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Simbavati River Sands

Simbavati River Sands Located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Simbavati River Sands Villa offers an exclusive getaway for four guests; far away from the stresses of everyday life. Without foregoing any luxuries, guests are immersed in the great African wild for an extraordinary encounter with nature.

The private setting features two suites, separated by a large lounge and living area. Neutral colour palettes blend seamlessly with the natural setting all while maintaining an elegant and contemporary feel. The warm and inviting main lodge area opens onto an expansive deck for a superb indoor-outdoor living experience. The villa features a custom-designed waterfall pool where you can cool off in the heat of summer and even view wildlife gathering at the waterhole. Winter evenings can be spent cosying up at the fireplace with a glass of wine. With a private safari vehicle and expert ranger leading your daily wildlife adventure, you can be ensured exceptional photographic opportunities and game drives tailored to your needs.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve is home to the Big 5 and offers great opportunities to spot other magnificent wildlife including giraffe, zebra, hyena, warthog, and various antelope species. With rivers running through the reserve, it is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Timbavati serves as a protective habitat for endangered black and white rhino and pangolins and is one of the only places in Africa where the White Lion can be found.

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Wildlife:

High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
Large number of White lions live in the reserve.
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
Waterfall pool
Viewing deck
Waterhole
Bar & lounge

Highlights:

Luxury two-bedroom villa nestled alongside the Sohebele River.
Exclusive use offering with private, chef, guide and safari vehicle.
2 spacious ensuite bedrooms with King or twin beds.
Large entertainment area with outdoor terrace overlooking the reserve.
A bespoke waterfall pool feature offering stunning views of the watering hole and nearby wildlife.
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 River Sands take 120 minutes lodge depending.

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.
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 Sands welcomes children from 5 years.

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 in the accommodation section below.
Rates are charged per villa, per night for 4 guests.
Rates displayed are valid until 04 January 2026.

Seasons:

Peak season: 21 December – 05 January
High season: 06 January – 20 December

Accommodation Options

2-bed Villa

Sleeps 4 Adults

PAY 3 STAY 4

The two gloriously spacious rooms each feature a private seating area, king bed (convertible to twin), and luxurious bathroom with double vanity, bathtub, and shower. One room has a private balcony while the other offers an outdoor seating area.