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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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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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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