The exquisite Machaton Private Camp opened its doors in August 2016. Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on the western border of the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa, this beautiful lodge in the middle of the African wilderness offers nature lovers a secluded and private luxury Kruger Park safari experience.
The elegant main building features a lounge, bar, kitchen and a covered verandah with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The terrace and plunge pool overlook the seasonal Nhlaralumi River, and is the perfect vantage point form where to view the indigenous wildlife while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
The understated decor has an unmistakably African feel, and the lounge and bar area offer a welcome space in which to indulge in great conversation and share the experiences of your day in the bush.
Three luxury suites, all connected to the main lodge, boast stylish and earthy decor, each with a well-appointed bathroom and an outdoor shower. The suite also has a dayroom with a daybed and a large terrace, allowing guests to either enjoy the communal main area, or retreat to the privacy of their suite which has been exquisitely decorated in a contemporary style.
Comfy king-sized beds, draped in mosquito netting, create an ambience of intimacy and tranquillity. Privacy is guaranteed through the careful placement of the suites and privacy walls which create an intimate safari experience. It is an intimate, private affair, ideal for romantics. However, the camp can also be booked for exclusive use by families and smaller groups.
Simbavati Machaton Private Camp has been designed with exclusivity and pampering in mind. Here guests can relax and unwind in privacy, and the excellent service by caring staff creates a feeling of home in the middle of the African bush. A wide range of spa treatments are available upon request and can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite or on your patio.
There is no better way to rejuvenate body and spirit after a hot day in the bush, than indulging in one of the tailor-designed treatments on offer.
The passionate and dedicated team ready to cater to all your needs comprises of a chef, butler, housekeeper, field guide, tracker and several groundsmen, so you can rest assured that you will be well looked after during your stay.
Services
• Airport transfers by arrangement
• Baby-sitting by arrangement
• Laundry service
• Suites are serviced daily
• In-room wellness treatments
• Bar
• Wifi hotspots
• Butler service.
Cuisine
African-inspired cuisine, prepared by the talented chef, is served in the dining area, around the fire in the open-air boma, or on the privacy of your patio. From the delectable breakfasts to the scrumptious lunches and superb dinners, the choice of location in which to dine is yours. However, nothing beats enjoying a scrumptious dinner around the fire under the vast expanse of African sky. Bush cuisine does not get better than this!
Dining at Machaton Private Camp is a festive affair, designed to thrill and inspire. The delectable dishes on offer also cater to a wide variety of dietary requirements and are sure to appeal to all palates. A fine range of fine wines from the cellar will complement all the dishes to perfection.
Simbavati Spa
The Simbavati Spa, in close proximity of the lodge, offers a range of traditional African massages, indicative of our unparalleled cultural heritage. Guests indulge in a selection of authentic and traditional South African massage techniques by highly skilled and trained therapists. These treatments will rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.
Every day at Machaton Lodge promises a new experience.
A typical day includes:
Daily game drives under the expert guidance of a knowledgeable guide and tracker are conducted to create the opportunity for nature lovers to get up close and personal to the wide variety of animal species that frequent the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. These drives also provide for excellent photographic opportunities for both novice and experienced photographers.
The duration of each game drive is about three hour and the routes traverse more than 12 500 hectares of Big Five country.
Morning game drives
An early wake-up call will sound to announce the morning game drive. After enjoying a cup of coffee/tea and some rusks, guest will leave for the bush in an open safari vehicle. During the early morning most wildlife species are very active, and the anticipation of a possible sighting will keep you glued to your seat.
Your experienced guide and tracker will share their wealth of knowledge of the African bush in an informative manner, leaving you in awe of nature’s secrets. Observing the magnificent white lion in its natural habitat truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! A coffee/tea stop at a scenic spot on the route are included in the morning’s itinerary.
Upon your arrival back at camp, a scrumptious late-morning breakfast will be served.
Afternoon/Evening game drives
After whiling away the day on the deck of your suite, or in the pool, it is time to embark on your late afternoon/early evening game drive. During this time of day, the animals become more active again as temperatures start to cool down. In-between thrilling sightings, the guide will stop at a scenic spot where guests can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the spectacular African sunset. Then it is time to take out the spotlight as the nocturnal creatures prepare for the hunt. Catching the glare of a pair of eyes in the spotlight is a thrill like no other! Upon your return to camp there will be just enough time to refresh, before sitting down to a scrumptious dinner.
Bush Walks
These walks offer guests the opportunity to experience the wilderness from a whole new perspective. Feeling the ground under your feet coupled with the anticipation of a possible sighting around the next bush, are guaranteed to get the adrenalin pumping! Your armed and experienced guide will share his knowledge of nature’s intricacies in an informative manner. These interpretive bush walks must be pre-booked, however, and is subject to availability. This option is perfect for the more adventurous among us.
Private Game Drives
Guest also have the option of hiring a vehicle and ranger on a private basis at an additional cost. Especially in the event of exclusive family or small-group bookings, this option allows you to create your own experience. The duration of these drives is all up to you.
Game-drive Times
Summer and winter game-drive times:
September to April (summer) • Morning drive: 05h45 – 09h00
• Afternoon/evening drive: 16h00 – 19h00
May to August (winter): • Morning drive: 06h00 – 09h00
• Afternoon/evening drive: 15h00 – 19h00.
Photographic Safaris
Unmatched in the wildlife photographic industry is our specialized photographic game drive vehicle – based in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, bordering the northern region of the Kruger National Park. With no fences between the two reserves, the animals move freely within 20 000square kilometres of this pristine wilderness.
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is renowned for its great wildlife sightings, and together with our photographic vehicle and a professional wildlife photographer of Simbavati River Lodge, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. Our photographic vehicle is equipped
with four swivel seats and special camera mountings and has low sides for maximum photographic angles.
Our professional photographer will ensure that you benefit from one-on-one instruction on all aspects – from how to achieve the best position for the ultimate wildlife shot to professional tips on image editing, including both a pre-game and post-drive briefing.
We offer guaranteed photographic safaris on set departure dates. Keen photographers can join a professional photographer on all game drives who will assist you with taking better wildlife shots. You can bring your own equipment but equipment can also be hired at the lodge.
Children 12+ welcome (unless booked as exclusive-use) | Limited WiFi and cellphone connectivity
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of landowners who was concerned about the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Timbavati is dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species and is also involved in a range of research projects. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the word-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to the Big Five – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. It is also one of the few places in the world where you have the opportunity to view the unique white lion in its natural environment.
Your dedicated and experienced field guide and tracker will introduce you to the intricate wonders of of this pristine wilderness during game drives in an open safari vehicle, or pre-arranged bush walks. Sightings of nocturnal animals going about their business, create thrilling night-drive experiences.
More than 40 resident mammal species are found here. Apart from the Big Five, sightings of kudu and a wide range of antelope species, as well as zebra, giraffe – and even the elusive African wild dog – are common.
The reserve is also a birder’s paradise as it provides for spectacular bird-viewing opportunities.With more than 360 recorded bird species, a whole new world awaits bird lovers through their binoculars.
White Lions of the Timbavati
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you have the opportunity to see the unique white lion in their natural environment. The resident lion prides of Timbavati carry the recessive gene “chinchillia’ that is responsible for this unusual anomaly.
Two white lions were born into resident prides, and guests have a great chance of seeing these cubs while visiting this Simbavati River Lodge.