Simbavati River Lodge - Kruger National Park

Experience the Timbavati!

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Simbavati River Lodge nestles in the core of the famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This cozy, family-oriented camp sits along the Nhlaralumi River banks—a lush waterway during rainy summers and a serene dry bed in winter.

Ancient Jackalberry and Leadwood trees provide shade over the lodge's inviting spaces, blending modern style with luxury tented rooms or thatched chalets.

Named from the Shangaan tongue for “the place where lions descend from the stars,” Simbavati shines with prime Big-5 sightings, stunning vistas, and warm, expert staff who ensure guests unwind instantly.

Located in Timbavati's northern reaches, it's enveloped by 12,000 hectares of vibrant bushveld for genuine, budget-friendly African safaris.

Guests are offered amenities such as a swimming pool, bar and lounge, boma, outdoor decks, spa and fitness facilities, children’s activity areas, game room, playground, Wi‑Fi, and complimentary parking, along with luxurious tented rooms and chalets featuring en‑suite bathrooms, private decks, and modern comforts.

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Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge delivers a private, upscale family safari along the Nhlaralumi River in northern Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, near Kruger National Park amid ancient savanna trees. Select from eight stylish climate-controlled tents or three two-bedroom chalets with private baths, decks, and eco-showers for up to 18 guests. Enjoy Big Five drives, bush walks, kids' programs, pool time, spa care, and wildlife views from decks by an elephant waterhole, plus lounge, bar, and gym perks

Simbavati River Lodge features 8 luxury air-conditioned safari tents and three thatched family chalets (each with two bedrooms), all with en-suite bathrooms, private decks for river views, and eco-friendly amenities like outdoor showers or tubs.

Exceptional Big 5 wildlife viewing (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), plus rare wild dogs, cheetah, hippos, and massive elephant herds frequently spotted at the floodlit river waterhole. Guests enjoy close encounters with over 40 mammal species during dawn and dusk game drives, including lion prides, buffalo herds, leopards with kills, hyenas, and playful troops of baboons, monkeys, impala, and waterbuck right from the lodge decks. The area's 350+ bird species and smaller critters like honey badgers add to the biodiversity-rich safaris in this untamed Greater Kruger wilderness

Children of all ages are welcome. Kids 0-3 stay free with all meals included; those 4-11 get 50% off per-person sharing rates in family chalets with parents. Children 6+ join standard game drives at the ranger's discretion, while younger kids require a pre-booked private vehicle at extra cost; babysitting is available on request. A Cubs Club activity center offers toys, games, bush walks, and supervised fun