Safari Guru

Simbavati River Lodge

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

Family Safari Specialists

If you’re dreaming of Africa, your journey has already begun!

Truly unique experience. Many thanks to Allan and his team for planning such a wonderful safari at Kruger National Park. Highly recommend!

Mikaël Schinazi

2023-01-09

This was our 4th trip to Africa and by far the best ever. All the details were properly handled; we had not flight problems or delays and the service provided by Safari Guru was outstanding. I would recommend them, and have to friends and family. We will be going back to Africa with the outstanding Staff of Safari Guru.

Ann Becher Smead

2022-11-17

We recently returned from Kenya, had a fabulous safari designed by Deon de Villiers of Safari Guru. We had some wonderful sightings and the whole thing went without a single hiccup. The guides were excellent. Deon was so helpful in allowing us to reschedule several times due to COVID restrictions preventing travel. We visited Sirikoi in the Lewa Conservancy and Serian Ngare, Serian Nkorombo and Mara Plains at Masai Mara, each place offering a different experience, each special in its own way. Loved the rhinocerous at Lewa, giraffe giving birth at Ngare, hippopotamus at Nkorombo and cats at Mara Plains, and so so much more. We highly recommend Deon and the Safari Guru team.

John M

2022-10-16

We finally got to take our Kenya/Rwanda adventure with Safari Guru post pandemic. Our trip was a fantastic experience that immersed us in Africa. The holiday went as planned, everything was organised so we were gently steered from place to place, which we enjoyed as we found we weren't "travel fit" after sitting on sidelines for two years! Our lodges in Kenya were beautiful, nice and small, felt like you were part of a family, rather than a customer! Rwanda was a highlight, an amazing country with a shocking past that is moving forward beautifully. The advice from Deon to do two gorilla walks was perfect. Our first day we hiked in to mountain and when we got there the heavens opened and it didn't stop! The scouts found 6 gorillas for us to glimpse as they were hiding from rain too! We trekked down in the mud, rivers of water ending up bedraggled! It was a great experience but the next day was perfect! Beautiful blue skies, trekked up and gorillas were everywhere, sunning themselves and eating vigorously. Was awesome being so close and they couldn't care less! Would highly recommend safari Guru, they planned us a perfect holiday and are easy to contact with queries and answer promptly. Travelling on our own was great as each place we stayed, there were like travellers from around the world to socialise with. Thanks Deon and Ashley

Jackie Helliwell

I was completely blown away with the service I received from Safari Guru. We had a most marvellous holiday in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Everything went extremely well and the Wilderness team were excellent in looking after us at each of their safari camps. Well done to Deon and Ashley, Morag Cotsell

Morag Cotsell

2022-10-15

Had an amazing experience working with Deon and Safari Guru. My wife and I went into this trip thinking of it as a once in a lifetime experience. Because of our experience we have another trip in mind to bring our children so they can have the same amazing experience that we had. Thank you Deon! We look forward to seeing you again!

John A. Mertz

2022-07-27

Thanks you Deon for amazing and wonderful experience of Masai Mara. It's once in a lifetime and on top great hospitality from Safariguru right from arrival, Resort stay and well designed itinerary. I would love to bring my family again this time for Botswana, so look forward to crafted trip next

Manish Shah

Safari Guru organized us an amazing journey in Namibia for our wedding anniversary; it will be long lasting and marvelous memories for years! We also greatly appreciated the dedication and support of Safari Guru's team during these challenging times of the Covid pandemic as they had to re-arrange 2 times our trip initially planned for 2020. Thanks and kudos to Deon and all at Safari Guru!

JF Redon

2022-04-19

We had a truly magical safari in Botswana. Deon and the staff of Safari Guru will guide you to the exact places you want to go specific to your desires and budget. Highly recommend!

barbara nelson

2022-03-23

Botswana! What an incredible destination as we begin to travel again. This is a trip of a lifetime. The game drives were exhilarating, the people are friendly, the food fantastic, and the accommodations are meant to spoil you. Our trip was beautifully planned and executed by Deon De Villiers and his team at Safari Guru. They have been to every camp they recommend and tailor your safari experience to you. What else could you ask for! We will travel with them again and highly recommend Safari Guru to plan your next trip!