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Simbavati Waterside Lodge
Nestled alongside a vast dam in the southern reaches of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Waterside Lodge was envisioned, designed, and constructed to seamlessly integrate with the pristine Klaserie wilderness, serving as a natural extension of its utopian beauty.
Water, the essence of life, plays a central role in this setting. Throughout the year, a myriad of animal species, including predators, elephants, hippos, and buffalo, converge at the dam to cool off and quench their thirst, often in groups numbering in the hundreds. The uninterrupted spectacle of wildlife ensures non-stop game viewing, immersing guests in their private African haven for an unparalleled safari experience that engages the senses.
Simbavati Waterside Lodge caters to every type of traveler, offering a thoughtfully designed lodge structure that provides absolute privacy for couples and sociable spaces for families and friends. For those seeking a romantic escape, the lodge features intimate spaces, imaginative private dining setups (each meal being a unique experience), and surprise treats to commemorate honeymoons and anniversaries, or simply to savor the joy of disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with each other.
The facilities at Simbavati Waterside Lodge encompass a swimming pool, a ‘Beach Boma’ positioned at eye level with the dam’s water, a ‘Bush Boma’ for enchanting dinners under the stars, a wine cellar, lounge, bar, spa, gym, and a safari boutique.
With its sophisticated décor, sublime cuisine, and intuitive hospitality, Simbavati Waterside elevates the already-perfect safari experience, ensuring that guests are immersed in luxury while surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Klaserie wilderness.
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
- Beach Boma
- Campfire
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounge
- Wine cellar
- Shilope treehouse sleepout
Highlights:
- A luxury safari lodge built around a large dam.
- Stylish modern decor and furnishings with a traditional African twist.
- 2 Luxury Water-facing suites, 2 Luxury suites with KolKol tubs and 4 two-bedroom Luxury suites.
- Each suite features private game viewing decks with views over the bush or dam.
- Exceptional outdoor dinning experiences in the Beach Boma and the traditional African Bush Boma.
- The elevated Shilope Deck is an exciting sleep out experience in the reserve.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Location:
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, as well as Timbavati, Umbabat and Balulue game reserves .
- 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.
Getting there:
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to Waterside Lodge, 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 Waterside Lodge takes 30 minutes.
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.
- Rates displayed are valid until 04 January 2026.
Seasons:
- Peak season: 21 December – 05 January
- High season: 06 January – 20 December
Accommodation Options
Luxury suites
Sleeps 2 Adults
Six suites boast game viewing decks with waterhole views. All suites feature en suite bathrooms with a shower, double vanity, separate toilet; dressing area and outdoor shower.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 14,500 per person, per night
High Season R 15,950 per person, per night
2-Bed Luxury Suite
Sleeps 5 guests
Four 2-bedroom family suites boast game viewing decks with waterhole views. All suites feature en suite bathrooms with a shower, double vanity, separate toilet; dressing area and outdoor shower.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 14,500 per person, per night
High Season R 15,950 per person, per night
Luxury Kolkol Tub Suite
Sleeps 2 Adults
Two Kolkol tub suites are bush facing and have private decks with small plunge pools. All suites feature en suite bathrooms with a shower, double vanity, separate toilet; dressing area and outdoor shower.
Refer to T&C's above
Peak Season R 14,500 per person, per night
High Season R 15,950 per person, per night
Enquire at Simbavati Waterside Lodge
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