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Simbavati River Lodge - Kruger National Park
Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this intimate, family-friendly camp is built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River – a beautiful watercourse in the summer months when rain is plentiful, and a dry riverbed in the drier winter months.
Shaded by age old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees, Simbavati River Lodge is warm and welcoming, with a generous contemporary design and accommodation for guests in luxury tented rooms or thatched chalets.
Simbavati takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent big-5 game viewing, breathtaking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.
Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the northern sector of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife and rich wilderness in which you can experience an authentic and affordable African safari.
Simbavati River Lodge - Image Gallery
CUBS CLUB
Simbavati River Lodge is probably our most family-friendly lodges. As well as our two bedroom family chalets, we also have the Cubs Club kids centre. This is an ideal place for younger kids to hang out with games, bean bags and craft opportunities.
2024 Rates
| Room Type | Duration | Rate |
| Standard Room | 1 January 2024 - 7 January 2024 | R8,970.00 per person per night sharing |
| 8 January 2024 - 31 December 2024 | R9,684.00 per person per night sharing | |
| Luxury Tent with Plunge Pool | 1 January 2024 - 7 January 2024 | R9,584.00 per person per night sharing |
| 8 January 2024 - 31 December 2024 | R10,349.00 per person per night sharing |
2025 Rates
| Room Type | Duration | Rate |
| Standard Room | 1 January 2025 - 5 January 2025 | R9,684.00 per person per night sharing |
| 6 January 2025 - 20 December 2025 | R12,289.00 per person per night sharing | |
| 21 December 2025 - 31 December 2025 | R13,159.00 per person per night sharing | |
| Luxury Tent with Plunge Pool | 1 January 2025 - 5 January 2025 | R10,349.00 per person per night sharing |
| 6 January 2025 - 20 December 2025 | R12,289.00 per person per night sharing | |
| 21 December 2025 - 31 December 2025 | R13,519.00 per person per night sharing |
Quick Facts
| Location | Kruger National Park (Timbavati Reserve) |
| Malaria area | Yes (Low Risk Area) |
| Big 5 game reserve | Yes |
| Off Road | Yes (only for Big 5) |
| Camp Fenced | No |
| Child Policy | All Ages Welcome |
| Pool | Yes - main area only |
| Spa | Full Spa |
| Aircon | Yes |
| Cellphone Signal | No |
Simbavati River Lodge - Video
Simbavati River Lodge enjoys a unique setting on the banks of the Kruger Park’s Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant. Between game drives, you could enjoy a game-viewing experience of note just sitting on the deck as wildlife comes and goes from the water.
This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation. It caters well to couples and honeymooners with a safari spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families. The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog.
6 x twin/double Luxury Safari Tents
2 x twin/double Luxury Safari Tents with private plunge pools (from 01 November 2019)
3 x 2 bedroom thatched Family Chalets
Of the 11 units, we now have 3 x 2 bedroom family chalets, 6 x luxury safari tents and 2 x luxury safari tents with plunge pools.
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.
All the big game is here including rhino, elephants, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, as well as leopard, lion, hyena. Bird watching is good particularly during the rainy season. Currently there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big 5 of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of bird life.
At Simbavati River Lodge all ages are welcome.
Simbavati River Lodge - Wildlife Gallery
