About this property
In the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, the Simbavati River Lodge offers the chance of a face-to- face encounter with Africa’s incredibly varied wildlife from the lodge’s private viewing decks. Simbavati River Lodge combines the rustic appeal of an African game with stylish modern interiors. Choose from 2-bedroom family suites or luxurious Safari Tents, all feature air conditioning private outdoor decks overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. The spacious family have a large bathroom twin wash-basins, a shower and deep, free-standing bath. Each morning and evening, Simbavati Lodge offers game drives conducted by experienced rangers and trackers, providing the opportunity to photograph some of the reserve’s incredible array of wildlife that includes the 'big 5' - lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Afterwards you can sit around the campfire and enjoy traditional African cuisine often prepared on the 'braai' or barbecue.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular amenities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Airport shuttle
- Free Wifi
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Aldana
Qatar“Everything was perfect, they provided us with halal food based on our request. We enjoyed the game drives. Special thanks to our guide and tracker GY and Daniel we were able to see all give in the very first game drive!” - Carol
United States“The staff were amazing everyone included. They were friendly and kind. Our guide was amazing and went above and beyond as well as our spotter.” - Sarah
Canada“We absolutely loved simbavati river lodge and could not imagine a better safari experience for our family of 4. Special shoutout to our fantastic guide CJ for incredible sightings including the elusive white lion.” - Sabine United States“If you love elephants 🐘 and game drives this is the lodge for you! Super friendly staff. Very knowledgeable tracker & drivers”
- Rachel United States“We loved the property and everything about the game drives and how kind and helpful the staff were! The staff is absolutely amazing and hospitable and put a big smile on your face just by being around them. We loved all the wonderful experiences...”
- Kady United States“The Simbavati River Lodge was an absolute dream from start to finish. Every single staff member was welcoming, attentive, eager to visit with you, and helpful. The cuisine was very good & lots of variety. We had the pool suite which as fantastic....”
- Sian
Australia“This was a wonderful family of people who welcomed you in and showed you some of the best South Africa has to offer! Andrea and Nicholas were a fantastic team with great tracking skills and amusing stories that kept us and the kids entertained and...” - Jan
Singapore“Location was amazing to see all the wild life. We saw the Big 5 within the first 2 days. Every single staff was highly professional. The lodging was simply luxurious and amazing. Great attention to detail from start till the end of our stay. Free...” - Symon
United Kingdom“Lovely lodge with a spacious and immaculate room, as well as a gorgeous communal area overlooking the river and where you can watch the animals pass by. Lodge and game drive staff were all amazing.” - Carol United Kingdom“Location was perfect, completely unfenced. Animal we’re allowed to roam around the campus”
Area info
Restaurants
- Restaurant #1
- Open forBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner
- AmbienceFamily-friendly
- Dietary optionsVegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
House rules
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cribs are subject to availability.
The fine print
Please note: the rate quoted includes game rides and full board.
Please note that compulsory conservation levies are applicable and excluded from the rates. These are payable prior to or on arrival.
Please note :
Timbavati Conservation fee will increase to R 400 per adult per night, R 200 per child under 12 per night from 01 January 2020
A gate entrance fee of ZAR 160 per vehicle is applicable and payable upon entrance to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Please contact the property directly for further information.
Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees (subject to change)
Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve:
1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023: R510 per adult per night and R255 per child under 12 years per night.
1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night.
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve:
1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023: R450 per person per night for any person 12 years and older.
1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R480 per person per night for any person 12 years and older.
Check-in is from 14:30. You are welcome to arrive earlier, and make use of our swimming pool or other facilities.
We try to accommodate early arrivals, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room was occupied on the previous night.
Check-out is prior to 11:00 on the day of departure. Again, we try to accommodate late check-outs, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room is booked for the evening. If we are unable to accommodate a late check-out, we will happily store your luggage while you enjoy our facilities.
Lunch
The Full Board & Activity/Game drive price includes lunch (served from 1pm to 2.30pm) either on the day of arrival or on departure.
If you wish to have lunch on both arrival and departure days, there will be an extra charge for the second lunch.
Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees are subject to change. Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night.
Self-drive guests: A vehicle entrance fee of R280 is only payable at the Timbavati or Klaserie Control Gate
All conservation levies and other reserve fees are subject to change without prior notice. Conservation levies for 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
The above-published conservation levies may change without prior notice if there are changes made by the reserve.
Please inform Simbavati River Lodge of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
