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The 10 Best Lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa

Check out our pick of great lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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The airy lodges at the Motswari Private Game Reserve feature thatched roofs, each equipped with air conditioning and unrivalled savannah views from large wooden decks. They combine traditional décor with a designer touch and include a lounge and bathrooms with bathtub.

The stay in Motswari was exceptional. we had a great time there. the staff, each one of them, was very very kind and helpfull, professionals - each one with what he do. Josh, Lot and Phaswane in particular! The reserve is beautiful, and the pool faces areas where you can watch girrafes and other animals... We really liked the fact that the team surprised us each day with something new. could be a romantic dinner in front of the lake, a dinner near the fire pit or even a beautiful lunch well-organized in between the bushes inside in the reserve. The vehicles are very comfortable, high-quality jeeps and we was only 6 people. looks like they try not to push too many people in one vehicle. food was very tasty and fresh. There is the option to get a massage treatment in your room.

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9.5
Exceptional
405 reviews
Price from
£551
per night

With Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve reachable in 8.5 km, Simbavati Trails Camp offers accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a bar.

The nearest airport is Ngala Airfield Airport, 34 km from the lodge.

Ultimate luxury in the most beautiful setting…… staff were friendly and hospitable. Absolute treat in the bush!!!

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9.3
Superb
38 reviews
Price from
£451
per night

Featuring mountain views, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp in Timbavati Game Reserve features accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar. The lodge features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

The camp is stunning, stylish & comfortable. Rooms are gorgeous! All the staff are so friendly & helpful. The food & hospitality is incredible too. The view over the huge watering hole gives amazing animal spotting: hippos and elephants galore! The game drives were THE BEST. We saw a leopard close-up every day, a pride of lions playing. Incredible! This is a luxury safari without the luxury price.

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9.9
Exceptional
9 reviews
Price from
£460
per night

Perched on a ridge within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Geiger's Camp is an exclusive family-owned lodge with panoramic views of the Nhlaralumi River and surrounds.

This luxury camp is comprised of only 4 rooms, each boasting a private wooden deck overlooking the bush. They are air-conditioned and feature an en suite bathroom with a ball-and-claw bath, as well as an outdoor shower.

The staff and service were exceptional (thanks to Tim!). The safaris were amazing (thanks to Godfrey and Jacky). The food was incredible (thanks to chef Grace!). The rooms were beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. The common areas and pool were top notch. All in all, this was probably the best accommodation experience we’ve ever had. It was worth every penny, and it lived up to (and exceeded!) our expectations.

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9.7
Exceptional
71 reviews
Price from
£784
per night

Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is located in Timbavati Game Reserve which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Free WiFi access is available in this lodge.

At Simbavati Hilltop Lodge you will find an airport shuttle. Other facilities offered at the property include laundry facilities. The property offers free parking.

Amazing place with amazing hospitality. The staff and food is fantastic. It was the best experience we ever had.

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9.5
Exceptional
85 reviews
Price from
£1,029
per night

Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kambaku River Sands features game drives and bush walks. The lodge also offers an outdoor swimming pool, spa and communal lounge with two open fireplaces.

The lodge was beautiful and the rooms incredible. Friendly helpful staff who couldn’t do enough for you. amazing food.

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9.8
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
£477
per night

Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp offers luxury accommodation in a secluded bush setting, with an outdoor pool. Guests can dine under the stars while watching wildlife visit the spot-lit watering hole.

Amazing service in a luxurious setting with delicious food. Staff is next level.

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9.8
Exceptional
17 reviews
Price from
£1,377
per night

Kambaku Lodge is located in the heart of Timbavati Nature Reserve and has a waterhole which attracts members of the Big 5. Each of the rooms and chalets feature African décor and a private patio.

The four-poster beds are surrounded by mosquito nets and the bathrooms contain both a bath and shower. This eco-friendly lodge lights its rooms with lanterns at night, but also has solar operated electric sockets, ceiling fans and free Wi-Fi.

Beautiful gamedrives with excellent staff! Friendliness of all the staff.

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9.6
Exceptional
33 reviews
Price from
£310
per night

Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Game drives, bush walks and meals are included in the rate.

Guests sleep in traditional African reed and thatch huts created using local Shangaan tribal architecture. Umlani Bushcamp’s huts offers an en suite bathroom with open-air shower, mosquito netting over each bed and crisp white linens. Candle lanterns are used for evening light.

Everything! The location in the bush was amazing. The rustic facilities was exactly what we were hoping to experience. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They could not have done anything more for us. The food was amazing. And then, there were the daily excursions into the bush. Again, amazing. Our Ranger and Tracker were very knowledgeable about all that we were seeing. They did amazing tracking and driving to get us as close as possible to the free-roaming animals. Each ride had a special happening. We wanted to see an elephant. We saw a mother elephant playing and teaching her baby, 2-week old elephant. We wanted to see a lion. We saw over 20 lions, including being in the middle of a group roaring/talking to each other. We wanted to see a rhino. We saw 4 rhinos meeting in a group as a mother seemed to be teaching her babies.Each ride was exceptional.

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9.6
Exceptional
85 reviews
Price from
£322
per night

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.

Everything was perfect, they provided us with halal food based on our request. We enjoyed the game drives. Special thanks to our guide and tracker GY and Daniel we were able to see all give in the very first game drive!

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9.3
Superb
97 reviews
Price from
£589
per night

Looking for a lodge?

Ideal for nature-lovers looking for a self-sufficient getaway, lodges are fully furnished and self-catered. Usually made of wood and surrounded by forests or mountains, lodges can be part of a group or a single unit. More remote than holiday homes, lodges are popular for safari trips.
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Most booked lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve this month

Enjoy breakfast in Timbavati Game Reserve!

  • Motswari Private Game Reserve by NEWMARK
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 405 reviews

    Motswari is a luxury family-owned lodge situated within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    The tour guides were amazing & the staff was so friendly and welcoming

  • Simbavati Trails Camp
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 38 reviews

    With Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve reachable in 8.5 km, Simbavati Trails Camp offers accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a bar.

    authentic, great food, good field guides and great service

  • Simbavati River Lodge
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 97 reviews

    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.

    The breakfast very nice we really enjoy all their meals

  • Simbavati River Sands

    Offering river views, Simbavati River Sands in Timbavati Game Reserve offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a bar.

  • Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
    9.9
    Scored 9.9
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 9 reviews

    Featuring mountain views, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp in Timbavati Game Reserve features accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a terrace and a bar.

    the feeling and experience you want and the staff where very welcoming

  • Geiger's Camp by NEWMARK
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 71 reviews

    Perched on a ridge within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Geiger's Camp is an exclusive family-owned lodge with panoramic views of the Nhlaralumi River and surrounds.

    Everything was fresh and delicious served in a beautiful setting.

  • Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 86 reviews

    Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is located in Timbavati Game Reserve which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Free WiFi access is available in this lodge.

    it was different, clean, pretty and pool area was fab

  • Kambaku River Sands
    9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 6 reviews

    Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kambaku River Sands features game drives and bush walks.

Save money on lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve – budget options available!

  • Kings Camp
    Budget options available
    9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 18 reviews

    Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp offers luxury accommodation in a secluded bush setting, with an outdoor pool.

    the game drive and the experienced rangers ! they were super professional

  • Kambaku Safari Lodge
    9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 33 reviews

    Kambaku Lodge is located in the heart of Timbavati Nature Reserve and has a waterhole which attracts members of the Big 5. Each of the rooms and chalets feature African décor and a private patio.

    De gamedrives. Aiden en Stanley waren fantastisch!

  • Umlani Bushcamp
    9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 85 reviews

    Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Game drives, bush walks and meals are included in the rate.

    De plek, de rust, het personeel, het eten, alles in één woord: PERFECT

  • Walkers Plains Camp
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1 review

    Situated 26 km from Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve, Walkers Plains Camp offers a bar, and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.

  • Tanda Tula Safari Camp
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 3 reviews

    Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers all inclusive luxury tented accommodation in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve situated within the Greater Kruger National Park. Guests can enjoy game drives.

FAQ about lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve






Lodges that guests love in Timbavati Game Reserve

  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 405 reviews
    Having been on safari a few times before, the experience simply exceeded my expectations. I would highlight our exceptional team of Hayden and Patrick. More than simply seeing the big five, which we did, it was how we saw them and their interactions: leopard, lion, wild dog, all had it in for the hyenas! The accommodation was comfortable and authentic, the food wonderful and the staff friendly. The overnight Giraffe's Nest stay is a must. We will be back
    Aiden
    Young couple
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 97 reviews
    We absolutely loved simbavati river lodge and could not imagine a better safari experience for our family of 4. Special shoutout to our fantastic guide CJ for incredible sightings including the elusive white lion.
    Sarah
    Family with young children
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 97 reviews
    If you love elephants 🐘 and game drives this is the lodge for you! Super friendly staff. Very knowledgeable tracker & drivers
    Sabine
    Family with young children
  • 9.6
    Scored 9.6
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 33 reviews
    From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were treated superbly by the lodge manager , safari guides and staff. Nothing too much trouble. The game drives were exceptional - Gideon and Eric were great company, very informative and tuned their information to the guests (we have been on safari many times) providing some real detailed knowledge. Food was great and a really great atmosphere to the whole experience.
    Dawes
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £1,506.36
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 86 reviews
    Everything! This place is phenomenal: from the beautiful lodge, to the people, delicious food and knowedgeable + fun safari crew. Could not recommend it more.
    Mihai
    Group
  • 9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 405 reviews
    Once in a life experience! An amazing rustic lodge right in the bush and well integrated with nature. The staff is very nice and makes you feel at home. Food is eccellent and different every day. Everything is well organized. Our riders Josh and David made our trip unforgettable. Josh has a lot of knowledge of animals and nature and David is great in following animals footprints.We wish we could have stayed even more! Thanks for everything Valentina&Jhonny
    Valentina
    Young couple
  • 9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 97 reviews
    A great safari and a fantastic location on the river. The staff were amazing: Auwbery and Siphu served us so well in the restaurant and the bar. Our guide Clement assisted by Nicholas were the best, giving us the most fantastic safari experience. The best safari staff we have experienced
    David
    Family with young children
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 71 reviews
    Absolutely amazing location, fantastic safari drives with incredibly knowledgeable tracker, and brilliant hospitality back at the lodge. Couldn't ask for anything more.
    Joseph
    Young couple
  • 9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 71 reviews
    Geiger Camp and Motswari Game Lodge is my home away from home. This is excellent value for money, where each guest receives VIP treatment. The staff and rangers go the extra mile to ensure comfort and an amazing bush safari experience. And the cuisine is excellent! This was the fourth time I returned in 2 years. It is absolutely worthwhile and a huge treat!
    Coetzee
    Family with young children
  • 9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 18 reviews
    It is one of the best lodges I have ever stayed at with Great service and Exceptional food
    JeanCil
    Young couple

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