South Africa - 4-day Timbavati Safari at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge - Private accommodated

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge enjoys a breathtaking location in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, an unfenced extension of the renowned Kruger National Park. Perched elegantly on a hillside, the lodge offers panoramic views of the untouched wilderness and the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Below, the Mbali Dam and Nhlaralumi River create a natural oasis, attracting elephants and other wildlife, providing guests with extraordinary sightings.

Designed with a minimal environmental footprint, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge seamlessly blends luxury with sustainability. The lodge features eight spacious, elegantly appointed tented suites, each offering a private deck and plunge pool—an idyllic retreat for relaxation amid nature’s splendor.

As part of the Greater Kruger Park, the Timbavati is celebrated for its exceptional game viewing, including the Big Five, with frequent leopard and wild dog sightings. Twice-daily game drives provide close encounters with the region’s remarkable wildlife, from rare bird species to Africa’s most iconic predators.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is where refined luxury meets the untamed wild, offering an unforgettable safari experience in one of South Africa’s most pristine landscapes.

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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Spacious private deck with a plunge pool and sala pavilion with daybed

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Infinity pool, with panoramic views of the bushveld

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Luxurious, private suites overlooking the beautiful dam

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Each suite has a spacious private deck with a plunge pool and sala pavilion with daybed

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Bedroom

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Main lodge has wraparound decks with panoramic bush and distant mountain views

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Main lodge has wraparound decks with panoramic bush and distant mountain views

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Luxurious, private suites overlooking the beautiful dam

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Bathroom – bath, double vanity with double outdoor shower for two

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Breakfast area

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Open air boma & campfire for dining under the stars

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Open air boma & campfire for dining under the stars

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Main lodge has wraparound decks with panoramic bush and distant mountain views

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Game viewing vehicle

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Spa Treatments

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Experience Spacious private decks with a sala pavilion with a day bed

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge En-suite bathroom tent is connected to the bedroom tent via a small passage.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Working space

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Each suite has a spacious private deck with a plunge pool and sala pavilion with daybed

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Luxurious, private suites

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Main lodge has wraparound decks with panoramic bush and distant mountain views

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge Stairs to the tents

Luxurious Safari Tent

8 luxurious tented rooms offer a choice or King or twin beds. Each suite has glorious views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River. French doors open out onto an expansive viewing deck, each with its own private sala pavilion with double day bed for an afternoon read or snooze.

The en-suite bathroom tent is connected to the bedroom tent via a small passage. On the deck is a double ’rain’ shower with views over the dam.

Property Facilities

Bar, Eco Friendly, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Heater, Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee

Available Services

24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available)

Activities on Site

Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Massages, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Wildlife Tours

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Hiking, Historical Tours, Safaris, Wildlife Tours

Game Drives

Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are naturally most active. Key to the experience are your English-speaking local guide, working with a tracker from the local Shangaan community. This duo pool their knowledge, experience and fresh observations to maximise your wildlife sightings. Not only in terms of how much you see. But how rewarding, informative and fun the overall experience is. Your guide is often a keen photographer and will be conscious and considerate if your mission is to capture sightings on camera.

Boma & Campfire dining

Several times a week, dinner in the camps is a more hearty, campfire style meal served under the stars in a ‘boma’, a circular enclosure originally made from branches. The cosy, lantern-lit ambience recalls the early days of safari pioneers.

Another authentic safari experience is dining out under the star in a boma (an enclosed circular dining area) around the campfire. This usually takes place every 2nd night.

The gentle flicker of lanterns, candle-light and a welcoming open fire truly conjures up what is magical about a safari.