Simbavati River Lodge is situated along the Nhlaralumi River within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park. One of its standout features is the popular waterhole located just below the dining deck, a favorite gathering spot for elephants. Between game drives, you can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing right from the deck as animals come to the waterhole.
This lodge blends traditional safari charm with a modern, relaxed style in its décor, appealing to a wide range of guests. Accommodation options include both tented suites and chalets, making it ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families. The lodge offers a safari spa and a fully equipped fitness center, while the two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids center are particularly favored by families.
As part of the Greater Kruger Park, the Timbavati Game Reserve provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the Big Five—especially leopards—and the chance to see wild dogs.
2 Tented Pool Suites
These suites feature a king bed (convertible to twins), an en suite bathroom with a shower, double vanity, and separate toilet, a dressing area with ample storage, a game-viewing deck, a plunge pool, and an outdoor shower.
6 Luxury Safari Tents
These tents offer a king bed (convertible to twins), an en suite bathroom with a shower, double vanity, and enclosed toilet, a dressing area with ample storage, a game-viewing deck, and an outdoor shower, with views of the riverbed or surrounding bush.
3-Bedroom Family Chalets
These chalets include a king bed (convertible to twins), twin beds in the second bedroom, one bathroom with a bath and double shower, a game-viewing deck, and views of the riverbed.
Game Drives
Morning and late afternoon game drives in Timbavati take advantage of the times when wildlife is most active. An English-speaking guide, together with a local Shangaan tracker, ensures that guests have an enriching and educational experience, maximizing wildlife sightings. Guides, often passionate photographers, are mindful of helping guests capture the perfect shot. The evening drive extends into dusk, giving a glimpse into the nocturnal life of the bush, with the possibility of spotting elusive nighttime predators with the aid of a spotlight.
Boma and Campfire Dining
Several nights a week, dinner is served in a traditional "boma," a circular enclosure reminiscent of early safari days, lit by lanterns and set under the stars. The campfire atmosphere adds an authentic touch to the dining experience.
Sundowners
A cherished part of any safari, sunset drinks are enjoyed at a scenic spot chosen by your guide, where guests can step out of the vehicle, stretch their legs, and savor a drink as the sun sets.
Spa and Wellness
The calm, unhurried hours between game drives offer the perfect opportunity to unwind with a spa treatment or simply relax with minimal distractions.
December 10, 2024
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to…
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to arrange and organize our trip!! She was on the ball, made sure everything was in place and travel arrangements secured! I highly recommend her!!
December 9, 2024
Quick & efficient
Very fast response, polite - impressive
December 4, 2024
It was amazing
It was amazing. She even helped us with some of our questions and where to stay.🌞
Dec 13, 2024
Leigh-Ann Croeser from Safari.com was fantastic
Leigh-Ann from Safari.com was great to work with to plan our group safari trip. She was able to get me on the priority waitlist for a lodge that I liked, which ended up working out for our group during my preferred dates. Leigh-Ann was responsive and provided various tour recommendations for us to decide on the best option for us. There were a few email and name typos from Leigh-Ann that I had to correct, but other than that, I had a great experience.
Dec 12, 2024
Dolan was terrific
Dolan was terrific. He got back to us immediately to answer all of our questions. And was so nice to hold a room for a couple of days because of my moms passing. It gave us time to finalize her arrangements and time to book our trip. I would highly recommend using him to book your trip!!
Dec 12, 2024
Great support and communication
I had great support from Lana, she has been helping to book the dream trip to Bostwana in a very efficient way. Great communication, very responsive and precise, could not wish for more. Highly recommend her.
Dec 12, 2024
Anja Is A Fabulous Travel Consultant
Anja Mayer was extremely knowledgeable, patient, prompt with her responses to questions, and always very helpful. She was also a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone that asks that Anja is the right person to contact if they are interested in travelling to South Africa or Botswana.
Dec 12, 2024
Anja did a fabulous job!
Anja was knowledgeble, patient prompt with her responses to questions and always very helpful. In addition, it was a pleasure working with her. I would recommend her to anyone without any reservation.
Dec 10, 2024
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to…
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to arrange and organize our trip!! She was on the ball, made sure everything was in place and travel arrangements secured! I highly recommend her!!
Dec 9, 2024
Great support from Shann
Shann made the booking experience seamless - provided very helpful information to ensure we fully understood what the experience would be like and made sure we felt safe with experiences we have booked.
Dec 9, 2024
Quick & efficient
Very fast response, polite - impressive
Dec 7, 2024
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays…
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays travel ..information about flight changes hard to get..but on arrival the holiday was taken over Safari.com..amazing ..experience everything was fine tuned and the staff ..guides drivers fabulous and friendly ..lots of knowledge..lots of fun and the surprises they did was so lovely ...loved every minute ..Paris our guide was amazing..10/10 and Eric driver ..the waiters and waitress every and everyone in the hotels .smiling and friendly..Best holiday of my life