Shindzela Tented Camp

Pros +

• The tented lodge is an excellent place to stay, we are frequently staying in that lovely place. Rangers and staff are very competent, the chef preparing delicious food. Timbavati in general a great game reserve.
• Very well maintained lodge. Comfortable tents - hot water in the shower wasn't consistent but seemed to improve over the days. Charging is in the main lodge for your gear. Wifi is a struggle, but to be expected in that location. Grounds are very nice, with a view over a waterhole (had visiting elephants during our stay). Staff are excellent. Thanks to Lorna, our guide Sam and the excellent housekeeping staff. Food is pretty good (you pre-order your choice for breakfast and dinner). No complaints. There is a nice curio shop and pretty well stocked bar to purchase drinks. Prices reasonable. Very nice main tent for relaxing. We had 6 drives with Sam. He was great. We got a leopard sighting on our very last drive, at that point Sam hadn't seen one for 8 days. We saw lions once on our first drive. There is no resident pride in Timbavati, the lion pride we saw came from Kruger. Lots of ele sightings, pups at the hyena den was awesome. We saw a big herd of buffalo drinking at the main dam, along with eles. Overall, pretty good if you keep your expectations at bay. It turned very cold almost overnight (early May) so bring your warm gear in Autumn. The tents can get quite cold. The drive to the lodge takes 1hr from the Enkhulu gate and is mostly on heavily rutted roads. Fine in an SUV and good weather. You could do it in a smaller car, but it won't be enjoyable.