Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Lodge is an intimate and friendly camp built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the heart of the world famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Shaded by age old jackalberry and leadwood trees, Simbavati is warm and welcoming, with a generous contemporary design and authentic accommodation in luxury tented suites or thatched family chalets. Simbavati takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent Big 5 game viewing, breathtaking views, friendly and

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

Simbavati takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent Big 5 game viewing, breathtaking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive. 

Simbavati River Lodge situated is in the northern sector of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, surrounded by over 12 000 hectares of wildlife rich wilderness in which the 4 star lodge is contemporary, warm and welcoming. Guest common areas offer a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the river and valley where regular wildlife sightings take place and guests can unwind. There's also a small plunge pool for relaxing during the heat of the day, an activity area to keep children occupied, and a secluded spa retreat for a pampering massage.

Accommodation consists of eight luxury safari tents and three spacious family chalets. All are privately situated and comfortably furnished with eco-friendly air-conditioning and en-suite facilities. Early morning coffee and tea with rusks are provided. After the morning game drive, brunch is served outside on the wooden deck with hot beverages and an english buffet, whilst high tea is served just before the afternoon game drive. Dinner is a festive event, alternatively served around the campfire in the open air boma or in the thatched restaurant. Dinner combines African and Western cuisine. The fully-licensed bar caters for alcoholic beverages and includes a wide selection of fine South African wines.

Simbavati River Lodge is an uncomplicated and down to earth safari experience and guests are encouraged to relax and feel at home. The lounge area is the perfect place to relax on a comfortable couch with a book from the in-house library or doze off on an afternoon siesta. During the mid-day heat, recline in a sun lounger or take a dip in our swimming pool. Children are catered for with an activity plan or increase their wildlife knowledge with a large selection of books at their disposal. The lodge has a curio shop in which to buy any necessities forgotten at home, or an African memento to remind you of your visit to Simbavati River Lodge.

Simbavati River Lodge offers game drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Game drives are conducted by experienced rangers and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities. You traverse over 12,000 hectares of the Big 5 game country, with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as other species such as kudu, zebra, warthog, giraffe, monkey to name a few.

Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives. Bird viewing is spectacular. Over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, buzzards, herons, egrets, owls, weavers. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of land owners concerned about the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Timbavati is dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species and is also involved in different research projects.

The Timbavati Game Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you have the opportunity to see the unique white lion in their natural environment. The resident lion prides of the Timbavati carry the recessive gene "chinchillia' that is responsible for this unusual anomaly. Just recently, two white lions were born into resident prides, and lucky guests have a good chance of seeing these cubs whilst visiting Simbavati.

Children of all ages are welcome at Simbavati. Only children of six and older are allowed on game drives, unless the family books a private land rover. Private land rovers can be arranged, 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 the age on 12 years.