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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

Camp George- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

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Disconnect to Reconnect



Growing up in a family that loves nature and wildlife, I have a long history of travelling for leg-numbing hours in the back of the land-rover. We kids had special beds and an assortment of books and games to keep us entertained. And let’s admit, quiet too. All as we headed for some new and suitably adventurous destination to go camping.



Our arrival at the camp would be a mix of excitement and groans. No scampering to a pool. We had to get set up first before it got dark, or before we could go out for an activity. But there were evenings around the campfire with stories until late into the night. Then we would head to bed - only to lie awake listening. And sometimes being terrified of the noises around us. But that's invariably part of the excitement and good for new stories for the next day! These are still some of our fondest memories growing up.



These days, of course, there is the option of coming to a safari lodge, where everything is organised ready for you. Families on safari have much less to think about, let alone do. We take care of your welcoming tent, your meals and your game drives, giving you much more time to relax.



And that's what one should get out of family trips away - an opportunity to make memories, have fun. And, most importantly, reconnect as a family. All the while, having a safe environment for kids to relax and be kids. And for adults to have a little pampering.















Families on Safari - the crucial question of age



So what age should your kids be for a safari? The ideal age to safely appreciate game drives on safari is from around 8 years or older. That's why we chose to set the limit at Amani and Camp George to eight years old. However, we are a little more flexible at River Lodge and have happily hosted kids of all ages. The same goes for Homestead where there’s no minimum age either. One does need to consider exactly where you go, though. Many safari lodges have a minimum age limit, mainly for safety reasons. If you have young kids on a game vehicle, the guide will not go as close to some predator sightings for obvious reasons. Plus remember that in the Kruger, malaria is a consideration, especially in our summer months.



For game drives, children need to be over 6 to take part in shared game drives at River Lodge. Sometimes it is possible to pre-organise a private game drive vehicle (at an extra cost per day). This gives more more flexibility to a family safari as you can go for shorter drives, which really helps for little ones with a smaller attention span.















How do the kids stay amused at Simbavati?



Our family-friendly lodges try to be flexible and tailors activities according to the kids - their ages, interests and weather. The options are varied, both indoors and outdoors, ranging from crafts, nature hunts, track mouldings, elephant dung cricket, card and paper making. All the way to seasonal delights of frogging and mud wallowing - yes dirt equals fun!



For older kids, there are nature walks, baking with the chefs, macro photography, learning local languages to a junior tracker or ranger course. Which of course comes with a badge or certificate.



At River Lodge in the Timbavati, there's even a Cubs Club. This is equipped with TV, DVD’s, games, archery practice area, books, maps and a discovery nook with bugs, bones, dung & identification tools. So everyone gets something! But each lodge has a refreshing swimming pool and some can even do spa treatments. Camp George and Amani have fenced in gardens which means that kids have space to play, without anxious parents. 






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Amani

Camp George

Homestead

People

River Lodge

Tips on Families on Safari

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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.




Simbavati Camp George



Simbavati Homestead



Simbavati Amani



Simbavati Waterside




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