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Join us at Camp George and experience true africalm!

Camp George

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OVERVIEW

Oasis of tranquillity

Immerse yourself in the legendary heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve at Simbavati Camp George, an exclusive oasis of tranquility designed for the discerning traveler. Here, the legacy of founder George Huysamer harmoniously blends with the pristine wilderness, offering an authentic safari experience that captures the essence of Africa’s raw beauty. With intimate luxury suites that promise serene views and private decks, your stay with us is an invitation to witness the majestic wildlife of Kruger while enveloped in the utmost comfort.

Step into a world where art, nature, and heritage intertwine to give you a unique front-row seat to the untamed. Our curated gardens, adorned with rare South African cycads, set the stage for tranquil moments, while the thrills of game drives and bush walks await to quench your thirst for adventure. At Simbavati Camp George, every detail is crafted to ensure your safari is not just a holiday, but a moment in time where luxury and the wild dance in perfect harmony.

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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

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.

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Through supporting and uplifting local children we, and our guests, can make a difference in the future.

Imagine living on the borders of one of Africa’s greatest National Parks, but having never seen a zebra or elephant in reality. The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve recognised that the communities surrounding the Greater Kruger area are a key part of its future conservation. However, these same communities are completely disconnected from their natural heritage. Thus, Eco Children was created as an initiative by the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) to educate and enrich the lives of its employees' children through holiday ‘bush’ workshops. These nature-based camps aimed to foster an understanding and passion for wildlife, creating a future generation of nature guardians.

In the Beginning

Deon Huysamer is an owner of Simbavati Camp George and recalls how the concept of the Eco Children charity took form.

“In 2007, our farm manager, at the time, and I had a lively debate about the separation of reserve/camp staff from their children whilst they were working in the reserve. We agreed about the unhealthy social consequences this had and discussed what we could do to improve the situation. We decided to bring the children to their parents over school holidays and to teach them about eco-related subjects.

Our immediate solution was to conduct the first classes in Camp George’s gardens. We then started to train selected reserve/camp staff in eco-subjects and soon the children were being taught about conservation and wildlife in their own language.”

In the lush gardens of Camp George, under the beautiful trees, the seeds were sown for what we know as Eco Children today.

From its humble beginnings, Eco Children has since extended its reach to over 5,000 children in some of the poorest communities in South Africa. Following a whole-school development approach, they have adopted nine local primary schools, where the focus is not just on conservation education but also improving school infrastructure, installing a new kitchen and fully-stocked library as well as a vegetable eco-garden capable of supplementing school meals.

Nutrition First

Ensuring that each child receives a filling, nutritious meal and has a safe, hygienic place to study is the foundation of Eco Children’s work. Once a child’s daily needs are being met, the programme’s other initiatives can be implemented. Their Eco-Villages combine  colourful eco-gardens with a dedicated classroom for lessons in conservation and natural science taught by local Environmental Educators. 

A Love for Reading

The new libraries help develop a culture of reading that has been shown to have a huge impact on literacy skills and attainment in education. An incentives programme motivates children to engage in their learning by rewarding achievement with books, new uniforms, overnight winner’s excursions and day trips into the Kruger National Park. 

Getting the Best Start

Lastly, Eco Children established their coveted bursary programme. Identifying talented learners who would otherwise be held back by the burdens of poverty, these children are awarded a first-class education at Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit. To date, 34 students have benefitted from the scheme, with several having completed tertiary education and now leading successful careers, inspiring the next generation in their communities. 

How Can You Help?

Guests that are passionate about making sustainable difference during a stay at our Simbavati Lodges in the  Klaserie, can consider adding an enlightening school tour to their trip or donating to one of Eco Children’s programmes.

Simbavati proudly supports and endorses the work that Eco Children does and is passionate about uplifting the foundation’s work and the children benefiting from it. 

Discover our Simbavati lodges in the Klaserie region, for your perfect safari experience with a heart for sustainability.

For more information about Eco Children, visit their website at www.ecochildren.co.za 

This article was compiled by Simbavati Lodge Collection and Emily Whiting

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Amani

Camp George

Community

Conservation

Homestead

Kruger Klaserie

People

Uplifting our Communities with Eco Children

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Fondly known as "Umfundisi" by the Simbavati Camp George family, Innocent epitomises the understated and assured professionalism that guests relish during their time at Simbavati Camp George.

He is a master mixologist and the soul of the Simbavati Camp George bar, where his humble grin touches everyone he serves.

Being a longstanding resident of the surrounding area and having spent a lifetime in the bush, he also has an incredible understanding of animals which he shares, in his gentle manner, with everyone who connects with him during their stay.

Charles Hudson, shares a poignant and perfect description of him in this character tribute:

“Nostalgia is a funny thing. It evokes a strong attachment to a memory, however distant, of a place, person or experience that touched us and remains embedded in our minds.  Often, we reminisce about these encounters and it is almost as though we can see the person or place conjured to life before our very eyes. They, or it, become lasting apparitions of those things which left a beautiful impression. We think, we smile, we remember. 

During the dappled light of midday, when there is a peaceful lull in activity at Simbavati Camp George and the cicadas hum their November hum, you may see such a person sitting quietly in the shade of a sausage tree, the swing bench rocking slowly and forth as if in tune to the calmness of the person gazing out over the bushveld.  

Affectionately referred to as “ Umfundisi “ by the rest of the Camp George family, Innocent is the very embodiment of the quiet and confident professionalism that guests have come to savour here. He is the soul of the Simbavati Camp George bar and his humble grin has touched all those who have been fortunate enough to have him remember – down to the last ice cube – what you had to drink when you were here last. A week, a month, a year. He remembers. Painstaking and immaculate in both approach and execution, there is pride in every sweeping movement of the cloth across the silvery sheen of the espresso machine and he is a master mixologist. 

His talents do not only extend to the bar, however. Being a longstanding resident of the surrounding area and having spent a lifetime in the bush, he has an understanding of animals that comes only with countless hours of quiet observation. Should you be lucky enough to see Umfundisi sitting in his swing chair, you may well walk up to him and ask him what he is thinking about. He probably won’t make eye contact or respond immediately, but he will eventually tell you that he has been pondering the movement of a bull elephant that is on its way to the waterhole. You look at the surrounding landscape, your eyes straining to see the animal. There is no elephant in sight. You ask Umfundisi “ what elephant, Innocent ? "And when you lift your gaze, there, as if it had appeared out of nowhere, stands a bull elephant on the bank of the river. The animal sees you, and Innocent, still not making eye contact, nods and softly murmurs “that elephant“. "

Discover more about Simbavati Camp George:

https://www.simbavati.com/lodges/camp-george/

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Camp George

Kruger Klaserie

Meet Innocent, the Soul of the Bar at Simbavati Camp George

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Take a journey into Simbavati Camp George's unique essence and story. We share a glimpse into it's past, present and future, highlighting what makes it an incredible safari destination with a big heart.

Yesterday

It began in 1988 when Camp George first opened its doors. Fondly named after its founder, the late George Huysamer, the lodge is still in the family today, sharing George’s original passion for the South African bush and commitment to conservation.

George’s son, Deon, currently part-owns the lodge and is also chairman of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which Simbavati Camp George is set within. His personal description taps into the heart and soul of the lodge when he says,

“The Klaserie, and Camp George specifically, was always a safe oasis where we as a family spent time together, away from the pressures of the world outside. It was a place where we invited our friends and family to share the special experiences with us. It was a place where everyone could just be. I have followed in my father’s footsteps and carried on with his legacy of a love for the bush, nature and people. I am driven by the belief that you must leave a place in a better state than in which you found it. We are only the gatekeepers of this beautiful place. It is also imperative to make a difference in the lives of the communities around us.”

Today

It is an oasis of tranquility for all who stay there.

Along with Simbavati and Deon, Frank Kilbourn is Simbavati Camp George's other owner. He is the chairman of Strauss & Co and responsible for the beautiful art found in the lodge as well as the complete collection of South African cycads on its grounds.

A love for nature and a sense of tranquility the wilderness brings is what spreads through Simbavati Camp George.

Set within the glorious Klaserie wilderness, the lodge attracts and surpasses the expectations of guests searching for the ultimate safari experience in one of the best wildlife areas in Kruger, underpinned by a sense of peace and beauty. The incredible food, lush lodge grounds and beauty in the attention to detail makes it a dreamy experience.

The staff ensure every guest leaves as a friend, fulfilled and at peace.

Tomorrow

Simbavati Camp George has a big heart, just like its namesake and founder did. A passion for supporting the surrounding Klaserie community and its children is especially important in making a real difference to the future.

In 2007, identifying a need to support the families of the lodge staff, their children were invited to spend the school holidays at Simbavati Camp George. Here they learnt about the wild environment around them and the importance of conserving it.

In the lush gardens, under the beautiful trees, the first lessons took place. The seeds were sown for what is Eco Children today.

Learn more about supporting Eco Children’s work around student bursaries, nutrition and educational development on their website.

Throughout the years, over it's past, in it's present and into the future, Simbavati Camp George is a lodge with heart. Set in the most wondrous wilderness, inside the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this tranquil and welcoming safari lodge is a haven of peace for guests and offers the most riveting safari experience. It is truly a well-rounded and special destination.

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Camp George - suite deck

Camp George

Camp George- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

/ 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 Klaserie 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 DETAILED

2024-2026 Rates

Enquire about our SA Resident Offers.

01 May 2024 – 05 Jan 202506 Jan 2025 – 20 Dec 202521 Dec 2025 – 04 Jan 2026
Per Person SharingR11,200
R12,500

R13,750
Per SingleR14,925R16,625R18,288
Child R5,600R6,250R6,875

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

  1. Detailed description of services
    Simbavati Camp George is a business in the Tourism industry that provides accommodation services.
  2. Delivery policy
    Subject to availability and receipt of payment, requests will be processed within 2 days and receipt confirmed by way of email.
  3. Return and Refunds policy
    The provision of services by Simbavati Camp George is subject to availability. In cases of unavailability, Simbavati Camp George will refund the client in accordance with our standard terms and conditions.
  4. Customer Privacy policy
    Simbavati Camp George shall take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of users. For the purpose of this clause, “personal
    information” shall be defined as detailed in the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA). The PAIA may be downloaded from:
    http://www.lawsofsouthafrica.up.ac.za/index.php/current-legislation.
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    Payment may be made via Visa or MasterCard or by bank transfer into the Simbavati Camp George bank account, the details of which will be provided on request.
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    Card transactions will be acquired for Simbavati Camp George via PayGate (Pty) Ltd who are the approved payment gateway for all South African Acquiring Banks. DPO PayGate uses the strictest form of encryption, namely Secure Socket Layer 3 (SSL3) and no Card details are stored on the website. Users may go to www.paygate.co.za to view their security certificate and security policy.
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    Customer details will be stored by Simbavati Camp George separately from card details which are entered by the client on DPO PayGate’s secure site. For more detail on DPO PayGate refer to www.paygate.co.za.
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    Simbavati Camp George takes responsibility for all aspects relating to the transaction including sale of goods and services sold on this website, customer service and support, dispute resolution and delivery of the service.
  10. Country of domicile
    This website is governed by the laws of South Africa and Simbavati Camp George chooses as its domicilium citandi et executandi for all purposes under this agreement, whether in respect of court process, notice, or other documents or communication of whatsoever nature Portion 9 of Portion 7, Farm Northumberland, Number 31 Registered, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380.
  11. Variation
    Simbavati Camp George may, in its sole discretion, change this agreement or any part thereof at any time without notice.
  12. Company information
    This website is run by SARO AI (Pty) Ltd based in South Africa trading as Simbavati Management Services and with registration number 2018/313230/07 and 3 directors.
  13. Simbavati Camp George contact details
    Company Physical Address: Portion 9 of Portion 7, Farm Northumberland, Number 31 Registered, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
    Email: res@simbavati.com Telephone: 087 151 4520