Simbavati River Lodge

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Simbavati River Lodge lies in the northern part of the wildlife-rich Timbavati. 

Simbavati Lodge, Timbavati is an intimate and family welcoming camp built on the banks of the seasonal river.

Timbavati Game Reserve is approximately a 5 and half hours drive from Johannesburg Airport and an hour and a half drive away from the Eastgate Regional Airport in Hoedspruit.

The lodge offers a memorable safari experience whereby guests may feel at home. The lounge area is the perfect place to relax on a comfortable couch with a book or doze off on an afternoon nap. During the mid-day heat, take a dip in the swimming pool, or just put your feet up on a pool lounger. Children are catered for with an action plan to increase their wildlife knowledge.

Accommodation consists of eight luxury safari tents and three luxury family chalets and is widely interspersed to ensure privacy and magnificent views of the surrounding bush and adjacent river or river bed. Those that are early risers will be able to enjoy a cup of early morning coffee or tea before embarking on the safari drives.

After the safari, a delicious breakfast is served outside on the lodge's wooden deck, and a light lunch is offered just before the afternoon safari drive. Dinner at this lodge in the Timbavati is a special occasion. Served outside around the campfire in the open-air boma, or the thatched dining area depending on the weather make for an unforgettable dining experience. A selection of African and Western cuisine presenting exciting tastes to explore your favourite beverage or fine South African wine.

The wildlife viewing experience in Timbavati is one of the best in South Africa. The reserve is home to the 'Big 5' (lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant). Timbavati is home to the highest density of lion in the country. The reserve is also frequently traversed by large herds of elephant and buffalo. The guides and trackers at the lodge are all qualified by and registered with the Field Guides Association of South Africa. As such, they will bring the bush to live with their great interpretation of the sounds, sights and behaviours that you encounter.

The traditional African massages and other health and beauty treatments can be enjoyed at the lodge's spa retreat. Trained therapists ensure complete relaxation by offering spa treatments including a full body massage, foot massage, manicures and pedicures as well as an ever inviting hot stone massage.

The River Lodge is a 7-hour drive away from Johannesburg and guests are advised that when using a GPS to find the lodge, please do not type in Simbavati River Lodge but rather the exact GPS coordinates. This way, the GPS will pick the lodge name up but will try and direct you to the Kruger National Park, which is not the correct direction. Please note you cannot access the River Lodge through the Kruger National Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the guidelines below.

Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon safari drive and lunch, which is not served later than 4h00pm. It is also safer not to drive in reserve and arrive at the lodge when it is dark. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please do contact the camp to inform them.

The River Lodge does offer free scheduled transfers at set times to coincide with the scheduled flights into and out from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Please note that this is planned transfer will be sharing the vehicles with other guests coming to the lodge. If you are planning to drop a rental car at Hoedspruit Airport, please ensure that you arrive well before the flight arrival time to get the transfer in time. It will take around an hour to travel from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport is approximately one hour, and all complimentary transfers must be pre-booked as the Lodge only meets flights if they have passengers on that flight. Please note that the complimentary transfers exclude the vehicle entry fee.

For guests arriving at a different time, please advise us as the Lodge will arrange private transfers from either; Hoedspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport KMIA, Phalaborwa Airport or from the Timbavati Gate.

Luxury Safari Tent features:

  • Twin beds
  • En-suite bathroom with bath/shower and double vanity basin
  • Air conditioning
  • Complimentary toiletries provided
  • Outside shower & bathtub
  • Private viewing deck
  • Two points plug converters
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe

Luxury Family Chalet features:

  • Double, twin and triple bed configuration
  • En-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower
  • Wardrobe with coat hangers
  • Double vanity basin (complimentary toiletries provided)
  • Private viewing deck
  • Air conditioning
  • Two points plug converters
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe

Facilities

  • Dining room
  • Bar
  • Curio shop
  • Swimming pool
  • Lounge
  • Viewing deck
  • Curio shop
  • Games room
  • Parking
  • Wi-fi in public areas
  • Specialist Photographic safari vehicle

Services

  • Airport transfers
  • Babysitting
  • Inclusive meals and local beverages
  • Safari drives
  • Kids’ activities
  • Laundry service
  • Housekeeping

Activities:

  • Safari drives of approximately 3hrs long
  • Morning safari drives with coffee/tea stop in the bush
  • Afternoon safari drive with sundowner stops in the bush
  • Bird watching
  • Seeing the white lion in its natural habitat
  • Spa treatments

Scheduled collection times from Hoedspruit:

  • 11h20
  • 12H10 (only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays)
  • 13H15.

Scheduled departure times from lodge:

  • 09h30 (for the 12 departure)
  • 10h15 (for the 12h45 flight on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays)
  • 11h25 (for the 13h50 flight).

Amenities

  • Adaptors
  • Air Conditioning
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Early morning tea & coffee and biscuit
  • Ensuite private bathroom
  • Hairdryer
  • Housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Indoor Outdoor Showers
  • Mini bar
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Viewing Deck

Facilities Available at Simbavati River Lodge

  • Airstrip
  • Cocktail Bar
  • Curio Shop
  • Hotel Bar
  • Lounge
  • Restaurant
  • Sun deck
  • Swimming Pool
  • Viewing deck
  • Waterhole for wildlife
  • Wheelchair accessible rooms

More Information on Simbavati River Lodge

FAQs about Simbavati River Lodge
What is the contact number for reservations?

The contact numbers to make a reservation at Simbavati River Lodge are:

•  Cape Town Reservations +27 (0) 21 794 9050
•  Durban Reservations: +27 (0) 31 941 5945
•  Johannesburg Reservations: +27 (0) 10 446 8045.

Alternatively, you can check availability and book online by clicking here.

Where about is Simbavati River Lodge located?
Simbavati River Lodge is located at the following location / address: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park.