Taken from local Shangaan language, Simbavati River Lodge translates to "the place where the lions came down from the stars" and was designed to offer private luxury accommodation with breathtaking views, personalized service, and an excellent big-5 game viewing experience. Combined with a welcoming & relaxed atmosphere, the lodge also offers fantastic value-for-money stays.
Situated in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this intimate, family-friendly camp is built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River – a beautiful watercourse in the summer months when rain is plentiful, and a dry riverbed in the drier winter months.
Simbavati River Lodge boasts eight Luxury Tents, 2 Tented Pool Suites and three Family Chalets; each positioned to offer guest privacy and comfortably furnished.
This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation. It caters well to couples and honeymooners with a safari spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families. One of its winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant.
The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog.
Game drives are offered in the early morning and evening and are conducted by experienced field guides and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 safari vehicles.
Simbavati River Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for an affordable and authentic safari experience.
March 28, 2024
Experienced a double booking
Before payment, we experienced an issue of double booking, where suddenly our chosen lodging is only available for 2 out of 4 days. I hope Safari.com can improve their system to avoid this in the future. While it will be an inconvenience on our part to have to move lodging half way, we also understand the high demand of the lodging as we make the booking just 5 months before departure. I really appreciate Nelia's quick action informing us and providing an alternative plan which works for us. Overall it was quite a smooth booking process.
March 28, 2024
Safari.com was helpful start to finish
Safari.com was helpful start to finish. The sign up process was clear, the support was great as we tailored our experience. Directions were perfect to get there. Everything in the safari was as we thought it would be and even better. It literally was the trip of a lifetime and exceeded our expectations.
March 5, 2024
Safari.com and Nelia go above and beyond
Nelia at Safari.Com made everything so easy to navigate and book. She has been amazing putting up with all my questions and always promptly responds. She has gone above and beyond to assist with my travel plans and requests. So very thankful and excited I found her at Safari.com. Cannot wait for the trip!
May 1, 2024
Shann could not have been more helpful
Shann could not have been more helpful. I enquired through WhatsApp from the UK and she responded quickly and efficiently to my questions. It was great to have my enquiry dealt with in such an efficient manner.
Apr 30, 2024
Customer service a welome surprise!
The website was easy to use, I made a double payment in error and they were super helpful and refunded me within two days cheerfully. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with them.
Apr 28, 2024
Great service
Great service. The staff are so helpful and accomadating. I would highly recommend them.
Apr 28, 2024
Shann was great
Shann was great. Answered all questions promptly and setup the trip to Kruger last minute for us with ease.
Apr 28, 2024
Shann was amazing
Shann was amazing. Really knowledgeable and helpful. Nothing too much trouble.
Apr 27, 2024
Anja is awesome!
Anja is awesome!! She went above and beyond for me as I had several changes until I locked in my bucket list itinerary and then my friend cancelled. She wasn't mad and just went about cancelling her portion which saved me money in the long run. Anja is a true professional regardless and I have been dealing with her since Sept 2023. Cannot wait until my trip in Sept 2024.
Apr 26, 2024
Shann was beyond amazing
Shann was beyond amazing. Listened to our needs, communicated super-efficiently and gave really honest excellent advice. She was so patient, kind and professional. The time difference across the globe made no difference. I am so excited for the itinerary she has put together. I usually cobble my own itinerary together for our holidays and it’s so time consuming and hard work. This was a piece of cake! Thank you Shann.
Apr 26, 2024
Great planning and service
Great planning and service, and everything worked like clockwork. We booked an Inyari Lodge safari with air with Safari.com. it wasn't clear if there will be 2 or three of us, so with Candis' help we booked a family chalet for 2 and added the third later when it was confirmed he can come. Candis put us on flights that maximized our game drive time (unlike some of the other guests) so we got all 6 drives in 3 nights. The lodge was great. Especially the game drives. We saw more than we hoped for. Additionally, Safari.com's insurance was very competitive. Highly recommended.
Apr 24, 2024
Kim helped us for the details of trip…
Kim helped us for the details of trip planning.