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Simbavati River Lodge - Kruger National Park

Luxury Safari in the Timbavati

Simbavati River Lodge - Kruger National Park

Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the heart of the 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. The lodge is surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife and rich wilderness in which you can experience an authentic African safari.

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, breath-taking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

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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 promises an exclusive African safari experience, situated in the northern sector of the world known Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park Reserve. With no fences between the Timbavati and the Kruger National Park, the closest gate to the Kruger Park is the Orpen Gate (approximately 1 hour drive). The reserve is home to the famous White Lions of the Timbavati and it  offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Simbavati River Lodge has extensive tracts of wilderness (over 9 500 hectares) in which to experience an authentic but affordable African safari.
Simbavati River Lodge offers accommodation in 8 - eight luxury en-suite safari tents & 3 - three thatched en-suite family chalets.  
Simbavati River Lodge offers Big 5 safari Game Drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Nocturnal animals including the big cats are regularly sighted. 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. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of land owners concerned about the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Timbavati is dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species and is also involved in different research.
Children of all ages are welcome at Simbavati River Lodge. There is a children’s activity room with a selection of toys/board games. Children will receive an activity booklet on arrival (coloured pencils available to use at reception). Children under the age of 13 will be taken to look at tracks and signs in the bush by a tracker after Breakfast. Board games and books available in the lounge area.  Child Rates:
Between 0 - 3 years; no charge and includes all meals. 4 - 11 years: 50% of per person sharing rate when sharing with parents in family chalets 12 years and older sharing with parents in family chalets; 3rd/4th person rate applicable Child sharing with a parent in our Luxury Tents; per person sharing rate applicable
 
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Simbavati River Lodge is a 6 to 7 hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank and continue on the N4. From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank and continue on the N4. Follow the N4 and turn left to Belfast (Off ramp R33/R540). Once in Belfast, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight with the R540 to Dullstroom. Drive straight through Dullstroom and continue to Lydenburg on the R540. At the Tjunction turn left to Lydenburg into Viljoen Street (R36). Turn left again into Voortrekker Street. Turn right into De Clercq Street and follow the R36 through Ohrigstad. After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen. Do not turn left here, but continue straight on the R527 to Hoedspruit. In Hoedspruit, continue straight through the town. After the bridge crossing the railway line, turn right at the four way stop and continue on the R40 for another 6,4 km. Turn left onto the Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. . Follow the tar road from the Eastgate/Timbavati turn-off for 44 km straight to the Simbavati turn-off. (GPRS coordinates for the Simbavati turn-off: S 24° 12’ 20.2” E 31° 19’ 24.2”). Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the lion footprints for ±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 have to pay a vehicle entrance fee of R120 per vehicle. Conservation fee of R110 per person TO BE PAID AT THE LODGE. From Nelspruit: Direction by Road: From Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and Nelspruit. Driving from Nelspruit or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Simbavati will take approximately 3 hours. From Nelspruit take the R40 to White River. (From KMIA turn right onto the R40 to White River.) Through White River, follow the R40 signs carefully to Hazyview. Continue north on the R40 through Hazyview. Note that this is a busy stretch of road with vehicles, people and often animals on the road. Please drive carefully and slowly and keep to the speed limits. Follow the R40 towards Klaserie and Hoedspruit. Just before Klaserie you turn right onto the R40 toward Hoedspruit. Travel for approx 18 km and turn right at the Eastgate airport sign. Follow the tar road from the Eastgate/Timbavati turn-off for 44 km straight to the Simbavati turn-off. (GPRS coordinates for the Simbavati turn-off: S 24° 12’ 20.2” E 31° 19’ 24.2”). Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the lion footprints for ±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 have to pay a vehicle entrance fee of R120 per vehicle. Conservation fee of R110 per person TO BE PAID AT THE LODGE

Enquiry Form - Simbavati River Lodge









    Kruger Lodges Reviews

    Author Picture
    Joel_Pratt May 18, 2021 Dublin, Ireland
    Awesome Experience!  

    Game guides are all world class. Their knowledge of the reserve adds incredible value to every visitor’s stay. All other members of the team are

    ...more
    Awesome Experience!  
    Joel_Pratt    May 18, 2021   Dublin, Ireland   
    Author Picture

    Game guides are all world class. Their knowledge of the reserve adds incredible value to every visitor’s stay. All other members of the team are welcoming and responsive. Food is delicious. Tents are spacious and include requisite amenities. Setting is iconic Africa. At the current price point, Honeyguide offers guests real value for money and memories that will last a lifetime.

    Author Picture
    Marie Macdonald May 5, 2021 Hazyview - South Africa
    Great Bush Experience!  

    This lodge is a must-visit, stunning pool area, the ground staff work hard to give customers the best service, Game drives are educational and the

    ...more
    Great Bush Experience!  
    Marie Macdonald    May 5, 2021   Hazyview - South Africa   
    Author Picture

    This lodge is a must-visit, stunning pool area, the ground staff work hard to give customers the best service, Game drives are educational and the best, we spotted all the big 5. Eddie and Michael are the best rangers. Food is super delicious.


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