Taken from local Shangaan language, Simbavati River Lodge translates to "the place where the lions came down from the stars" and was designed to offer private luxury accommodation with breathtaking views, personalized service, and an excellent big-5 game viewing experience. Combined with a welcoming & relaxed atmosphere, the lodge also offers fantastic value-for-money stays.
Situated in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this intimate, family-friendly camp is built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River – a beautiful watercourse in the summer months when rain is plentiful, and a dry riverbed in the drier winter months.
Simbavati River Lodge boasts eight Luxury Tents, 2 Tented Pool Suites and three Family Chalets; each positioned to offer guest privacy and comfortably furnished.
This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation. It caters well to couples and honeymooners with a safari spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families. One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant.
The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog.
Game drives are offered in the early morning and evening and are conducted by experienced field guides and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 safari vehicles.
Simbavati River Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for an affordable and authentic safari experience.
March 28, 2024
Experienced a double booking
Before payment, we experienced an issue of double booking, where suddenly our chosen lodging is only available for 2 out of 4 days. I hope Safari.com can improve their system to avoid this in the future. While it will be an inconvenience on our part to have to move lodging half way, we also understand the high demand of the lodging as we make the booking just 5 months before departure. I really appreciate Nelia's quick action informing us and providing an alternative plan which works for us. Overall it was quite a smooth booking process.
March 28, 2024
Safari.com was helpful start to finish
Safari.com was helpful start to finish. The sign up process was clear, the support was great as we tailored our experience. Directions were perfect to get there. Everything in the safari was as we thought it would be and even better. It literally was the trip of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations.
March 5, 2024
Safari.com and Nelia go above and beyond
Nelia at Safari.Com made everything so easy to navigate and book. She has been amazing putting up with all my questions and always promptly responds. She has gone above and beyond to assist with my travel plans and requests. So very thankful and excited I found her at Safari.com. Cannot wait for the trip!
May 17, 2024
So helpful so friendly.
So helpful so friendly. Wow 5 stars not enough for Lisa
May 17, 2024
Safari booked. SA here I come.
I have never been to SA before, so naturally I was a bit apprehensive about booking a safari on my own. I turned to safari.com for help and I'm so glad I did. Keith was so helpful, patient and saved me money! That's a win, win, win. I would recommend safari.com to anyone planning their trip and their experiences in SA.
May 17, 2024
As all ways the best service from Dolan…
As all ways the best service from Dolan Sequera
May 16, 2024
Trip planning made easily and with kindness!
I was in need of help quickly to book a place to stay for 6 people. I wasn’t sure if I should drive or fly and Pascal helped me so quickly and was so kind and patient. He texted with me, called me and was wonderful to work with. He provided me with 2 quotes and helped me through the booking process. Looking forward to our trip!
May 16, 2024
Safar.com review. Victoria falls Safari
Leigh Anne was a pleasure to deal and worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best experience. Thank you.
May 16, 2024
Great customer service
Heleen went out of her way to find us accommodation. We left our planning way to late and were looking at the busiest time of year yet she worked her magic.
May 15, 2024
Sara - great travel agent!
Sara was amazing to work worth and was very quick to respond with any questions I had!! She put together multiple safari packages for me to choose from and guided me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her!
May 14, 2024
Helpful
Helpful, friendly
May 14, 2024
Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya
Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya