- Info
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
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.
King bed (convertible to twin) En suite bathroom with shower, double vanity, and separate toilet Dressing area with ample storage space, Game viewing deck ,Plunge pool ,Outdoor shower.
King bed (convertible to twin) En suite bathroom with shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet, Dressing area with ample storage space, Game viewing deck , Outdoor shower, Views over river bed or bush.
King bed (convertible to twin), Twin beds (second bedroom), 1 x Bathroom with bath and double shower, Game viewing deck ,Views over river bed.
Notes: each two-bedroom chalet is configured slightly differently
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
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.
Two spacious and airy Tented Pool Suites are 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.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
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
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, 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 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.
Your mode of transport, (or chariot as one of our guides likes to call it), 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.
Your guide helps you to interpret what you see. They also communicate with other vehicles by radio in order to keep in touch with sightings nearby.
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.
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.
