South African Lodges

Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge Reviews & Information

Use the drop down below to find out more information about Simbavati River Lodge.

Below detailed information about the Simbavati River Lodge is available.
For any queries regarding this hotel, you are welcome to contact us.

Restaurants

Dining at the Simbavati River Lodge

An early morning cup of tea or coffee with rusks may be enjoyed before embarking on the thrilling game drive. After the morning safari, breakfast is offered outside on the wooden deck.  The light lunch at the lodge is served just before guests leave on their afternoon game drive.

Dinner at Simbavati is a festive event which is alternatively served around the campfire in the open-air boma or in the thatched dining area of the lodge.  Dinner offers a great combination between African and Western cuisine with exciting tastes for the more adventurous as well as various conventional options.

The lodge's bar caters for alcoholic beverages and also includes a wide choice of South African wines.  Special dietary requirements are catered for subject to prior notification.

Spa

Spa Facilities

Traditional African massages as well relaxing health and beauty treatments can be enjoyed on the lodge's wellness retreat.  Highly skilled therapists ensure that guests feel rejuvenated and relaxed during and after the treatments.

Selected spa treatments:

  • Herbal Oil Massage
  • Majestic Awakening
  • Foot Massage
  • Stone Massage
  • African Yoga Treatment
  • Manicure
  • Pedicure.

Activities, Sports & Leisure

Swimming Pool

Simbavati River Lodge offers guests access to a lovely outdoor swimming pool which is on the viewing deck adjacent to the river and the bar.  It is a perfect place to relax and refresh in the warm afternoon sun.

Game Viewing

Guests have the unique opportunity to admire and witness Africa's untamed wildlife on the early morning as well as late afternoon game drives.  Accompanied by professional game rangers, guests learn a lot of different aspects of this unique habitat in Africa.

The game-viewing experience in South Africa's Timbavati Game Reserve is regarded as some of the best in the country.  Being home to all of the 'Big 5', those animals considered most dangerous to hunt on foot – lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant, makes for fantastic wildlife encounters while on game drives.

Timbavati claims to be home to the highest density of lion in South Africa.  The reserve is also frequently traversed by large herds of elephant and buffalo, and many are the lucky guests that have found themselves surrounded by literally hundreds of animals.  Leopard is also frequently sighted Thanks to the keen-eyed trackers and careful habituation of these most elusive big cats.

The reserve is also rich in birdlife, with approximately 400 species either resident or migrating to the area in summer.  Raptors, such as the majestic Martial Eagle, Bateleur and Fish Eagle are frequently seen, and enthusiastic birders will delight in trying to differentiate various warblers, cisticola, finches and canaries.

Nearby Attractions
  • Kruger National Park
  • Swadini Reptile Park
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
  • Blyde River Canyon.

Services

Check in and Check Out Times
  • Check in: 0:00
  • Check out: 0:00
Business Services
  • Free Wi-Fi in the public areas
General Services
  • Airport transfers
  • Babysitting
  • Basic first aid assistance
  • Doctor on call
  • Housekeeping service
  • Kid's entertainment
  • Laundry services
  • Porters
  • Safari drives
  • Safety deposit box
  • Secure parking
  • Tours & Transfers on Request
  • Wake-up call
Malaria Status and Animals

  • In a Malaria area & you should consult a doctor before visiting Simbavati River lodge.

Children Policy

  • Children of all ages are welcome to stay at the Simbavati River Lodge.  The lodge has a children’s activity room available offering a selection of toys and board games. Furthermore, board games and books are available in the lounge area. Children receive an activity booklet when they check in.  Children under the age of 13 are taken to look for animal tracks and signs in the bush by a tracker after breakfast.

    Child Rates:   

    • 0 - 3 years  no charge and the price includes all meals
    • 4 - 11 years 50% of per person sharing rate when sharing with parents in family chalets
    • 12 years + sharing with relatives in a family cottage; 3rd/4th person rate is applicable.

    If a child shares with a parent in the Luxury Safari Tents the per person sharing rate is appropriate.  Children of all ages have to pay the mandatory conservation fee per child (subject to change).  Children 6 years and over are allowed on Game Drives.  Families with younger children can arrange a private vehicle before arrival.   

    Babysitting during the game drives/evening meals is possible by prior arrangement, and at an additional cost, this service needs to be pre-booked. 

Available Rooms

Luxury Safari Tent

Six luxury tented suites have a king-sized bed (which can be converted to 2 twins) and a beautiful game-viewing deck with either a river or bush view. There is a spacious en-suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, shower & double vanity

Single Room R16130
Double Room R24190

2 Bedroom Family Chalet 4 Sleeper

There are three two-bedroom family chalets. Each has a beautiful game viewing deck with a riverfront view. Each has a main bedroom with king-sized bed, second bedroom with twin beds and one bathroom with a bath and double rain-shower.

Single Room R42340
Double Room R42340

2 Bedroom Family Chalet 5 sleeper

There are three two-bedroom family chalets. Each has a beautiful game viewing deck with a riverfront view. Each has a main bedroom with king-sized bed, second bedroom with twin beds and one bathroom with a bath and double rain-shower.

Single Room R48380
Double Room R48380

Tented Pool Suite

Two spacious and airy Tented Pool Suites are in a more secluded location. They have a king-sized bed (which can be converted to twin) and a beautiful game viewing deck with a solar-heated plunge pool. (These can prove quite popular with the elephant.)

Single Room R16130
Double Room R24190
 

GPS Co-Ordinates

Latitude: -24.221082

Longitude: 31.387811

Directions

The Simbavati River Lodge is approximately a 7-hour drive from Johannesburg.
When using a GPS to find the lodge, please do not type in Simbavati River Lodge but rather the exact GPS coordinates.
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 Simbavati River Lodge through the Kruger National Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the directions below.

Directions to the Simbavati River Lodge from the Eastgate Airport:

Follow the tar road from the Eastgate Airport/Timbavati turn-off for 44 km straight to the Simbavati turn-off. (
Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the lion footprints for approximately 6.4 km to the lodge.
On the tar road, you will go through 2 control gates.
At the second gate, you enter the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will pay a Vehicle Entrance Fee per vehicle.
Keep your permit, as the Lodge will issue you with an exit permit when you return again.

Very important:
Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch, which is not served later than 16h00 / 4h00pm.
It is also safer not to drive in the 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 lodge to inform them.

Parking

Free, unreserved parking.  An entrance fee is payable at the Reserve Entrance and a Conservation levy is charged at the lodge.

Star Rating

5 Star

R16130.00SINGLE RATE
FOR TODAY
RATES & BOOKINGS
ADDRESS
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Greater Kruger National Park
Limpopo Province
South Africa

Need Help?

We would be more than happy to help you. Our team are at your service 24/7.

+27 (0) 21 794 9050
+27 (0) 10 446 8045
+27 (0) 31 941 5945 Email for assistance