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.
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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.
2026 Rates
Room Type | 05 January 2026 – 20 December 2026 |
Luxury Safari Tent | R13,500.00 per person sharing R18,000.00 per single person R6,750.00 per child per night (4-11 years) |
Tented Pool Suite | R13,500.00 per person sharing R18,000.00 per single person R6,750.00 per child per night (4-11 years) |
* Rates exclude conservation fees and gate fees
Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read more Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
The best safari oasis
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
...read more The best safari oasis
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
100% Recommended
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read more 100% Recommended
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
Best in the bushes
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
Best in the bushes
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
Rates Include
Accommodation * All meals * Two safari activities per day * Beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines) * Return shared transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) at set departure times
Rates Exclude
* All other drinks * Babysitting * Private transfers * Gratuities * Laundry service * Items of a personal nature * Conservation levies * Gate entrance fees
Simbavati River Lodge – Kruger National Park – Information
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
Please contact us for assistance
Our team is available
+27 (0) 21 6969615
+27 (0) 606191220
+27 (0) 642831384
Simbavati River Lodge - Image Gallery
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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 - Wildlife Gallery
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