It is the connection with nature which is so appealing here. Outside, there’s a large stoep, (covered patio), with uninterrupted bush views. There’s plenty of lounging space and a large day bed which beckons you for a siesta.

The homestead was created with friends and families in mind, with space for everyone to gather, or spread out, with an inviting pool, garden and a small boma to enjoy lantern-lit dinners overlooking the waterhole.

At Simbavati Homestead, you can be immersed in a wildlife hot-spot and enjoy relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Twice-daily game drives provide for close encounters with birds and animals, large and small. All the Big Five are found here (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as the plains game we never tire of seeing; diverse antelope, giraffe, zebra and warthog.

Klaserie Game Drives

Game drives in the Klaserie take place in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are naturally most active. Key to the experience is your English-speaking local guide. They bring their knowledge, experience and fresh observations to maximise your wildlife sightings. And not only in terms of how much you see. But how rewarding, informative and fun the overall experience is. Your guide may be a keen photographer and will be conscious and considerate if your mission is to capture sightings on camera.

You head out in an open-sided 4×4 game vehicle with three rows of comfortable bucket seats, generally with a maximum of 8 guests. This offers safe, yet close wildlife encounters. Guests sit up high for the best ‘spotting’ of birds and animals. There are no sides to inhibit your views and you naturally feel more in tune with nature. In the summer month, a shade top is added to protect against the African sun, but in winter it is open to the skies for the best bird-viewing and for stargazing.

Night Drives & Star-gazing

Night drives continued after the sun goes down, using a spotlight to search for a glimpse of a nocturnal hunter in the beam. Or one of the shy nocturnal animals which only operate after dark.

This may include some of the smaller cats such as civets and genets. Or the extremely rare and surprisingly aggressive honey badger. You may even encounter one of the predators starting their night-time hunt.

Boma & Campfire Dining

Several times a week, dinner in the camps is a more hearty, campfire style meal served under the stars in a ‘boma’, a circular enclosure originally made from branches. The cosy, lantern-lit ambience recalls the early days of safari pioneers.

Another authentic safari experience is dining out under the star in a boma (an enclosed circular dining area) around the campfire. This usually takes place every 2nd night.

The gentle flicker of lanterns, candle-light and a welcoming open fire truly conjures up what is magical about a safari.

Bush Walks

A bush walk is a completely different way to experience the African bush. You gain a far greater sense of the landscape and how everything is inter-connected.

It is ideal for guests wanting to learn about the lesser-known aspects of the bush, up close and personal. Yes, there is always a chance of an encounter with one of the larger wildlife, but this is not the objective of a bush walk. Quiet observation from a safe distance is the order of the day.

Sundowners

Sunset drinks are an integral part to being on safari. Your guide chooses a suitable beautiful spot and you have time to climb off the vehicle to stretch your legs and enjoy a drink or two. Yes, it’s one of the iconic African memories of a safari. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t work its magic every time.

Honeymoons & Romance

Sometimes your time away is also to celebrate a special time for you as partners. Our lodges lend themselves perfectly to these romantic occasions, whether it’s enjoying a private candlelit dinner or the simple magic of being in the bush with your loved one.