In the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, the Simbavati River Lodge offers the chance of a face-to- face encounter with Africa’s incredibly varied wildlife from the lodge’s private viewing decks. Simbavati River Lodge combines the rustic appeal of an African game with stylish modern interiors. Choose from 2-bedroom family suites or luxurious Safari Tents, all feature air conditioning private outdoor decks overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. The spacious family have a large bathroom twin wash-basins, a shower and deep, free-standing bath. Each morning and evening, Simbavati Lodge offers game drives conducted by experienced rangers and trackers, providing the opportunity to photograph some of the reserve’s incredible array of wildlife that includes the 'big 5' - lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Afterwards you can sit around the campfire and enjoy traditional African cuisine often prepared on the 'braai' or barbecue.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.5)

Free parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
Bedroom 1:
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 2:
2 single beds
2 single beds
or
1 extra-large double bed
3 single beds
and
1 extra-large double bed
1 large double bed
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.7
Facilities
9.3
Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.5
Value for money
8.8
Location
9.5
Free WiFi
5.6
Low score for Timbavati Game Reserve
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Fiona
    Australia Australia
    Fantastic, friendly staff who go out of their way to create a memorable experience. The game drives were brilliant and the food was delicious.
  • Annemarie
    Switzerland Switzerland
    Well appointed lodge. Fantastic game drives and daily visits from wild animals to the viewing deck at the lodge.
  • Annemarie
    Switzerland Switzerland
    Beautiful lodge. Unbelievable wildlife encounters. Especially the herd of visiting elephants while we were sitting down for Christmas lunch!

Property surroundings

Restaurants
2 restaurants on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly
    • Dietary options
      Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
  • Restaurant #2

    No additional info available

Facilities of Simbavati River Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.3

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Fitness centre
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 2 restaurants
  • Bar
  • Breakfast
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
View
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Patio
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Game drives
  • Kids' club
Living Area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Telephone
Food & Drink
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
    Reception services
    • Invoice provided
    • Concierge service
    • Luggage storage
    Entertainment and family services
    • Board games/puzzles
    • Babysitting/child services
      Additional charge
    Cleaning services
    • Daily housekeeping
    • Ironing service
      Additional charge
    • Laundry
      Additional charge
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • CCTV in common areas
    • Key access
    • 24-hour security
    • Safety deposit box
    General
    • Shared lounge/TV area
    • Electric blankets
    • Designated smoking area
    • Air conditioning
    • Non-smoking throughout
    • Wake-up service
    • Heating
    • Private entrance
    • Packed lunches
    • Airport shuttle
      Additional charge
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Accessibility
    • Entire unit located on ground floor
    Outdoor swimming pool
    Free!
    • Open all year
    • Pool/beach towels
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    Wellness
    • Full body massage
    • Couples massage
    • Foot massage
    • Neck massage
    • Back massage
    • Spa facilities
    • Body wrap
    • Body scrub
    • Body treatments
    • Pedicure
    • Manicure
    • Facial treatments
    • Beauty Services
    • Massage
      Additional charge
    • Fitness centre
    Languages spoken
    • Afrikaans
    • English

    House rules

    Simbavati River Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in

    From 14:30 to 17:00

    Check-out

    From 08:00 to 11:00

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children of any age are welcome.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    0 - 3 years
    Cot upon request
    Free

    The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

    There are no extra beds available at this property.

    All cots are subject to availability.

    Age restriction

    The minimum age for check-in is 18

    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    Mastercard Visa Diners Club Cash is not accepted Simbavati River Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Please note: the rate quoted includes game rides and full board.

    Please note that compulsory conservation levies are applicable and excluded from the rates. These are payable prior to or on arrival.

    Please note :

    Timbavati Conservation fee will increase to R 400 per adult per night, R 200 per child under 12 per night from 01 January 2020

    A gate entrance fee of ZAR 160 per vehicle is applicable and payable upon entrance to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Please contact the property directly for further information.

    Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees (subject to change)

    Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.

    Timbavati Private Nature Reserve:

    1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023: R510 per adult per night and R255 per child under 12 years per night.

    1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night.

    Klaserie Private Nature Reserve:

    1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023: R450 per person per night for any person 12 years and older.

    1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R480 per person per night for any person 12 years and older.

    Check-in is from 14:30. You are welcome to arrive earlier, and make use of our swimming pool or other facilities.

    We try to accommodate early arrivals, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room was occupied on the previous night.

    Check-out is prior to 11:00 on the day of departure. Again, we try to accommodate late check-outs, subject to room availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room is booked for the evening. If we are unable to accommodate a late check-out, we will happily store your luggage whilst you enjoy our facilities.

    Lunch

    The Full Board & Activity/Game drive price includes lunch (served from 1pm to 2.30pm) either on the day of arrival or on departure.

    If you wish to have lunch on both arrival and departure days, there will be an extra charge for the second lunch.

    Conservation Levies and Additional Reserve Fees are subject to change. Conservation levies will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.

    Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024: R575 per adult per night and R288 per child under 12 years per night.

    Self-drive guests: A vehicle entrance fee of R280 is only payable at the Timbavati or Klaserie Control Gate

    All conservation levies and other reserve fees are subject to change without prior notice. Conservation levies for 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

    The above-published conservation levies may change without prior notice if there are changes made by the reserve.

    Please inform Simbavati River Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

    FAQs about Simbavati River Lodge

    • Room options at Simbavati River Lodge include:

      • Chalet
      • Tent
      • Family
      • Suite

    • Simbavati River Lodge is 13 miles from the centre of Timbavati Game Reserve. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • The prices at Simbavati River Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Simbavati River Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Fitness centre
      • Massage
      • Kids' club
      • Beauty Services
      • Swimming Pool
      • Facial treatments
      • Game drives
      • Manicure
      • Pedicure
      • Body treatments
      • Body scrub
      • Body wrap
      • Spa facilities
      • Back massage
      • Neck massage
      • Foot massage
      • Couples massage
      • Full body massage

    • Check-in at Simbavati River Lodge is from 14:30, and check-out is until 11:00.

    • Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

    • Simbavati River Lodge has 2 restaurants:

      • Restaurant #2
      • Restaurant #1