (Emalahleni) and continue on the N4 towards Nelspruit.  (From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank).  Follow the N4 and turn left to Belfast (Off ramp R33/R540). Once in Belfast, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight on the R540 to Dullstroom.  

Drive straight through Dullstroom and continue to Lydenburg (name change to Mashishing) on the R540. At the T-junction turn left into Lydenburg (Mashishing) into Viljoen Street (R36).  Turn left again into Voortrekker Street.  Turn right into De Clercq Street and follow the R36 through Ohrigstad.  After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen. Do not turn left here. Instead continue straight on the R527 to Hoedspruit.

In Hoedspruit, continue straight. After the bridge crossing the railway line, turn right at the four way stop and continue south on the R40 for another 6.4km.  Turn left onto the D1909 (Argyle Road). The sign says Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road.  Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.

Directions from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Hazyview

KMIA – 3+ hours (195km) * Hazyview – Allow 2½ hours (140km)

The most direct route from Kruger Intl Airport is via the R40 thorough White River and Hazyview. Similarly if you are staying in or near Hazyview, the R40 north is the direct route. Just 6.5km south of Hoedspruit. You turn right onto the Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. Allow 1½ hours to get from Hazyview to the Timbavati turnoff. Then another hour to get to the Lodge. Once on the Timbavati Road, you immediately pass the Eastgate Airport. Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.

Alternative Panorama route if staying at a Hazyview Lodge: 

The R40 is a difficult road given the number of slow trucks and cars as well as many pedestrians. It takes longer than you would expect. 

So if you have time, we recommend enjoying a tour of the Panorama route via the Blyde River canyon. Note that this is a longer route (240km from Hazyview to your Lodge (or 3¾ hours driving). En route you can stop off at the Bournes Luck potholes, Gods Window and the Three Rondavels

TIP: It takes approx 2½ + hours to get to the camp from the Three Rondavels viewpoint. So don’t leave the Three Rondavels later than 12 noon. Assuming you spend 1½ hours at the various stopping off points, we recommend leaving your lodge by 8.30am.

ROOMS & FACILITIES

Each of the eight luxury suites has a king-sized bed (which can be converted to twin), dressing table, minibar, air conditioning, ceiling fan, and a full en suite bathroom with oval bath tub, double vanity, separate toilet, indoor shower. Outside is a private terrace with al fresco shower. Two inter-leading units are available for families traveling together (to make a two bedroom, two bathroom unit).


In- room Facilities
● Private terrace overlooking dry riverbed
● Air-conditioning – for cooling and heating
● Ceiling fan
● Minibar with drinks and snacks
● Coffee and tea-making facilities
● Bathroom – bath, indoor and outdoor shower, double vanity
● Complimentary eco-friendly amenities
● Hair-dryer
● Mini-safe for storing valuables
● Room equipped with electronic eco-friendly insect spray (10 min intervals)
● Laundry service – laundry bag in room

Lodge Facilities & Good to Know
● Main lodge with sitting area with books and board games
● Interesting collection of modern African art
● Complimentary wifi in rooms and in main guest areas
● Convivial bar (though the bar chairs are not made for small people)
● Dining room leading out to alfresco dining on the terrace
● Swimming pool set within in mature, fenced garden
● Open air boma around a campfire, overlooking the dry riverbed
● Safari spa – one treatment room
● Fully equipped gym
● Unique collection of Cycads

OUR LocaL PROMOTION

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

25 Nov 2024 – 31 Jan 2025
Bookable within 30 days of arrival
Per Person SharingR5,600
Per SingleR7,467

FINE PRINT

Inclusions

Booking Policy

General Information

Children are welcome from 8 years upwards and can join the adult game drive.  There are two inter-leading rooms so that a family of four can enjoy two bedrooms with two en suite bathrooms.

Note: There is no kids centre. So if you have younger kids, then you may wish to consider Simbavati River Lodge as alternative?

The Kruger is a malarial area so we recommend that you take anti-malaria prophylaxis. Mosquitos are less prevalent in the winter. We also recommend anti-mosquito repellent to stop you from getting bitten.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a typical pattern of safari activities?

What’s the ideal length of stay?

Is there wifi?

What should I wear for a game drive?

What should I wear for a bush walk?

Get in Contact

Managers

Inneke and Manie Esterhuizen

Lodge telephone number: 015 004 1400 

Reservations: +27 87 151 4520