Safari Guru
Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge Main area for guest seating

Simbavati River Lodge enjoys a unique setting on the banks of Kruger Park’s Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.

One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved and frequented daily during the summer months by the elephant. Between game drives, pampered guests enjoy a game-viewing experience of note just sitting on the deck as wildlife comes and goes from the water.

This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience, yet offering a contemporary twist in décor. You can choose tented or chalet accommodation, which caters excellently for couples and honeymooners, including a safari spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families.

The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing, including all the Big Five, most notably leopard and the critically endangered wild dog.

Tented Luxury Suites

Six luxury tented suites have a king-sized bed (which can be converted into twin beds) and a beautiful game viewing deck with either a river or bush view. There’s a spacious en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet and door out to an outdoor rain shower.

Tented Pool Suites

Two spacious and airy Tented Pool Suites are in a more secluded location. They have a king-sized bed (which can also be converted into twin beds) and a beautiful game-viewing deck with a solar-heated plunge pool. (These can prove immensely popular with the elephant.) There’s a good-sized en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, indoor shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet, and door out to an outdoor rain shower.

Two-bedroom Family Chalets

There are three two-bedroom family chalets. Each has a beautiful game viewing deck with a riverfront view. Each has a main bedroom with a king-sized bed, a second bedroom with twin beds and one bathroom with a bath and double rain shower. Please note that the bathroom is accessed via one of the bedrooms.

And you don’t have to have young children to use the family chalets, and families with adult children can use them as well (with a discount for the 3rd and 4th adults) just as long as you don’t mind sharing a bathroom.

Simbavati River Lodge guest suite with king bed
Simbavati River Lodge guest view from suite
Simbavati River Lodge guest suite bathroom with stone bath
Simbavati River Lodge waterhole in front of dining area with elephants drinking
Simbavati River Lodge safari experience with white rhino

The Timbavati Private Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the north and east. The name Timbavati was derived from a Shangaan expression meaning ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens’.

The Timbavati has a vast array of wildlife, which includes the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) thriving amongst giraffe, zebra, warthogs, hyena and many antelope species. This sums up the magical spirit of the Timbavati, which has a tangible sense of wilderness.

The reserve is also a protective habitat for sustainable populations of many endangered species, such as black and white rhinoceros, pangolins, and many others.

How to get to Simbavati River Lodge?

Simbavati River Lodge is ±1 hour from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, and can be accessed by car.
The drive from Johannesburg is ±61⁄2 to 7 hours (505km), ±31⁄2 hours (210km) from Kruger Airport, and 3 hours (160km via the R40) from Hazyview.

The Timbavati Private Game Reserve has a number of authentic and luxury properties on offer, such as Motswari Private Game Reserve & Geiger's Camp, or contact Safari Guru for some of our preferred property recommendations in the neighbouring Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Reserve.

Simbavati River Lodge

Property Details

Simbavati River Lodge Location
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Luxury Accommodation
8 Units (2-bedroom Family Chalets, Luxury Safari Tent, Tented Pool Suite)
Guest Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Simbavati River Lodge Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Family Policy
Children of all ages
Activities
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Natural History Tours, Night Drives Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting, Service Credit Card
Included
All Meals, Local Drinks, Safari Activities
Not Included
Gratuities, Premium Brand Drinks, Spa Treatments
Why Simbavati River Lodge?
Stunning river setting with flood-lit waterhole right in front of the deck, frequented by elephant during the day. Safari spa, gym and kids club & activities are additional features

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