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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
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About the lodge
An overview of Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge has one of the finest settings in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, an unfenced but private part of the Kruger Park. It’s perched on the hillside with wide-angle views over the bush and views to the distant mountains of the Drakensberg escarpment. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers an exclusive, authentic, and unforgettable African safari experience.
Highlights
- Simbavati Hilltop Lodge has one of the finest settings in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
- Romantic ambiance with luxurious, private suites overlooking the beautiful dam.
- Spacious private decks with a Sala pavilion and daybed for each suite.
You should know
- Children 12 years and older are welcome at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
- Children under the age of 16 years must share a room with an adult above 18 years of age.
The detail
Savor magnificent views of the bushveld, the Nhlaralumi River, and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from the comfort of the lodge.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge boasts eight individual Luxury Tents that are positioned to offer guests privacy. Each suite comprises two individual tents: one featuring the main bedroom and the other a separate bathroom. These two tents are linked by a passage that can be opened up on one side, allowing for an indoor or private outdoor shower experience.
The lodge facilities include: - A lounge with a selection of books and board games - A curio shop - A dining area and bar - A covered pool lounge - A game-viewing deck overlooking the river - Wi-Fi connectivity in the reception, lounge, and deck areas - An infinity pool with stunning views of the bushveld and the Drakensberg Mountains.
Currently, over 40 mammal species reside in the Timbavati, including the Big 5—Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, and Elephant—as well as endangered species such as Wild Dogs and Cheetahs. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you have the opportunity to see the unique white lion in its natural environment. Additionally, the reserve is home to an abundance of birdlife, with a total of 360 species recorded.
Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles and led by professional rangers.
For the more adventurous traveler, bush walks can be arranged prior to arrival. These walks are an excellent way to discover the smaller, wondrous creatures of the bush and to learn more about the fauna and flora.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples, and families looking for an authentic tented safari experience.
Price includes
- Accommodation, all meals, two game drives per day, selected local beverages, Emergency Medical Response, and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.
- Our rates are per person sharing unless noted otherwise.
- Single supplements may apply.
- Request a quote or speak to one of our agents for the best, most current rates available.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 20 Dec 2026
Why book through us
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows Simbavati Hilltop Lodge personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.
By season
Green season
1 Apr 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
All Inclusive - All meals, two safari activities per day, selected beverages, round trip shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
R 20 400
Peak / migration
1 Aug 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
All Inclusive - All meals, two safari activities per day, selected beverages, round trip shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
R 20 400
Shoulder
1 Nov 2026 – 20 Dec 2026
All Inclusive - All meals, two safari activities per day, selected beverages, round trip shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Special offer
R 15 300
Normally R 20 400
Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.
Exclusive offer
Already reflected in the rates above.
The reduced rates shown in the table apply for the periods listed. Here is what is running and why.
Stay & Pay
Limited-Time Offer: Stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2. This offer is valid for stays until 31 March 2026 OR Stay 4 nights and pay for only 3 - Valid from 5 Jan to 31 Mar 2026 and 1 Nov to 20 Dec 2026
Combo
8% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 4 nights | 10% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 5 nights | 12% discount: Combine 2-3 Simbavati lodges for a total of 6-7 nights | 15% discount: Combine any Simbavati lodges for a total of more than 8 nights | Minimum 2 Night stay at 1 lodge
Honeymoon offer
For couples celebrating a wedding.
Documented from Simbavati East Africa's 2026 rate sheet. A formal offer you can claim, not marketing language.
Honeymoon
One partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate; complimentary bottle of wine on arrival/in room
Honeymooning couples staying 3 or more nights at any one Simbavati lodge receive a significant discount: one partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate (i. e. effectively 40% off one partner's share). A complimentary bottle of wine is included on arrival/in room. A valid marriage certificate dated within 6 months of the wedding date must be presented at check-in. Simbavati Offers are not combinable with each other, and the offer is not valid over the Festive Season (21 Dec–4 Jan) or Easter Weekend.
- Minimum stay
- 3 nights
- Proof
- Marriage certificate valid within 6 months from date of wedding, must be presented at check-in
- Combinable
- Not combinable with other Simbavati Offers; not valid over Festive Season (21 Dec 2025–04 Jan 2026 and 21 Dec 2026–03 Jan 2027) or Easter Weekend (03 Apr 2026–06 Apr 2026)
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Terms and eligibility may change. Your specialist confirms all offers at the time of booking.
Walking safari
Built for walking.
Documented walking safari options at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. Distinguishes short bush walks from dedicated walking trails and overnight wilderness journeys.
Multi-day trail
Simbavati Trails Camp Walking Safari
Simbavati Trails Camp is a dedicated walking safari camp that can be combined with a stay at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. Scheduled transfers to the camp are compulsory from Hilltop Lodge (departing 13:45), and guests are warned that late arrivals may result in missing the afternoon bush walk. A promotional offer allows guests who stay 2 nights at any Simbavati lodge to receive a 30% discount at Trails Camp.
Transfer time from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport approximately 1.5 hours; collection from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge at 13:45; departure from Trails Camp at 10:00; private vehicles not permitted to drive to camp; afternoon bush walk included on arrival day; subject to availability.
- Cost
- 30% discount when combined with 2-night stay at any Simbavati lodge (standard rate not stated)
- Availability
- Subject to availability; advance booking required; transfer is compulsory and scheduled once daily
Short walk
Guided Walking Safari (Bush Brunch Walk)
A guided walking safari of approximately 2 hours in the Timbavati area, concluding with a bush brunch. This is an additional-cost activity available to guests staying at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge and other Simbavati safari lodges in the area.
Duration: approximately 2 hours; includes bush brunch; minimum 2 guests; minimum age 12 years.
- Cost
- $125 per person
- Availability
- Must be pre-booked; subject to availability; minimum 2 guests
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Sleep-outs
Under the stars.
Star beds, sleep-out hides, walking sleep-outs and overnight platforms documented at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
Platform / deck
Shilope Sleepout Deck
The Shilope Sleepout Deck at Simbavati Waterside is an elevated, solar-lantern-lit platform offering a king-sized bed and a top-level lookout deck for an immersive overnight experience in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Guests fall asleep to nocturnal bush sounds and wake to birdsong and sunrise. The deck includes an en-suite shower and toilet with hot running water, and a canapé-style dinner is included. It must be booked in conjunction with a room at Simbavati Waterside, no evening game drive takes place on the night of the stay, and no children under 16 are permitted.
Maximum 2 adults. Exclusive use. Must be booked in conjunction with a room at Simbavati Waterside. Includes canapé-style dinner. No evening game drive on the night of the stay. No children under 16. Bookings subject to availability and must be made in advance. En-suite shower and toilet with hot running water. rates (Exclusive Use): R5,400 (01 May–20 Dec 2025), R5,940 (21 Dec 2025–04 Jan 2026 Festive), R5,825 (05 Jan–20 Dec 2026), R6,500 (21 Dec 2026–03 Jan 2027 Festive).
- Availability
- Advance booking required; subject to availability
Platform / deck
Simbavati Mvubu Cottage Sleep-Out
At Simbavati Mvubu Cottage, the day bed on the upper deck can be converted into a sleep-out for more adventurous guests. Guests at the cottage enjoy a private dining experience including continental breakfast, picnic-style lunch and a private three-course dinner, and have the option of meals at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge or Simbavati River Lodge. The cottage comes with a dedicated private safari vehicle.
Sleep-out is a conversion of the upper-deck day bed. Available to guests staying at Simbavati Mvubu Cottage. Private safari vehicle included. Dining options include continental breakfast, picnic-style lunch and private three-course dinner at the cottage, or meals at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. Simbavati River Lodge.
- Availability
- Subject to availability; for guests staying at Simbavati Mvubu Cottage
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Cultural
Beyond the game drive.
Community visits, cultural walks, and dining experiences documented at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
Village visit
Traditional Masai Village Visit
A visit to a traditional Maasai village, offered as an add-on activity for guests staying at Simbavati's Tanzania properties. Priced per person at $30, it is available on top of standard package inclusions.
- Cost
- $30
- Availability
- subject to availability; listed as an optional add-on
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Imagery
A closer look.
12 photographs · click any image to expand
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your dream safari at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge: multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Ready when you are
Let's design your stay.
Your specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours with availability, exact pricing, and suggestions for what to combine it with.