Shindzela tented camp in the Timbavati

Old Jul 4th, 2014, 07:01 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Shindzela tented camp in the Timbavati

As part of our first safari in the Kruger area, we wanted a casual lodge that would feel more like our outdoors national park experiences staying in cabins, tented cabins, etc. I found choosing the lodge and reserve more difficult than most any other trip I've planned because of the sheer volume of opinions and my lack of personal experience with the area. Then there was the consideration of winter (cold) if the units were too basic. I had hoped for self-drive and a mix of in-park and private reserve experience, but my husband vetoed self-drive, so private reserve seemed the way to go.

We ended up booking two lodges in two reserves to get different experiences and to increase our chances of seeing more animals.

We flew into HDS (lovely view of Blythe River Canyon from the air) and transferred with Seasons in Africa to Shindzela Tented Camp in Timbavati for 2 nights. SiA provided all our transfers promptly and professionally. I wish there were a way for travelers transferring to/from the various airports and reserves to ride share to reduce cost and wasted space in so many vans.

Our drive into Timbavati got off to a good start with zebras, vultures, etc. sightings along the road to the lodge. It's fun how everyone is focused on looking for animals and sharing sightings. Dirt roads were rough and signs did not contain Shindzela's name, so were happy someone else was driving. I can't imagine what driving inside the reserves is like in the rainy season. The highways were great. We took back roads when transferring from Timbavati to Sabi Sands and I cannot describe how little pavement there was--some places the potholes created more sand than pavement and the vehicles drove anywhere they could--left shoulder, right shoulder, middle. It was crazy--again glad someone else driving else we would have taken long way around on the highway (behind the chromium trucks).

Although we had read the schedule, it was difficult for me to understand how regimented the routine is at the reserves and how the small amount of free time between breakfast/brunch and lunch/tea quickly slips away, especially if you also take a nature walk. The time passes very quickly and I don't see that having any extras at a lodge would be worthwhile because there would be no time to enjoy them.

I would describe the tented cabins as a step above camping. Slatted wooden floor (can see between slats) under porch, tent, and bathroom walled with bamboo or similar. Thatched roof over all. The tent was stuffed with a comfortable bed, dresser, clothes rack, bedside tables (with solar lights), and fan. The enclosed outdoor bathroom contained a flush toilet, sink, cabinet, and shower head over the slatted floor. The tent was hot during sun of the day (summer would be hot in the tent) and chilly at night (hot water bottle in bed was nice touch). Had to be warmly dressed for the early morning visit to the bathroom like camping. I think we were lucky that we were not there during the coldest part of the winter or it might have been more uncomfortable, but it was fine for us.

The resort is unfenced so not only did we have the wart hogs and badger in camp, but at night elephants came munching on the trees. I was peering out the unzipped "window" of the tent at an elephant not 10 feet from our porch as it sauntered through the camp. We heard that an elephant had rubbed against another tent one night. I really felt we were with the wild animals.

The drives were standard from what we understand of the reserves. There were 6-8 people on a truck. The guides and trackers had a variety of personalities and interests, but we liked them all. Safety was a serious concern despite their casual, joking attitude. They gave us some great experiences like sitting in the dark listening to the lions. Because there are only at most 3 trucks in the area, you don't share the sightings with other trucks, but it also means there are fewer people looking for animals and reporting sightings, so you might go quite a while without seeing any. We did well, seeing lions, buffalo (being chased by lions), rhino, hippos, elephants, wildebeest, jackal, badger, and more, but not the variety and number of animals we later saw in Sabi Sands. Some people saw the wild dogs, but we were not that lucky.

Shindzela offers 3-hour walking tours each morning on request. Every night some group seemed to ask for one the next day and each time were accommodated. One group saw zebras and some other animals. We saw rhinos and elephant. You get a different feeling for the scale of the animals on foot. And you have a better sense of the wildness than in the trucks. Highly recommend.

All meals were buffet and large table seatings. The cook was a delight, announcing all the the dishes and the "ummm" for after dinner. The food was plentiful and good. Reminded me of food at a camp or a potluck dinner. Generally healthy, nothing too fancy. Base rate included the coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Alcohol extra.

Resort is solar powered, so no hair dryers, television. There is an electrical outlet run off the battery that everyone is welcome to use for recharging. I think there is wifi with some free minimum usage, but we welcomed being cut off from internet, cell phone, and TV for a few days. It is that kind of place.

So, if you don't mind roughing it a bit, don't need haute cuisine, a spa, or privacy (noise carries well among tents), Shindzela can provide a clean, friendly tented camp at a "reasonable" price. Nice staff, friendly guests, relaxed place.

Some people said they stayed 4 nights and that was just right, but I think 3 nights in one reserve/lodge is the max for us before we felt like we were going back to look at the same animals or would say "oh, we are headed to the dam". With different people on the truck each day as people come and go, unless you hire a private truck, that is the way it goes so everyone gets a chance to see the lions, for example, if they are hanging around a certain place. Everyone seemed to understand this and were good sports about seeing "more elephants" or stopping for a newcomer to photograph impalas.
Kay2 is offline  
Old Jul 6th, 2014, 03:07 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Our introduction to game drives really set a high bar for adventure.

We had been out for the first afternoon drive when our truck broke (seems to be common to break and repair trucks because of the off-road driving), so we stopped for drinks in the not most attractive spot, but open sandy where we could all get out and look at one guy's star/constellation app. Everyone wanted to get one. Staff arrived with a replacement truck, so we loaded up and took off now well after dark.

We encountered dust (hadn't had any), then insects smacked into our faces (hadn't had any), then the smell. Our lights showed a herd of buffalo moving along a river bed in front of us. After watching the throng for a few minutes, our guide started up the truck, turned around and headed back along the trail. Suddenly a group of buffalo came barreling straight at us--the headlights on their eyes made them look demonic. Thankfully we didn't have a tracker sitting up front. The guide threw the truck in reverse and gunned it, shouting at the buffalo, who swerved around the truck. OK, start forward, then more buffalo! Same tactic, more shouting, swerve. Then a lone buffalo comes out of the dark running straight at us. Guide driving in reverse, waving, shouting, the buffalo hits the right front bumper as he bounds past. Our guide, indignant, "He hit my truck!", jumps out with a light to check for damage. All is OK and we start forward again, driver explaining how his goal was to prevent a broadside hit that could roll the truck. We didn't have the video camera out, so no record of the event. Then we see and hear the lion. No wonder the buffalo were running. The four lions we had watched sleep at the beginning of the drive were hunting. They had gotten separated chasing the buffalo and now were regrouping, calling to each other. The guide stopped the truck and we sat in the dark listening the lion in front of us call and another lion respond, each response getting closer.

The others in the truck were surprised how calm we were compared to them. Because this was our first drive, we thought all game drives were like that.
Kay2 is offline  
Old Jul 6th, 2014, 09:37 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for your report. Was this your first safari? You went to two reserves, one being the Timbavati and the other was Sabi Sand? At which Sabi Sand camp? (I did go back and look at your April posts). Or am I getting ahead of you?

About staying only three nights in a camp. This will shock you but for my safari in May of 2012 in the Timbavati I stayed ALL 19 nights at one camp, Kings Camp. FWIW, Kings is much more plush than Shindzela, in every way I think, e.g. each hut has an in wall heating/AC unit. But not overboard like Singita - your own plunge pool and butler. I love Kings Camp for its staff. In particular rangers Patrick and Morne, and the manager Warren and wife Lisha.

regards tom
cary999 is offline  
Old Jul 7th, 2014, 09:05 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So many thanks for your report. I, too hope to hear about your experiences at SSGR.

I am planning a Botswana trip (return visit) in 2016, and am currently divided about how many nights to spend at each camp..wondering if 4 would be superior to 3 nights....pros and cons..would love to hear varying opinions, and many thanks for yours.
ekscrunchy is offline  
Old Jul 7th, 2014, 06:25 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I started on just the first reserve trip report because I have been so busy and uncertain when I could get back online. However, I had some time tonight, so I have posted a separate trip report on Sabi Sands.
Kay2 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cary999
Africa & the Middle East
35
Oct 28th, 2008 07:39 AM
rockabelle
Africa & the Middle East
21
Aug 28th, 2007 06:04 AM
ellene
Africa & the Middle East
5
Mar 28th, 2005 10:36 PM
RuthieC
Africa & the Middle East
12
Jul 2nd, 2004 10:37 PM
bigcountry
Africa & the Middle East
19
Apr 19th, 2004 07:11 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -