Simbavati Amani is a charming, intimate safari villa in the peaceful heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, perfect for couples or exclusive use.
Though there are only four luxury suites within the homestead, a magnificent double volume sitting room, mezzanine library area, interactive kitchen and bar mean there is generous space to relax.
Warm evenings are spent socializing around the fire-pit, marvelling at the star-studded sky whilst animal calls echo through the darkness. Daytime means morning and evening guided game drives in the unfenced reserve, a part of the Greater Kruger and home to all the Big Five.
The gardens offer a tranquil oasis, shaded by mature trees. They flow down to a secluded entertaining area with infinity pool, terrace, alfresco bar and campfire. All overlooking a rewarding and flood-lit waterhole. Simbavati Amani can be taken on an exclusive use basis to create your own private bush retreat.
Simbavati Amani accommodates eight guests, in four luxury suites. Beds can be made up as one king bed, or two twin beds. Each bedroom has its own private entrance and views onto the garden or a small courtyard. All four suites have an en-suite bathroom with double vanity. Two have a bath and shower and two have a spacious walk-in shower.
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.
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.
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.
