Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge is an intimate and friendly camp situated on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. It is shaded by age-old jackalberry and leadwood trees, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a generous contemporary design and authentic accommodation in luxury tented suites or thatched family chalets.

The name "Simbavati" is derived from the local Shangaan language, translating to "the place where the lions come down from the stars." The lodge focuses on excellent Big 5 game viewing, breathtaking views, and friendly and knowledgeable staff, creating an environment where guests feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

Located in the northern sector of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, Simbavati River Lodge is surrounded by over 12,000 hectares of wildlife-rich wilderness. The 4-star lodge offers contemporary, warm, and welcoming guest common areas, including a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma, and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the river and valley. Regular wildlife sightings occur here, allowing guests to unwind. The lodge also features a small plunge pool, an activity area for children, and a secluded spa retreat for pampering massages.

Accommodation consists of eight luxury safari tents and three spacious family chalets, all privately situated and comfortably furnished with eco-friendly air-conditioning and en-suite facilities. Early morning coffee, tea, and rusks are provided, followed by brunch after the morning game drive and high tea before the afternoon game drive. Dinner is a festive event, served either around the campfire in the open-air boma or in the thatched restaurant, combining African and Western cuisine. The fully-licensed bar caters to alcoholic beverages and includes a wide selection of fine South African wines.

Simbavati River Lodge offers an uncomplicated and down-to-earth safari experience, encouraging guests to relax and feel at home. The lounge area is perfect for relaxing on a comfortable couch with a book from the in-house library or taking an afternoon siesta. During the mid-day heat, guests can recline on sun loungers or take a dip in the swimming pool. Children are catered for with an activity plan and a selection of wildlife books to increase their knowledge. The lodge also has a curio shop for purchasing necessities or African mementoes.

Game drives are conducted in the early morning and evening by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 vehicles, providing excellent photographic opportunities. Guests traverse over 12,000 hectares of Big 5 game country, with the chance to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, as well as other species like kudu, zebra, warthog, giraffe, and monkeys. Nocturnal animals, including big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives, and bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, initiated in 1956 by a group of landowners concerned about the degradation of the area, is dedicated to conservation by maintaining biodiversity and is involved in various research projects. The reserve is one of the few places in the world where guests have the opportunity to see the unique white lion in its natural environment, as the resident lion prides carry the recessive "chinchilla" gene responsible for this unusual anomaly.

Children of all ages are welcome at Simbavati, with those six and older allowed on game drives, unless the family books a private land rover (subject to availability at an additional cost). The third and fourth persons staying in a family chalet are charged separate rates, as well as children under 12 years old.

Simbavati River Lodge offers traditional African massages, paying homage to the unparalleled cultural heritage. Guests can indulge in a selection of authentic and traditional massage techniques performed by highly skilled and trained therapists.