• A tented pool suite at Simbavati River Lodge
  • Lounge at Simbavati River Lodge
  • Wildlife at your doorstep at Simbavati River Lodge in Timbavati
  • Luxury safari tent in Timbavati at Simbavati River Lodge
  • Bedroom at Simbavati River Lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve
  • Bathroom at  Simbavati River Lodge
  • Simbavati River Lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve

Simbavati River Lodge

Lodge style Family affair on a riverbank

Intimate safari in the heart of Timbavati

Busy parents, it is time to kick back, relax, and make yourselves at home at the Simbavati River Lodge. While you lay by the swimming pool shaded by old Jackalberry trees – known for their dense, dark green, spreading crown – the children learn more about wildlife in the children activity centre, managed by an enthusiastic staff member. Simbavati translates as ‘the place where the lions come down from the stars’ in the local Shangaan language. Surrounded by 30.000 acres of wildlife and rich wilderness, the lodge focuses on excellent Big Five-game viewing and breathtaking scenery. Well, that is all after the warm staff made you feel comfortable and relaxed, which will be from the moment you are welcomed with fresh drinks and warm towels.

Open your tent-door at dawn to an unspoilt awakening bush merging with your private deck. Look down and you might even find some elephant footprints outside your tent. It is a true safari experience from here on, but with all the comfort to make it unforgettable. Accommodation at Simbavati River Lodge consists of eight twin tents and three thatched family chalets which each have two bedrooms. All luxurious tents are en-suite with different bathroom configurations that include outdoor showers for some, or even the possibility to fill up your private outdoor bathtub. In your room everything you need is within hand reach: hairdryer, a tea and coffee brewer, and a box with handy items such as an adaptor and a flashlight. The main lodge guest facilities are generously proportioned and include a lounge with a selection of books and games, bar for a nightcap, boma for outside dining and an extensive deck overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. The children never want to leave after spending intriguing afternoons in the playful activity centre. WiFi is available in the main lodge area.


Activities at Simbavati River Lodge

At Simbavati River Lodge, you wake up to get ready for the first morning game-drive, when animals are energised and active. The Timbavati Game Reserve is home for over forty mammal species, including a great amount of lion families, elephants, buffalo herds and rhinos. Be in awe of an elephant pulling branches for lunch, or a buffalo wisely gazing at you. During the first game drive, your ranger and tracker will prepare a soul soothing coffee and tea break in the bush. On returning to the camp, a gourmet brunch is waiting for you. Then it is time to finally read that book that lay on your nightstand for months or to doze off in the lounge area. Before the afternoon game drive, a high tea will be prepared with homemade bites such as fresh baked olive ciabattas and the layered goodness of a berry Romanoff cake. Then it is time to take off for a three-hour game drive and a bush-drink at dusk. And how about bringing home some jaw-dropping photographs as a souvenir? Book a unique Photographic Safari, where a professional photographer shares one-on-one tips and instructions. Get a bouncy steenbok in focus, or a hunting lion. Feel like your muscles good use the healing touch of an African massage expert? Go ahead, spoil yourself with a spa treatment. At night, simply let tranquility come down on you, from a night sky with millions of stars.


Simbavati River Lodge special offers

Stay 4 pay 3 at Simbavati River

Experience pure luxury at Simbavati River Lodge with our exclusive offer. Book a three-night stay between 8 January and 31 March 2024, or between 1 November and 20 December 2024, and receive an additional night's stay at no extra cost!

Honeymoon discounted rate at Simbavati Hilltop

Simbavati River Lodge offers a fantastic honeymoon special. Partners receive a 40% discount when staying for a minimum of three nights. Valid between 9 January 2023 and 20 December 2024 (excluding festive season, long weekends and Easter). The honeymoon special only applies when travelling within the first 6 months of marriage and may not be combined with other special offers.


Tripadvisor comments Simbavati River Lodge

As a family with 2 teenage boys we booked a bungalow/cottage for 4 days and it was fantastic!! Two large bedrooms and an amazing bathroom. The bathroom was huge with a bath and an open shower that was great with 2 shower heads. Beds were very comfortable, rooms extremely clean, there is a safe, drinking water and a bar fridge. The safaris were awesome! We saw the BIG 5 as well as many other animals and birds. Our guide Moshe and tracker Nicholas were friendly and very informative and always made sure we had a 'WOW' moment on each safari - I would have to say that everything was a 'WOW' moment. We were privileged to see a leopard up a tree with a kill - simply amazing! We saw 2 other leopards stalking ready to kill, many elephants, a hippo running and lots of other amazing things. Food was amazing and the staff really catered for my youngest son who has food allergies - thank you! We tried all the local food including Kudu - delicious. We were lucky enough to see 3 hippos wander past whilst we ate dinner, another night we saw a honey badger during dinner. There is a lovely souvenir shop on site with a great variety. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. A wonderful stay and I would highly recommend Simbavati River Lodge to anyone.

from Melbourne, Australia

We stayed at Simbavati River Lodge for 3 nights over Christmas 2014 and went on 5 guided safaris. What an amazing experience. Everything at Simbavati surpassed our expectations from the beautifully appointed family chalet and tent to the delicious food and wonderful service. The highlight was definitely the game drives. Our guide and tracker were so knowledgeable and informative and we were lucky to see animals at very close range. Thank you so much. I can't recommend Simbavati River Lodge highly enough.

from Liverpool, UK