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 9.6 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.8)

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Buffet

  • Free Parking Available On Site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Select occupancy
Room Type
Number of guests
 
2 twin beds
or
1 king bed
3 twin beds
and
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location

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See what guests loved the most:

Jocelyn
United States United States
It was an intimate lodge that has a wonderful relaxed feeling The rangers (we had Happy and Daniel ) went out of their way to find the wildlife and provide the best vantage points to view the animals The food was lovely and the staff were very...
Aldana
Qatar 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 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 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 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 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...
Danielle
Australia Australia
The property is well maintained with thoughtful touches. Each room has its own plunge pool perfect for unwinding in after a morning safari.
Karen
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Location,staff excellent. Food was 5star and such a good variety. Guide and tracker Musa and Maritize were so good finding the leopards,pride of lion at Giraffe kill and many more. Bush walk we learnt so much
Kyriacos
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Location, staff, rooms. Opportunity to see wildlife
Bianca
Germany Germany
What a marvellous experience!! We had never expected such a luxurious accommodation right in the middle of nature. The impallas, elephants, warthogs, ... walked right in front of our terrace and during the game drives we came so much closer to the...

Area info

Restaurants

1 Restaurant On Site
Restaurant #1
  • Open for
    Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
  • Ambience
    Family-friendly
  • Dietary options
    Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Simbavati River Lodge

Great facilities! Review score, 9.5

Most popular amenities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Airport shuttle
  • Free Wifi
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Family rooms
  • Bar
  • Breakfast

House rules

Simbavati River Lodge takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

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

0 - 3 years
Crib upon request
Free

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.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
VisaMastercardDiners Club Cash is not accepted

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

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.

FAQs about Simbavati River Lodge