Simbavati Trails Camp is a gem; a luxury-yet-back-to-basics walking trails camp located in a secluded area of the Timbavati Game Reserve. It’s all about guided walks with expert guides, one of the most stimulating and enthralling forms of safari. Trails Camp borders, without fences, an unspoilt wilderness area of 11,000 hectares in the Kruger National Park.
There is no electricity, WiFi or cell phone reception. Just you, in the heart of an untamed African wildlife wonderland. Hearty and delicious meals are prepared over an open fire by an expert cook.
The minimum stay is two nights. But to really appreciate the rich but slower walking trail rhythm, we recommend a three night stay.
Please note that the camp is only operational during the cooler autumn to spring days from March to November.
Why we love it
Walking Trails Camp
Focusing exclusively on walking safaris with expert guides
Four Tents for Eight People
Only four en suite tents so intimate and exclusive, perfect for friends
Interactive Dining
From fire to table – amazing bush cuisine including earth-buried pot bread
Camp Fire
Great traditional safari vibe around the camp fire
Four en-suite Meru-style tents are surprisingly spacious with proper furniture and mosquito nets. En suite bathrooms have a proper flush toilet and a simple basin with a jug of hot water for washing. The back of the tent opens out to your private al fresco en suite ‘bathroom to the stars’. Here you find a gloriously simple bucket shower which is filled on demand with warm water.
In front of the tent there is a small shaded area with two chairs.
Nestled in the heart of the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Trails Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Africa’s wilderness in its most authentic form. With its unique approach to safari, this camp is designed for the true adventurer who seeks to reconnect with nature in an intimate, meaningful way.
Here's everything you need to know about why Simbavati Trails Camp is an extraordinary destination for your next African safari adventure.
A True Wilderness Safari Experience
Our Trails Camp stands out for its focus on walking safaris, providing a raw, unfiltered immersion into the African bush. Guided by experienced and knowledgeable guides, you embark on foot to explore the diverse landscapes of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The absence of a safari vehicle encourages a deeper connection to the environment, as every step brings you closer to the sights, sounds, and scents of the wilderness.
Walking safaris at Simbavati Trails Camp are meticulously designed to offer an intimate understanding of the ecosystem. It’s not just about spotting the Big Five; it’s about understanding the intricate web of life that thrives in this pristine environment—from tracking animal spoor and observing birdlife to learning about the smaller, often overlooked flora and fauna that play a vital role in the reserve’s biodiversity.
Sustainable and Minimalist Accommodation
Simbavati Trails Camp embraces a "leave no trace" philosophy, operating with a minimal environmental footprint. The camp is designed to be eco-friendly, featuring mobile tents that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The focus is on simplicity, comfort, and sustainability—everything you need for a genuine bush experience.
Each of the four canvas tents is fitted with twin beds, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. While the accommodation is simple, it doesn't compromise on essentials. The tents come with en-suite, open-air bathrooms equipped with bucket showers, ensuring guests can refresh while still feeling connected to the wilderness around them.
Off-the-Grid Living
One of the most compelling aspects of Simbavati Trails Camp is its commitment to offering an off-the-grid experience. There’s no electricity in the camp—lighting is provided by solar-powered lanterns and campfires, adding to the rustic, back-to-nature atmosphere. The absence of Wi-Fi encourages guests to unplug, unwind, and truly savor the sights, sounds, and sensations of the African bush.
This is a place where the rhythms of nature set the pace. Your days begin with the sunrise and end with a sky full of stars, free from the distractions of modern life.
Our Exceptional Guiding and Safety
Our guides at Simbavati Trails Camp are some of the most skilled and knowledgeable in the region. They are experts in wildlife behavior, botany, geology, and local culture, ensuring that every walk is a rich educational experience.
Safety is a top priority. Walking safaris are conducted in small groups to minimize impact and maintain a low profile. Each guest is briefed on safety protocols before setting out, and armed rangers accompany all walks to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. The guides' deep understanding of animal behavior ensures that encounters with wildlife are respectful and non-intrusive, providing an authentic and ethical wildlife experience.
The Camp’s Unique Atmosphere and Daily Rhythm
The camp’s setting within a remote part of the Timbavati Reserve provides a unique, exclusive experience. The day starts early with a light breakfast and a briefing before setting out on a morning walking safari. As the sun rises and the bush comes alive, guests explore diverse terrains, from grassy plains to riverine forests, encountering the wildlife that calls this area home.
Lunch is typically a relaxed affair, served back at camp in the dappled shade of a canopy. Afternoons are for siestas, lounging with a good book, or enjoying the serene views of the reserve. In the late afternoon, guests embark on a shorter walk or game drive, followed by sundowners at a scenic spot, where the golden light bathes the landscape in breathtaking hues.
Dinner is a social event, with meals enjoyed around a communal table under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. Evenings are spent around the campfire, sharing stories and experiences, making new friends, or simply absorbing the tranquility of the African night.
Connect with Nature on a Deeper Level
At Simbavati Trails Camp, the emphasis is on reconnecting with nature. The absence of modern distractions allows guests to be fully present, whether listening to the rhythmic calls of nocturnal creatures, feeling the cool breeze on a sunrise walk, or marveling at the vivid colors of a sunset. The camp’s small size ensures an intimate experience, with a maximum of eight guests, making it perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking solitude.
Culinary Delights in the Bush
While the camp offers a rustic experience, the cuisine is anything but basic. Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on wholesome, hearty fare that energizes guests for their adventures. Whether it’s a full breakfast spread after a morning walk, a light lunch of fresh salads and cold meats, or a three-course dinner enjoyed under the stars, the food at Simbavati Trails Camp is crafted to nourish and delight.
Supporting Conservation and Community
By staying at Simbavati Trails Camp, guests contribute to the conservation of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and the protection of its wildlife. The camp works closely with local communities, providing employment and supporting local initiatives. This commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that your visit has a positive impact, helping to preserve this unique wilderness for future generations.
Practical Information for Guests
Location: Simbavati Trails Camp is situated in a remote part of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Access: The camp is accessible by road from Hoedspruit or by air via a short charter flight to one of the nearby airstrips.
What to Bring: Guests are encouraged to pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for walking, a good pair of hiking boots, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars and a camera are also essential for capturing the magic of the African wilderness.
Best Time to Visit: The camp operates seasonally, from March to November, with the dry winter months (May to September) being ideal for walking safaris due to cooler temperatures and clearer game viewing.
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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.
Simbavati Trails Camp is where simplicity meets luxury in the heart of the Timbavati wilderness. Expect an authentic, back-to-basics-in-luxury experience that allows you to disconnect from modern complications and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the bush. Differing from the typical safari lodge experience, Trails Camp focuses on guided walking safaris and provides an enchanting, off-the-grid stay. The ambience in camp offers an "Out of Africa" feel that's both nostalgic and unforgettable.
Approximately an hour's drive from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, the journey to camp is an adventure in itself, with a guided safari drive taking guests there. Our host Russel excitedly welcomed us to camp and our senses were captivated instantly as we surrendered to the tranquility of the setting.
The camp
The heart of the camp is a large canvas tent that houses an open-plan dining area and lounge. The pool, slightly elevated, overlooks a Mopani forest, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. Adjacent to the pool is a sunken lounge with plush cushions beneath an umbrella, the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail and a good book.
Tents in the wilderness
Simbavati Trails Camp features four Meru-style tents, accommodating a maximum of eight guests. Inside, you'll find two single beds pushed together under a hanging mosquito net, a vanity area with a sink and bucket for washing, and an invigorating outdoor shower. While there's no running water or electricity, the bucket-style showers are filled with warm water before each use and there is a flushable toilet for your convenience. The strategically placed tents in the bush provide privacy and an authentic, wild feel. The canvas side walls are left open with netting, allowing refreshing air to flow through and granting you uninterrupted views of the wilderness from your bed.
Morning Walk: A bushveld awakening
Each morning, the adventure begins as your friendly guide awakens you at sunrise, and the harmonious chorus of birds greets you naturally. Hot coffee and freshly baked muffins and rusks are served at the main guest area, setting the tone for the day. Our trails guide Martin, shared exciting insights about the morning walk and was equipped for any situation. In single file, behind the guide, guests embark through the bush, searching for tell-tale spores and taking in the wonderment of being in nature. We encountered elephants on foot and revelled in the thrill. We learnt the art of tracking, spotted zebras and waterbucks and heard the distant roar of lions. Martin shared insights into the region's diverse trees, rocks and soils, explaining how they shape the ecosystem and how the ground determines which plants flourish, attracting specific wildlife and their predators.
Morning walks are typically 2.5 hours long to avoid the midday heat.
Return to camp: A warm welcome
As we returned to camp, our smiling butler, Donald, awaited with chilled orange juice and refreshing damp cloths, providing a warm and comforting welcome.
Shower time beckons before breakfast, which is wonderfully rejuvenating.
Breakfast: A feast to savour
Breakfast is a feast and differs slightly each day, featuring trays of scones, cinnamon flapjacks, seeded toasts, cheeses, cold meats, and fruits, muesli and yoghurt, all served on the center server table.
Today's breakfast highlight is a bacon-stacked eggs benedict on a toasted English muffin, a renowned favourite at Simbavati Trails Camp
Daytime: Rejuvenation
After breakfast, the pool becomes the preferred spot to unwind until lunchtime. With panoramic views of the Mopani forest and the bush, it often attracts elephants, who consider it their personal watering hole. Eight towel-laden loungers overlook the pool, providing a perfect setting to bask in the sun, birdwatch and savour the view.
A delectable lunch is then served and ours featured a South African favourite of bunny chow made with fire-baked bread and chicken curry. Guests then choose to rest, read or play board games in the communal tent before a sumptuous high tea is enjoyed, satisfying those sweet cravings.
Afternoon walk: Tracking Secrets
Every afternoon walk begins with a debriefing, where the guide discusses expectations and plans for the walk.
Our journey took us through dense bush, and a dry river bed, leading to a waterhole. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with ancient Jackalberry trees gracing the horizon and gold orb spider webs glistening in the sunlight.
Martin delved into the intriguing and unusual facts about the bush. From the life cycle of termite mounds to discovering an elephant's favorite sleeping spot, we learnt about dung and the fascinating relationship between honeyguides and humans.
We spotted aardvark prints and porcupine signs before learning about the lion prides of the Greater Kruger and following their tracks. It was immersion in the wilderness at its best.
Sundowner surprise: An enchanting end to the day
As the sun set, we found ourselves walking along a dirt road, and the sky painted itself in shades of red and purple.
Martin signaled, hinting at a surprise just around the corner.
A delightful sundowner table awaited, stocked with snacks, wine, gin, cooldrinks, ice-cold beer, and Amarula.
It was the perfect way to conclude a thrilling day of adventure before driving back to camp in the dark, where we were lucky to see hyena, elephants and other creatures along the way.
With no electricity at camp, paraffin and solar lanterns illuminate the pathways. Simbavati Trails Camp is unfenced, so walking around with a torch is essential, and a guide or your butler will escort you to and from your tent.
Guests take time for a soothing shower under the stars before dinner and the tents and camp are lit up, creating a tranquil setting
Dinner: a boma feast
At dinner, tables were arranged in a half-moon shape around an open fire, reminiscent of a traditional South African boma night, where fireside tales are shared. Chef Raphael or Thompson, will tantalize your taste buds with options like succulent pork ribs, spicy chakalaka, hearty lamb stew and traditional pap, flavourful veggies, beef rump with chimichurri and more, allowing international guests to savour local cuisine, often with a twist. Dessert that night was a decadent chocolate cake, and the staff's traditional African songs filled the air.
Nighttime serenade: Nature's chorus
As we retired to our tent with full bellies and hearts, the sounds of the African bush serenaded us. Hyenas made whooping sounds in the dark around us. Scops owls called in the trees above us. The African bush is alive at night with choruses of frogs and nocturnal creatures, ending the perfect day at Simbavati Trails Camp.
You cannot drive to Simbavati Trails Camp, so we arrange complimentary scheduled transfers in and out of Trails Camp. The collection time is 13:45 from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
Kindly note that there is only one daily return transfer. An additional charge will be levied for any late arrivals into Hoedspruit as we will have to send a second vehicle.
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.
Here you will be required to pay an entrance fee. (This changes on a yearly basis). This gate is open from 6am to 6pm.
After the gate you continue on the tar road for approximately 37km. Please ensure that you keep to the speed limit (50km/hour) and do not get out of your car. On the way you will see the turnoff for Simbavati River Lodge. Do NOT turn in here.
You will later cross a low water bridge just before the entrance to Ingwelala game lodge. After another 800 meters, you will see the Simbavati Hilltop sign on your right.
Turn right onto a gravel track. Follow the Simbavati Hilltop Lodge paw print signs on the trees/side of road all the way to the lodge (for approximately 10km). Please keep a careful lookout for all signs, as the elephants sometimes knock them.
Timing to get to Hilltop by 13:30
From Johannesburg Airport – ± 6½ to 7 hours’ drive (505km)
From Hazyview area – 3 hours (160km via the R40)
Directions from Johannesburg to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge (± 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. Insteadcontinue 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
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.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Our Meru tents are surprisingly spacious with proper furniture. The back of the tent opens out to your private al fresco en suite ‘bathroom to the stars’. Here is a compostable toilet (eco-friendly), a basin with water. And a traditional bucket shower, which is filled with hot water on demand.
In-tent Facilities
Mosquito net
Bathroom – eco-friendly toilet, vanity with basin and jug of water, alfresco bucket shower
No electricity, Wi-Fi or cell phone signal
Coffee and tea-making facilities
Cooler box with milk and soft drinks
Camp facilities
Mess tent with dining area and sitting area
Camp-fire with casual seating
Small plunge pool and pool deck
OUR DETAILED
2024 – 2025 Rates
Enquire about our SA Resident Offers.
08 Jan 2024 to 05 Jan 2025
Per Person Sharing
R7,375
Single
R 9,900
EXCLUSIVE USE ( Max 8 Pax)
R68,700
FINE PRINT
Inclusions
Accommodation, all meals, two bush walks per day, beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines). Return transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). Please note special transfer conditions for Simbavati Trails Camp below.
Exclusions
• All other drinks, babysitting, private transfers, gratuities, laundry service, other items of a personal nature • Conservation levies, gate entrance fees, additional reserve fees if applicable
Minimum Stay
2 nights – 1 night stays on request only. Recommended length of stay is 3 nights.
Child Policy
No children under 16 years (Reserve Regulations for Walking Safaris).
Simbavati Trails Camp Transfers
Scheduled transfers are compulsory. (Private vehicles are not permitted to drive to Trails)
Collection time from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge at 13:45. The transfer is 1½ hours
Self-drive guests are able to park their vehicle at Hilltop
Departure time from Simbavati Trails Camp – 11:00
Kindly note that there is only ONE daily transfer from Simbavati Hilltop at the specified time.
Late arrivals will need to take a second vehicle transfer. The extra cost will be for your own account and the wait for the second vehicle will mean you miss the afternoon safari walk
Booking Policy
Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Payment Policy
• All Direct reservations require a 10% deposit upon booking confirmation, to be paid within 7 days • Easter Weekend and Festive Season: 25% non-refundable deposit • Final payment is due 30 days prior to your arrival • All requests, confirmations, and cancellations are only valid if in writing. Please ensure that you receive an acknowledgment of your cancellation from our Reservations Department. The cancellation fee is a percentage of the full accommodation account
Cancellation Policy
• All cancellations must be made in writing to res@simbavati.com • Up to 61 days prior to arrival: 10% cancellation fee • 31 to 60 days prior to arrival: 25% cancellation fee • 15 to 30 days prior to arrival: 75% cancellation fee • 14 days prior to arrival: 90% cancellation fee • All cancellation fees are calculated on the total booking value • Please note that 100% cancellation fee will be charged if you decide to depart early while staying with us
Notes and Other Rates
• Festive Season: 21 Dec 2024 to 07 Jan 2025 • Provisional bookings will only be held for 7 days; or 48 hours within 7 days of arrival or if Reservations specifies due to high demand. Thereafter the booking will automatically be released • For reservations within 15 days of arrival, full payment is required upon confirmation• We reserve the right to cancel the booking if deposit or final payment is not received at the appropriate time • Tour Leader/Guide: R1,200 nett (only with a minimum of 12 paying guests)
Simbavati Trails Camp As an authentic and immersive walking trails experience, game drives are not available The camp is closed from 1 December to 28 February every year, being peak summer season when temperatures are at their highest
General Information
Check -in & Check -out
Check-in is from 14:30. You are welcome to arrive earlier, and make use of our swimming pool or other facilities.
We try to accommodate early arrivals, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room was occupied on the previous night.
Check-out is prior to 11:00 on the day of departure. Again, we try to accommodate late check-outs, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room is booked for the evening. If we are unable to accommodate a late check-out, we will happily store your luggage whilst you enjoy our facilities.
Conservation Fees
Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees are subject to change. Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve:: 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night.
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve: 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R480 per person per night for any person 12 years and older.
A vehicle entrance fee of R300 is only payable at the Timbavati or Klaserie Control Gate
All rooms & suites are non-smoking
However you are welcome to smoke on your terrace. Please request an ash tray. However please be careful to dispose of cigarette snubs as our vegetation is often dry and quick to burn!
Unfortunately Simbavati Trails Camp does not take children under 16 years old, due to the Timbavati regulations around walking safaris.
The Kruger is a seasonal malaria area so we recommend that you take anti-malaria prophylaxis. However mosquitos are less prevalent in the winter. We also recommend anti-mosquito repellent to stop you from getting bitten, especially in the autumn and spring months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a typical pattern for the day?
The morning starts with a three hour walk at a leisurely pace with an armed specialist guide. The bush perspective when on foot is entirely different from being on a safari vehicle. You’ll hear better, smell more and slowly train your eyes to see further afield. Stops for snacks and drinks tide you over till a tasty brunch is prepared back at the camp.
The middle of the day is spent relaxing, perhaps enjoying a siesta or reading outside your tent. Or a refreshing dip in our small plunge pool if the day is warm.
We reconvene in the mid-afternoon for High Tea, a combination of savoury and sweet treats. Afterwards, you enjoy a second 2-3 hour walk at the end of the afternoon which ends at a viewpoint to enjoy an African sunset. A short drive will bring you back to the camp with time to freshen up. Dinner takes place around the campfire.
How fit do I need to be for a walking safari?
Our walking safaris are generally conducted as a gentle ambling pace and so you don’t tend to walk long distances. But you are walking for 3 to 4 hours at a time and so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
What’s the ideal length of stay?
The minimum stay is 2 nights, but we strongly recommend 3 nights so that you can relax and truly experience the restorative power of being in the bush
What if I miss the collection time?
Please be on time so that you don’t inconvenience other guests who are arriving on the same day. If you realise that you are going to be late, please contact us as soon as possible. We will have to send a second vehicle and this extra charge will be for your account. Plus you may need to wait for this second vehicle to arrive.
Will we encounter dangerous wildlife?
The aim of a walking safari is not purposefully to encounter large wildlife, but more to gain a holistic understanding of the bush, and to observe the wildlife from a safe distance. Nonetheless, it is possible.
However, your guides are highly trained Trail Guides and armed with a rifle for your protection. Your guide gives a comprehensive safety briefing and the key instruction is to listen and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Is there wifi?
No there is no Wi-Fi or cell phone signal at Trails Camp at all. However we do have radio contact in case of emergencies.
Is there electricity in my tent?
No, but there are charging points for small electronic items (cameras) in the main mess tent.
What should I wear for a walking safari?
When you are on a walking safari, you need to wear more muted safari colours so as to blend in with the bush and not alert or disturb the wildlife. We recommend comfortable walking shoes or boots. Boots will give greater protection. A sunhat and sunblock is absolutely essential.
Ideally we would recommend long, but light trousers to protect against insects or stray branches. It does get warm as the sun gets up so layers of clothing are recommended, especially in the winter as the mornings can start chilly but heat up quickly.
A warm jacket is needed for the winter evenings which can be cold. Conversely we do recommend at least one thin long sleeved shirt for the warmer months. Just in case your skin needs to take a break from the sun. Plus a back-pack and binoculars.
Get in Contact
Camp Hosts
The camp is managed remotely by Natasha Bull and JP de Bruyn. The hosts rotate, so it may be Natasha and JP or Maricha Miles
There is no phone number for Trails but you can send an urgent message by ringing River Lodge on 015 793 9051, as they have radio contact with Trails Camp.
/ Trails Camp
/ Trails Camp
