On the tranquil banks of the river, Shindzela Tented Safari Camp welcomes you with a free breakfast buffet and breathtaking views. Savor game and wildlife viewing from the comfort of your safari or unwind on sun loungers by the pool. Guests rave about their stay in this serene setting.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Airport transfer
Bar
Pool
Free breakfast
Laundry facilities
24/7 front desk
Main amenities (11)
Daily housekeeping
Restaurants and bar/lounge
Outdoor pool
Airport shuttle
Terrace
24-hour front desk
Garden
Front desk safe
Water dispenser
Self-serve laundry
Gift shops/newsstands
Feel at home (6)
8 bedrooms
Garden
Terrace
Daily housekeeping
Laundry facilities
Free self-parking
The current price is €793
€793
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Room options
View all photos for f) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
f) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Water view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for b) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
b) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Water view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for d) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
d) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Water view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for c) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
c) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Water view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for h) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
h) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
River view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for g) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
g) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for a) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
a) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Highlights
Furnished patio
Ceiling fan
8 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
0.6 sq m
Water view
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed
View all photos for e) Safari Tent with en-suite Bathroom
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Mafunyani Cultural Village - 92 min drive - 39.5 km
Nyani Cultural Village - 101 min drive - 42.8 km
Orpen Gate - 102 min drive - 24.6 km
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 114 min drive - 75.1 km
Getting around
Hoedspruit (HDS) - 17.1 miles/27.6 km
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Surprise Breakfast in the Ngala Bush - 109 min drive
Gin And Tonic bar & Beyond - 106 min drive
About this property
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Italian, Zulu
At a glance
Hotel size
8 cabins
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age – 15
Check-out time is 11 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 4 per cent for credit card payments
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests driving to the property should contact this property in advance (e.g. directions)
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests driving to the property should contact this property in advance. Safaris must be booked 30 days in advance of arrival.
Required at check-in
Cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 15
Children
Children (10 years old and younger) are not allowed
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Transfers
Airport shuttle from noon to 7:00 PM*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast each morning 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Water dispenser
What to do
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Services
24-hour front desk
Laundry facilities
Pool loungers
Facilities
Built in 2009
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Mosquito nets
An outdoor pool
Room amenities
Home comfort
Ceiling fan
Sleep well
8 bedrooms
Turndown service
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Furnished patio
Freshen up
Partially open bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Airport shuttle transfer per adult: ZAR 1390 (one-way)
Resort fee: ZAR 220 per person, per night
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 1390 per person (one-way)
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 4 per cent
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Facility access costs ZAR 220 per person, per night
Policies
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
State tax ID – 4130203856
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Shindzela Tented Safari Camp?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from noon to 7:00 PM on request. The charge is ZAR 1390 per person one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp?
Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
What is there to do at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp and nearby?
On-site recreation at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp includes game viewing, a wildlife and game drive and a safari. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the tentalow's other amenities, which include a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Shindzela Tented Safari Camp?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
Does Shindzela Tented Safari Camp have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished patio.
What's the area around Shindzela Tented Safari Camp like?
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp is located by the river, a short 1-minute walk from Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
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Shindzela Tented Safari Camp Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Staff & service
9.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
9 February 2015
Animals and seclusion
Absolutely amazing place - great safari location
Keith
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
4 April 2013
You can't get closer to nature. Great place!
Beautiful place. Friendly well informed staff. The place to go if you want to be close to the bush. In my opinion better than places that cost twice the price. Thumbs up!
Dan
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
24 March 2015
Back to nature
Shindzela offers the type of safari experience that is sadly dying out, to be replaced by glitzy, costly options that separate visitors from the real bush.
Our guide was excellent; calm & professional even when another group was shrieking and whooping (TIP, wild animals prefer quiet).
Our tracker was keen-eyed, polite and focussed.
The cooking/cleaning staff clearly took pride in their work.
I feel Shindzela is excellent value for money and should form a part of many more travellers' trips. It is intimate and honest but not for people who expect a 5 star spa.
HappyCamper
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
8 January 2012
Authentic safari experience
We had a fantastic 3 day safari in early January 2012. The staff and the service was excellent! We wanted an authentic safari experience and found it perfectly at shindzela. The half tent / half hut give enough creature comforts while allowing you to feel that you are in the midst of the bush! Everything is kept very clean in this very well organized and maintained camp. The staff provide excellent food and create a very relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to get the most from our safari. Morning and evening safaris were mainly in vehicles but with the staff readily organize walking safaris on foot with a a day or two's notice - something hat is well wealth doing! Our guides were extremely experienced and very knowledgable about the flora & fauna. They have managed to avoid a commercial feel and offered us a chance to really feel we were close to nature. Thank you to Mike, Sam & team - you gave us a wonderful experience.
SteveAndRegina
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
10 November 2014
Excellent Bushcamp experience
My wife and I spent 4 nights at Shindzela Tented Bush Camp and were extremely pleased with the experience. From the outset, Carolien was very efficient in providing all requested information before we arrived and the driving directions were faultless. Although having no previous experience of a safari, we chose this because we would be in a small group (8 tents) in a comfortable but basic environment with the focus on learning about the environment and the animals and birds living there. We had 4 morning safari drives, starting at about 5:45 am and 4 evening drives starting at about 3:45pm. Each lasted 3 hours. Andre was our Ranger for the first 6 drives and then Wiann and Raymond (tracker) for the remainder. (We overlapped with another reviewer Alan B). Each Ranger was very knowledgeable and we had a great time in their company. Raymond certainly was a skilled tracker! We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 and multiple times. The encounter with lions and elephants was at very close quarters! Shadrack was the chef de parti and he also showed his comedy side on announcing each meal. The food was wholesome and filling. During the day between drives, we took lunch and relaxed. This trip has been a highlight of our South African tour and is among the best of any of our travel experiences. The Shindzela team have the right balance, we feel, between comforts and being at one with nature. Don’t change anything! (PS Good WiFi signal was a bonus). Thanks, Stuart & Sarah
Stuart
6/10 Good
14 January 2018
Gut aber nicht günstig
Vorweg muss man sagen: Wir hatten schlechtes Wetter. 20 Grad, Sturm und etwas Regen erwartet man einfach im Sommer nicht. Auf den Games Drives haben wir z.T. gefroren… Aber wir haben Löwen mit Jungen gesehenen, was absolut toll war, und ein Black Rhino, was wirklich sehr selten ist. Aber ansonsten muss ich sagen, dass wir doch von Timbavati Gebiet etwas enttäuscht waren. Wir hatten uns mehr Tiere versprochen… Und dazu kommt, dass das Essen (für den Preis) doch eher „überschaubar“ war (aber für mich wurde auch extra laktosefrei gekocht!). Die Zelte sind sehr dunkel und nicht wirklich gemütlich… aber das darf man bei Zelten i.d.R. auch nicht erwarten. Die Staff war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit unser Guide und Sam als Tracker waren wirklich klasse und konnte uns viel (neues) über die Natur und die Tiere erzählen. Trotzdem (vielleicht lag es auch am Wetter) waren wir nicht ganz zufrieden – gerade bei dem Preis, der zwar im Vergleich zu anderen Lodges im Timbavati Reserve geringer ist, aber im Vergleich z.B. zu unserem Favorit Tshukudu Bush Camp doch trotzdem deutlich höher liegt. Und natürlich gibt es auch keine Garantie für Tiersichtungen. Vielleicht haben wir einfach Pech gehabt?!
Christian
Christian, 2-night trip
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
12 May 2017
Bien si pas si loin et difficile d'accès
Une horreur pour y arriver! Google map pas à jour qui fait passer pas une route privée que l'on ne peut en fait pas utiliser. Résultat, le camp est à 2h de route de Kruger Orpen gate et non pas 30min! Nous sommes parties de Kruger à 4h30 et nous sommes arrivés à 18h30 au campement après 1h de route de nuit dans le bush à voir des éléphants et des hyènes traverser le chemin de terre sur lequel ns étions. Horrible!
Frais supplémentaires à ajouter au prix de la chambre: 140ZAR entrée de la réserve + 400ZAR conservation fees qui n'étaient pas prévu!
Mis à part cela, tout était parfait une fois sur place mais il faut réellement arriver avant la nuit.
Verified traveller
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
10 April 2017
Muss man erlebt haben.
Unvergleichliche Erlebnisse. Die Tiere, die Atmosphäre, duschen unter freiem Himmel...
Dagmar
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
4 November 2014
Perfekt - mitten in der Natur
Perfekte Übernachtung. Immer wieder gerne.
Benjamin
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
26 August 2014
Fantastisk upplevelse
En safarilodge är mycket mer än bara ett hotell, så min recension och de betyg jag gav utgår ifrån vad jag tycker att man bör förvänta sig av en safarilodge. Detta är inte en av de lyxigaste lodgerna, utan ett "tältläger" där man offrar vissa bekvämligheter för en avslappnad stämning som jag tycker passar mycket bättre på en safari än ett "lyxhotell" (som många av lodgerna försöker vara). Oerhört duktiga och serviceinriktade spårare och guider, god och vällagad mat och en trevlig och avslappnad stämning. En helt underbar safariupplevelse med andra ord! Jag vill dock tillägga att detta var min första safari, så jag har ingenting att jämföra med. Huruvida den här lodgen är bättre eller sämre än någon annan låter jag därför vara osagt.
Fredrik
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
8/10 Very good
1 October 2013
Endroit très sympa
L'endroit est très sympa pour faire quelques safari dans la réserve TIMBAVATI malheureusement la surface dont le camp est propriétaire n'est pas immense et ne possède pas beaucoup de points d'eau. Les animaux y sont donc seulement de passage ; de plus la vegetation est assez dense. C'est donc difficile de voir beaucoup d'animaux ici. Nous sommes aller au Kruger Park et avons vu beaucoup plus d'animaux. Nous étions donc un peu decu de ce que nous avons vu au Shindzela.
Cependant le personnel est très sympathique. Les chauffeurs des 4x4 sont très doués et connaissent bien leur metiers. Les game drive sont assez long ; environ +3h le matin et 3h le soir. Les repas inclut sont très bons.
Cela en fait un endroit avec un bon rapport qualité prix si on a de la chance et que l'on voit beaucoup d'animaux
La piscine ne donne pas envie de se baigner car elle est petite.
polodv
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
19 July 2011
trip of a lifetime!
If you want to experience the real Africa, this is the place for you. This was our first trip to Aftrica. The staff make all the difference here. We saw so much in three days and learned so much more, even about the ones we didn't see.
The "room" is a tent on a platform with a toilet and hot water showers. The food is outstanding. No electricity, but everything you need. Our travel arrangements from Johannesburg and back were made by the camp and timed perfectly. We thought it was a 'once in a lifetime' trip but we can't wait to go back! The sound of the lions at night, right outside the camp, is not to be missed!
Anne
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Exceptional
19 April 2011
Top Class
This is the first time I've bothered to review a hotel but Shindzela is deservign of all the praise it gets. Fantastic experience with great food, safari drives, rangers.... Could not recommend this highly enough.