Dreaming of an exclusive African safari? Simbavati River Lodge, situated in the northern sector of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve, promises just that. As part of the Greater Kruger National Park Reserve, with no fences separating it from Kruger National Park, this lodge offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot the famous White Lions of the Timbavati.
Wondering what it is like to stay at Simbavati River Lodge? My husband and I have stayed here twice!
Location and Accessibility
Simbavati River Lodge is located near Kruger National Park in the Timbavati Game Reserve. This Timbavati river lodge is located, of course, along a river. It sits right along the Nhlaralumni River, and the closest airport to get to the Timbavati would be Hoedspruit Airport. After landing at the Hoedspruit Airport, you’ll be picked up by the lodge staff and driven for about an hour to get to the lodge itself. Thankfully, you’ll likely spot many animals along the way!
To reach Simbavati River Lodge from Johannesburg or Pretoria, follow these directions:
- 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).
- 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 T-junction turn left to Lydenburg into Viljoen Street (R36).
- Turn left again into Voortrekker Street. Ohrigstad.
- After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen.
- 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.
- Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the lion footprints for ±6,4 km to the lodge.
Alternatively, when driving from Nelspruit or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Simbavati will take approximately 3 hours:
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- From Nelspruit take the R40 to White River.
- 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.
- Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the lion footprints for ±6,4 km to the lodge.
Note: 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.
Lodge Amenities and Services
For starters, at the main lodge itself, there is a huge game deck overlooking the river and a watering hole. Depending on the time of the year, the river can be flowing or completely dry. The main lodge has plenty of places to sit and relax and spot local wildlife. All guests also have butler service no matter which type of accommodation you choose. Also, if you need wifi, they have that at the main lodge only. The tents and chalets do not have wifi, and the most important amenity is that a stay here includes 2 game drives a day! These game drives are in the morning and late afternoon/evening and last for about 3 hours each.
Simbavati River Lodge Photographic Safaris
Accommodation Options
There are 3 types of accommodation at this Simbavati game lodge! The first is the Tented Luxury Suite, next is the Tented Pool Suite. There are 2 of these at Simbavati River Lodge and they are more secluded for extra privacy. Lastly, there is the Two-Bedroom Family Chalet.
All-Inclusive Dining Experience
Something to note during your stay at Simbavati River Lodge is that it is all-inclusive! And let me tell you that this place honestly had the best food of any safari lodge we’ve visited. So every other night there is a buffet situation at the boma, or firepit, at the lodge. They set up tables and chairs and you pick various local dishes to try including pap and chakalaka, kudu, bobotie, boerewors, etc. The nights dining like this are spent with your safari guide and the other people in the safari vehicle with you. Then, every other night you have a sit-down meal with just your party on the lodge viewing deck under the stars. Here, you’ll select your meal from a menu that includes both vegetarian and meat meals and is usually served family-style with a main course and several side dishes. The main can be steak, chicken, veggies, etc. I loved the mix of both local South African specialties as well as favorites around the world including curries, pasta, etc. Everything tasted perfectly seasoned and delicious.
As for drinks, local beer and wine is included as well as cocktails on their drink menu that say they are included. PS- Be sure to try the local liquor- Amarula! This is a cream liquor made from the fruit of the African marula tree.
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Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of the costs per person per night:
- Luxury Safari Tent (2 people): R9,850 ($530)
- Luxury Pool Tented Suite (2 people): R10,525 ($565)
- Family Chalet:
- First 2 people: R9,850 ($530)
- 3rd and 4th person: R7,375 ($400) each
- Children 4-11 years old: R4,925 ($265) each
Wildlife Encounters
What kind of wildlife will you find at the Timbavati Game Reserve? You can find all of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) on safari here as well as many antelopes like impala, kudu, and waterbuck. 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.
Best Time to Visit
You can certainly visit year-round, as the animals are here! However, there are better times to visit than others. The best time to visit is between May and September. This means plant life is sparse and animals are easier to spot. November through December can be hot and humid, but game drives are still exciting as there are many young animals born at this time! This can be a busy time of year, however, as it is summertime in South Africa and the holiday season, meaning many people are on vacation.
Here’s a table summarizing the best times to visit:
| Month | Weather | Wildlife Viewing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May - September | Dry, mild | Excellent | Sparse vegetation, easier to spot animals |
| November - December | Hot, humid | Good | Many young animals, busy holiday season |
What to Pack
Other things you’ll want to pack include earth-toned tops and layers. Tennis shoes are great to have for the game drives, and you’ll want gloves, a scarf, a jacket (I love my Northface tri-climate jacket for this), etc. You’ll want the clothes that you wear on game drives to be comfortable, as you’ll be sitting in the vehicle for a majority of the 3-hour drives. For the game drives, you’ll also like having binoculars for bird spotting, and a camera for taking photos. This area is also not malaria-free! You may want insurance depending on the time of year.
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Daily Routine
What is really great is that on the day of your arrival, if you arrive before 3 pm, you can go on the afternoon game drive. The morning game drive lasts about 3 hours with a stop about halfway through for coffee and a chance to stretch your legs. After that, you’ll have time to freshen up, grab a cocktail, etc. before dinner begins.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I really don’t have any notes. It was fantastic on both occasions we stayed there! This place combines relaxation with the excitement of safari. The tents and lodge are very clean, and they really do handle everything. We felt safe and comfortable and had a great time each time we visited Simbavati River Lodge. There are actually quite a few Simbavati Lodge Collection properties around South Africa and Tanzania. The Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is located on the hill overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. River Sands is a private and luxurious villa which is along the Sohebele River. Mvubu Cottage is a private cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and the Trails Camp is more budget-friendly with 4 en-suite tents with furniture and mosquito netting. Simbavati River Lodge has been one of the best places we’ve ever stayed in the world!
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