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Simbavati River Lodge
Set in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park, Simbavati River Lodge boasts a magnificent setting on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River. One of the lodge’s greatest features is the floodlit waterhole right in front of the main deck. Here guests can enjoy wildlife viewing over a cup of coffee or glass of wine in complete comfort.
A getaway here is an elegant immersion into the African wild. Contemporary classic design meets rustic charm in a blend of stone, timber, and thatch with clean lines and natural colour palettes. Simbavati River Lodge is home to a total of 11 rooms either as Luxury Safari Tents, Family Suites, or Tented Pool Suites. The lodge caters equally to couples on a romantic getaway, families, and solo travellers.
The main lodge features a spa, fitness centre, kids club, curio shop, swimming pool, relaxation lounge with books and board games, bar, as well as an expansive viewing deck. Activities at River Lodge include splendid star gazing, campfire dining, sundowners in the bush, and of course, two game drives daily. Expert rangers will take you out early morning and late afternoon (into the evening) when the animals are most active. Timbavati Private Game Reserve is known for magnificent Big 5 sightings as well as a host of other wildlife including giraffe, zebra, hyena, warthog, and various antelope species. Additionally, the reserve serves as a protective habitat for endangered black and white rhino and pangolins.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Firepit
- Floodlit waterhole
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
- Kids club & activities
Highlights:
- Nestled along the banks of the Nhlaralumi River.
- 6 Luxury Tented suites, 2 Tented Pool suite and 3 two-bedroom Family chalets.
- Main lodge has deck with stunning river views and an adjacent waterhole frequently visited by wildlife.
- Traditional open-air African Boma for dinners under the stars and a camp-fire overlooking the river.
- Family -friendly lodge with children’s activities, engaging Cubs Club kids center and a playroom.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Getting there:
- There are several private airstrips in Timbavati, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Timbavati, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Simbavati River Lodge take 60 minutes.
Location:
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Umbabat Game Reserve and Thornybush Game Reserve.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offer.
- Honeymoon offers includes 40% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
- Special offers are valid 8 Jan – 31 Mar & 1 Nov – 20 Dec
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Child Policy:
- Simbavati River Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on game drives unless a private vehicle is hired.
- Children 0 – 3 years stay free of charge.
- Children 4 – 11 years pay 50% of the adult rate.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and Hoedspruit (HDS) airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, other transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 35% applicable.
- 3rd & 4th will receive a reduced rate in the two-bedroom units.
- Rates displayed are valid until 04 January 2026.
Seasons:
- Peak season: 21 December – 05 January
- High season: 06 January – 20 December
Accommodation Options
Simplistic yet beautifully elegant, each luxury tent features a private viewing deck with either bush or riverbed views. Leading in from the deck, the bedroom has a dressing area, king bed, and en-suite bathroom with double vanity, indoor-, and alfresco shower.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 13,750 per person, per night
High Season R 12,500 per person, per night
Each two-bedroom family chalet features an en-suite with a king bed as well as a second bedroom with twin beds. The bathroom has both a tub and double shower. A private game viewing deck boasts glorious views over the riverbed.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 13,750 per person, per night
High Season R 12,500 per person, per night
per person, per night
Tented Pool Suites have a private viewing deck and plunge pool for complete relaxation. The interior boasts a king bed (convertible to twin) with bathroom en-suite featuring indoor and outdoor showers, a double vanity, and dressing area.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 13,750 per person, per night
High Season R 12,500 per person, per night
per person, per nightEnquire at Simbavati River Lodge
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