Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge
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Simbavati River Lodge
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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. 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
R 13 500
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
R 14 850
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
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
Honeymoon offer
For couples celebrating a wedding.
Documented from Simbavati South Africa's 2026 rate sheet. A formal offer you can claim, not marketing language.
Honeymoon
One partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate (40% discount on one partner's stay); complimentary bottle of wine on arrival/in room.
Couples staying 3 or more nights at any one Simbavati lodge (including Simbavati River Lodge) qualify for this offer: one partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate, effectively a 40% discount on one person's stay. A complimentary bottle of wine is included on arrival or in-room. A valid marriage certificate dated within 6 months of the wedding date must be presented at check-in. The offer is not combinable with other Simbavati specials and is not valid over the Festive Season (21 Dec 2025–04 Jan 2026 / 21 Dec 2026–03 Jan 2027) or Easter Weekend (03 Apr 2026–06 Apr 2026).
- 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.
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.
Family policies
Travelling with children.
What our safari specialists know about bringing children to Simbavati River Lodge: minimum ages, activities, family rooms and child rates, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .
Minimum ages
- Stay
- All ages
- Game drives
- 6+
- Walking safari
- All ages
Programmes & care
No dedicated kids' programme.
Accommodation
Family unit available.
Child rates
Children of all ages welcome. 0–3 years: no charge, includes all meals. 4–11 years: 50% of per person sharing rate when sharing with parents in Family Chalets. 12+ years sharing with parents in Family Chalets: 3rd/4th person rate applies. Any child sharing with one adult is charged the adult per person sharing rate.
Notable exceptions
- Family Chalets have a minimum occupancy of 3 paying guests; bookings for fewer than 3 paying guests are charged the rate for 2 adults and 1 child. Children must be 6 years or older to join game drives. Babysitting is not provided as a complimentary service and is excluded from rates.
Walking safari
Built for walking.
Documented walking safari options at Simbavati River 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 in the Timbavati. Guests transfer from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge and experience guided bush walks as the primary activity. Private vehicles are not permitted to drive to the camp; scheduled transfers are compulsory. An afternoon bush walk is included on arrival day, and departure is at 10:00. Guests combining this with a stay at any Simbavati lodge can receive a 30% discount.
Transfer time from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport approximately 1½ hours; collection from Simbavati Hilltop Lodge at 13:45; departure from Trails Camp at 10:00; private vehicles not permitted; one daily return transfer; late arrivals may miss afternoon bush walk.
- Cost
- 30% discount available when combined with 2-night stay at any Simbavati lodge
- Availability
- Subject to availability; advance booking required; minimum 2 nights at any one Simbavati lodge to qualify for 30% discount offer
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 River Lodge.
Platform / deck
Shilope Sleepout Deck
The Shilope Sleepout Deck at Simbavati Waterside is an elevated, solar-lantern-lit sleep-out platform offering a king-sized bed and a top-level lookout deck overlooking the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Guests fall asleep to nocturnal bush sounds and wake to birdsong and sunrise. It features an en-suite shower and toilet with hot running water, and includes a canapé-style dinner. No evening game drive takes place on the night of the stay.
- Availability
- Subject to availability; advance booking required
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 adventurous guests, offering an open-air overnight experience from the cottage's private deck.
Conversion of upper-deck day bed into sleep-out. Available to Mvubu Cottage guests only. Mvubu Cottage guests have a private safari vehicle and private dining.
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.
23 photographs · click any image to expand
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your dream safari at Simbavati River 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 River 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.