Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge
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Simbavati River Lodge
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Live availability
Simbavati River Lodge
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About the lodge
An overview of Simbavati River Lodge.
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.
Highlights
- Beautiful riverside location with a lit waterhole visible from the deck.
- Luxury tents feature amazing bush or water views from private decks.
- Excellent for families, offering two-bedroom chalets.
You Should Know
- Children of all ages are welcome. Between 0–3 years: no charge, including all meals.
- Between 4–11 years: 50% of the per-person sharing rate when sharing with parents in family chalets or two-bedroom luxury suites.
- 12 years and older sharing with parents in family chalets at Simbavati River Lodge: third/fourth person rate applicable.
- Child sharing with one parent in a luxury safari tent at Simbavati River Lodge: per person sharing rate applicable.
- Children 6 years and older are permitted on game drives.
The Detail
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.
Accommodation Options
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.
Activities
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.
Price Includes
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Two safari activities per day
- Beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines)
- Return shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) at set departure times
- Reservations will advise of these times on confirmation of booking.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
Per person sharing, per night, in ZAR. 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 River 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
Low season
5 Jan 2026 – 20 Dec 2026
All Inclusive - All meals, two safari activities per day, selected beverages, round trip shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
ZAR 13,600
Festive
31 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027
All Inclusive - All meals, two safari activities per day, selected beverages, round trip shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
ZAR 14,800
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
Available right now.
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
Honeymoon
Stay 3 or more nights and one partner pays 60%. Includes a bottle of wine on arrival. Marriage certificate (within 6 months) required at check-in.
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
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Plan Your Dream Safari.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
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Let's design your stay.
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