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 particularly like the location — they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Free WiFi
- Fitness centre
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- 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”
- Sophie
United Arab Emirates“The lodge was stunning. So tranquil and nestled away in nature. The rooms and main lodge dining area faced the watering hole so we were spoilt for choice with elephants, giraffes, warthog and kudu right in front of our eyes at all times. The...” - Katherine
Australia“Everything was perfect from start to finish. We were on our honeymoon and the entire team made our stay so memorable, we saw the big 5 in just over a day!! Thank you to the entire team, Thandy, Justice, Nicholas and Andre, you are all amazing.” 
Fiona Australia“Fantastic, friendly staff who go out of their way to create a memorable experience. The game drives were brilliant and the food was delicious.”- Annemarie
Switzerland“Well appointed lodge. Fantastic game drives and daily visits from wild animals to the viewing deck at the lodge.” - Annemarie Switzerland“Beautiful lodge. Unbelievable wildlife encounters. Especially the herd of visiting elephants while we were sitting down for Christmas lunch!”
- Joanna United Kingdom“Just fantastic from the very start. I will miss this place but hopefully can make it back some time soon.”
- David United Kingdom“A great safari and a fantastic location on the river. The staff were amazing: Auwbery and Siphu served us so well in the restaurant and the bar. Our guide Clement assisted by Nicholas were the best, giving us the most fantastic safari experience....”
Property surroundings
Restaurants
- Restaurant #1
- Open forBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner
- AmbianceFamily friendly
- Dietary optionsVegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
House rules
Child policies
Children of any age are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.
Cot and extra bed policies
The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cots 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 whilst 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 in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
