Simbavati River Lodge

An exclusive African Safari experience awaits you at the Simbavati River Lodge, situated in the northern sector of the world-famous Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. There are no fences between the Timbavati and the Kruger National Park. The closest gate to the Kruger Park is the Orpen Gate (approximately 1-hour drive). The reserve is home to the famous White Lions and offers exceptional game viewing opportunities. Simbavati River Lodge has extensive tracts of wilderness (over 9,500-hectares) in which to experience an authentic but affordable African safari.

An intimate and child-friendly camp, Simbavati River Lodge places emphasis on relaxation. Chalets are comfortably furnished complete with air conditioning, further enhancing your tranquil African Bush experience. The lodge also offers a lounge, bar, restaurant and breath-taking views of the nearby Nhlaralumi River. Mid-morning Brunch and Afternoon High-Tea is served outside on a wooden deck and combines African and Western cuisine offering exciting new tastes for the more adventurous as well as more conventional preferences. Served around the campfire in an open-air boma, Dinner is a memorable occasion for all guests who dine at Simbavati River Lodge.

The lodge offers Big 5 Safari Game Drives in the early morning and evening to ensure game viewing when the animals are most active. Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regular sightings at night. Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big 5 of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of birdlife. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of landowners 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.

About Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free-range and ensuring guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that Africa has to offer. View the big game from open vehicles, on foot or from the comfort of your room as you experience timeless Africa.

Escape from the grind of daily life and succumb to the tranquil wilderness of the Timbavati Nature Reserve in the South African Lowveld. Here you can view the Big Five and other endangered species such as the Wild Dog and Cheetah in their natural environment.

All the big game is here including rhino, elephants, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, as well as leopard, lion, hyena. Bird watching is good particularly during the rainy season.