Simbavati River Lodge | Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Simbavati River Lodge enjoys a unique setting on the banks of the 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 by elephant. Between game drives, you could 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 but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation. It caters well to couples and honeymooners with 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 also wild dog.
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Rooms
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Activities and Services
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Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Breakfast with a view
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Dinner Setup on the deck viewing
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Main Lodge with a deck enjoying expansive views of the river and waterhole
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Tented Luxury Suites
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Tented Pool Luxury Suites
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Boma Dinner Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection 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 as well.
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Tented Luxury Suites
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Luxury Safari Tents
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection 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 as well.
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Tented Luxury Suites
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Bar Area
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Main Lodge with a deck enjoying expansive views of the river and waterhole
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Beautiful game viewing bedroom with a riverfront view
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Family Chalet
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Family Chalet
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Spacious en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet and door out to an outdoor rain-shower as well
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Private Dinner
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Cubs Club
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
Simbavati River LodgeCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection Wildlife Experience
There are three family chalets. Each has a main bedroom with a king-sized bed, the second bedroom with twin beds, and one bathroom with a bath and double indoor rain shower. Please note that the bathroom is accessed via one of the bedrooms. Each has a beautiful game viewing deck with a riverfront view.
Notes: each two-bedroom chalet is configured slightly differently
2de Bedroom Family Chalet Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Facilities, Mini Bar, Safe, Smoke Alarm, Table, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Wardrobe
Six luxury safari tents have a king-sized bed (or twin) 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 as well.
Luxury Tented Suite with Pool Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Luxury Safari Tent with Pool BathroomsCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Luxury Safari Tent with Pool Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Facilities, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Smoke Alarm, Table, Tea / Coffee, Telephone, Verandah, Wardrobe
Tented Pool Suite
Our Tented Pool Suite is in a more secluded location. They have a king-sized bed (or twin) and a beautiful game viewing deck with a solar-heated plunge pool. There’s a spacious en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, indoor shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet, and door leading out to an outdoor rain shower and plunge pool.
Tented Pool SuiteCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Tented Pool SuiteCredit: Simbavati Lodge collection
Tented Pool Suite Credit: Simbavati Lodge collection
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Facilities, Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Smoke Alarm, Table, Tea / Coffee, Telephone, Verandah, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Baby Sitting, Bar, Business Centre, Children Friendly, Children Play Area, Eco Friendly, Gym / Fitness Centre, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service, Library, Licensed, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Telephone, Wardrobe
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Game Viewing
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 also make it informative and fun. Your guide is often a keen photographer and will be conscious and considerate if your mission is to capture sightings on camera.
Your mode of transport, is an open-sided 4×4 game vehicle with 3 rows of comfortable bucket seats in tiers. You generally head out with a maximum of 8 guests. This offers safe, yet close wildlife encounters. Guests sit up high for the best ‘spotting’ of birds and animals. There are no sides to inhibit your views and you naturally feel more in tune with nature. In the summer month, a shade top is added to protect against the African sun, but in winter it is open to the skies for the best bird-viewing and for stargazing.
Simbavati Game Drive Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati Game Drive Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati Game Drive Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Simbavati Game DriveCredit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
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.
Simbavati River Lodge - Dining Deck Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection
Dinner is a festive event which is alternatively served around the campfire in the open-air boma or in the thatched dining area. Dinner consists of an African and Western cuisine with exciting tastes for the more adventurous as well as various conventional options.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine