Simbavati River Lodge

R13,500 - R16,325

per person sharing

At A Glance

R13,500 - R16,325

Per Person Sharing

Destinations

Accommodation Highlights

Excellent river front location - one of the best in the Timbavati
Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
Expansive deck and lounge to relax
Perfect for families, with 2-bedroom chalets
Fantastic value for money

Overview of Simbavati River Lodge

South Africa, Kruger National Park

Set in the northern Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Simbavati River Lodge offers over 12 000ha of wildlife-rich wilderness to explore. The perfect destination for safari enthusiasts, it’s prime Big 5 country – Timbavati adjoins the unfenced western border of the Kruger National Park, and animals can move freely between the two reserves. Relax in the spacious lounge or on the extensive decks which provide lovely views of the Nhlaralumi River, a place where regular wildlife sightings are recorded.

Early morning, afternoon and evening game drives at Simbavati River Lodge ensure excellent opportunities to spot the Big 5 and with 360 species on record, the bird watching is very rewarding too. Simbavati is a family-friendly camp and provides kids programmes and amenities.

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25%

From

R40 500

Per Person Sharing

Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3

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Spend 4 nights at 2 of Simbavati's safari lodges in South Africa and get your cheapest night free!

Minimum 4 nights

Terms & Conditions Apply

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Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences

5 Jan 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

21 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

21 Dec 2027 - 9 Jan 2028

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

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Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
Excellent river front location - one of the best in the Timbavati
Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
Expansive deck and lounge to relax
Perfect for families, with 2-bedroom chalets
Fantastic value for money

Bird watching

Game drives

Game viewing

Night drives

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Rooms at Simbavati River Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • simbavati-river-lodge-tented-suite-interior
  • Luxury Tented Suite interior.
  • simbavati-river-lodge-luxury-safari-tent-bathroom
  • simbavati-river-lodge-visitor

Luxury Safari Tent

The Luxury Safari Tents feature a king-sized bed (or twin) and an expansive game-viewing deck overlooking either the river or bush. Each tent is equipped with a generous en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, a shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet, and access to an outdoor rain-shower.

  • simbavati-river-lodge-2-bed-family-tent-main-bedroom
  • simbavati-river-lodge-family-suite-second-bedroom
  • simbavati-river-lodge-family-suite

Two-Bedroom Family Chalet

For families with children, this is the perfect option. The Two-Bedroom Family Chalets each have a main bedroom with a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom with a double rain shower and free-standing tub. Connected by a cosy living area, is a second bedroom with twin beds. The suite opens out onto a game viewing deck with views out over the river.

General Facilities

Relax in the spacious lounge or on the lodge’s large wooden decks as you read a book or watch animals at the nearby waterhole.

Simbavati offers its guests a swimming pool and bar as well as a curio shop, and children have access to a games room, books and special kids safari programmes.

Bar

Boma

Curio shop

Spa

Swimming pool

Dining

Start the day at Simbavati River Lodge with tea, coffee and rusks before your morning drive, after which an extravagant breakfast/brunch is served buffet-style on the outside wooden deck.

High tea is served just before the afternoon game drive while festive dinners are enjoyed in the evening around the campfire in the open-air boma or in the thatched dining area.

Indulge in a menu of African and Western cuisine and choose your drinks from a fully licensed bar and the large selection of fine South African wines.

Expert Opinion

We know because we go
Amanda Lawrence

Amanda Lawrence

Quote and Enquiry Manager

The best feature about Simbavati for me is the fantastic location and the views of the river.

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As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, every journey helps strengthen landscapes, support local livelihoods and protect the people, wildlife and wild places that make Africa extraordinary through long-term partnerships across the continent.​

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Traveller Reviews

  • CM
    Charles McLean
    traveler

    Simbavati was excellent in all respects.

  • SS
    Sue Smart
    traveler

    Simbavati was probably one of the most authentic safari adventures I have ever been on. You really felt you were out there on your own. No crowds of other vehicles. Their facilities, service and tracker and guide – Musa and Dennis – and the whole experience was fantastic!

  • AD
    Avideh Denereaz
    traveler

    Simbavati was amazing and exciting. Every afternoon during Siesta we had elephants visitng us and munching on the grass and leaves around the lodge.

  • ND
    Nicole Da Silva
    employee

    Wow – a little gem in the heart of the Timbavati! Loved the tented accommodations, really felt like I was in the bush as there are no fences around the camp. There is a lovely waterhole in front by the lodge so you can sit and relax and watch the animals pass by. The staff are amazing, friendly, happy and the food is just incredible, hearty and soulful. A great 4-star lodge, good for families as they offer 2 chalets close to the main area, and ideal for couples and honeymooners.

  • MO
    marcos ojeda
    traveler

    Our trip was everything we could have imagined and hoped for, and we are forever grateful for Go2Africa’s tireless efforts for making it happen, for your high degree of care and attention to details and for making us have one of the best experiences of our lives.

    And then…the safari…what a magical experience! How happy we were to stay there for 4 nights instead of the originally scheduled 3. All of the staff were friendly, affectionate, warm and incredibly knowledgeable, and we already told them that we plan to go back sometime in the future.

    We were and still are incredibly impressed by the many memories we have of our trip, the experiences we lived, and Loreto and I have agreed to one thing: this was our first trip to Africa, but will not be the last.

  • SE
    Sevasty Entwistle
    traveler

    At Simbavati River Lodge we had delicious meals, great game drives, attentive staff and beautiful surroundings. In the pool area we were visited by nyala, a hyena came into the lodge area and jumped on the sofa, warthog mothers and babies grazed next to our deck, and Kudu walked among our rooms.

  • MC
    Michael Corcoran
    traveler

    Our flight to, and transfer from, Hoedspruit was quite easy. The Simbavati River Lodge was lovely with very nice facilities, plus truly personalized service in an exclusive, peaceful and uncrowded environment. The staff was especially attentive and our guides were exceptionally knowledgeable about the abundant wildlife all around us. The whole safari constituted an amazing few days that we won't ever forget. It was truly special to experience as a family. The food at the lodge was fantastic!

  • CB
    Christine Bolan
    traveler

    Great rooms, great service, good food. Our game drive guide, was good (not the best we've had, but good).

  • FO
    Friends of Regina Blackburn
    traveler

    Overall, it was a great trip. I think we both enjoyed the safari camp the most, but it was close. We did see the “Big 5,” including doing it in a single day. Simbavati was great. The tent accommodations worked fine. Although I do use a wheelchair, I was able to manage the couple of steps down to the bathroom. If a person was confined to a wheelchair, it wouldn't work. Our guide was very good & the food was very good as well.

  • LM
    Larry Moffitt
    traveler

    Simbavati River Lodge. Great. A nice way to start the trip. It felt like a luxury safari camp which was what we wanted. Clean, comfortable, great food and nice people. Would definitely recommend and return again.

  • DF
    Denise Finney
    traveler

    Simbavati was magical and perfect for our initiation into the safari schedule. We did see the big 5 and met wonderful people and all the staff were quite friendly.

  • JH
    Julian Herbert
    traveler

    Simbavati – We absolutely loved the safari and were very happy with the lodge.

  • KN
    Kamasen Nayager
    traveler

    We stayed at Simbavati Lodge when we visited Kruger National Park. Kam and I felt very welcomed by the staff there. Staff at Simbavati Lodge were polite, warm and very helpful at all times of the day. The tent/room we stayed at was fantastic, we were particularly excited about the shower outdoors overseeing the wilderness. There’s no fencing around Simbavati Lodge so when the elephants came to graze near our tents, it gave us both a really “real” experience. We were able to see all the big-5 in just 3 game drives. The drivers and trackers at Simbavati Lodge were really accomodating, trying their best to let everyone see the big-5 at their stay. The game drives were in an open vehicle and they get really close to the animals, unbelievable. It is particularly fun and exhilarating when the driver tries to chase an animal and we go off the track into the bush and knock down small trees. The food was served in sessions, everyone ate at the same time. I thought the variety and taste of the food was ok, could be improved, but the portions were sufficient.

  • MW
    Maxine Whittaker
    traveler

    We were met by Elmarie, who thought we were staying for 3 nights. Maxine showed her our itinerary of 4 nights and matters were resolved in seconds. All the staff were excellent, the game drives with Christof & Daniel were outside of our imagination! Food marvellous, Charlie’s BBQ the highpoint. On Mothers Day, Charlie & Elmarie led some of the staff members in a singing greeting, after they had sung Happy Birthday to a guest; we could have cried. Inspired selection!

  • JF
    Jennifer Foston
    traveler

    The Simbavati River Lodge was fantastic, two room accommodation with complimentary Rhino swimming in the river and baboons walking past was unbelievable. Food was terrific although almost too much. The expert knowledge of Christof our guide and Daniel our tracker was wonderful and we have many pictures and videos of our drives to remember our trip with. On my recommendations for the lodge I did suggest some form of additional activity in the middle of the day, the 3 or 4 hours between breakfast/lunch and the afternoon drive was a little hard for us although I am sure others would not have this trouble.

  • CC
    Colin Cox-Steiner
    traveler

    Just wanted to thank you for a terrific trip! Everything went smoothly and we had a great time. You were right, the Simbavati Lodge was truly something special. Thanks again!

  • BT
    Boaz Tasa
    traveler

    We had there a great time, great Safari and a great vacation.

  • BM
    Brian Mccann
    traveler

    Simbavati Lodge was the most amazing experience. The comfort levels of our “tent” were better than some of the 5 star hotels we have stayed in around the world. The staff were so friendly and helpful, the food sensational and the animals were the stars… all making for a lifetime memorable experience.

  • PW
    Peter Webb
    traveler

    Simbavati River Lodge was great, such a nice location on the river and the staff and guides looked after us extremely well. The Leopards were great.

  • JW
    John Wakeman
    traveler

    All the transfers, trips, hotels and locations were excellent – We particularly loved Timabavati/Simbavati and seeing leopards at close quarters was my personal highlight.

  • RB
    Regina Blackburn
    traveler

    The stay at Simbavati was everything we could have hoped for in our first safari. Again, the accommodations were wonderful, the people were very friendly, and the food was great. It really gets a top rating.

  • HB
    Helen Belcher
    traveler

    Kruger was fantastic .We saw leopards, cheetahs, lions making a kill and lots more besides .One day we saw all the big 5 on one morning game drive and 4 out of 5 in the afternoon!

  • GT
    Gabriella Trabucchi
    traveler

    Simbavati River Lodge – brilliant choice! The people there and the place, just marvelous. I enjoyed every minute of it and am, truly amazed.

  • EC
    Edmund Cheesman
    traveler

    Simbavati: we all really loved it here. The staff were all very kind and helpful, and really tried their best to make sure we had a good time. The camp is lovely, and it really felt like we were out in the bush. Our tents were right in front of the river, and during the night hippos could be heard nearby. The food was excellent. The highlight of course was the game drives, and we had some excellent sightings, including a very close encounter with two female lions, one of which was suckling 3 or 4 cubs – terrifying but absolutely amazing. We managed to see 4 of the big 5, but just missed out on the rhino. We were very sad to leave Simbavati, but plan to return some time.

  • FK
    Fabio Kahn
    traveler

    The Simbavati River Lodge was excellent. In particular the team for the private game (driver + guide) was extremely professional with explanations, findings animal, efforts to show us as much as possible etc. It was very good.

CM
Charles McLean
traveler

Simbavati was excellent in all respects.

SS
Sue Smart
traveler

Simbavati was probably one of the most authentic safari adventures I have ever been on. You really felt you were out there on your own. No crowds of other vehicles. Their facilities, service and tracker and guide – Musa and Dennis – and the whole experience was fantastic!

AD
Avideh Denereaz
traveler

Simbavati was amazing and exciting. Every afternoon during Siesta we had elephants visitng us and munching on the grass and leaves around the lodge.

ND
Nicole Da Silva
employee

Wow – a little gem in the heart of the Timbavati! Loved the tented accommodations, really felt like I was in the bush as there are no fences around the camp. There is a lovely waterhole in front by the lodge so you can sit and relax and watch the animals pass by. The staff are amazing, friendly, happy and the food is just incredible, hearty and soulful. A great 4-star lodge, good for families as they offer 2 chalets close to the main area, and ideal for couples and honeymooners.

MO
marcos ojeda
traveler

Our trip was everything we could have imagined and hoped for, and we are forever grateful for Go2Africa’s tireless efforts for making it happen, for your high degree of care and attention to details and for making us have one of the best experiences of our lives.

And then…the safari…what a magical experience! How happy we were to stay there for 4 nights instead of the originally scheduled 3. All of the staff were friendly, affectionate, warm and incredibly knowledgeable, and we already told them that we plan to go back sometime in the future.

We were and still are incredibly impressed by the many memories we have of our trip, the experiences we lived, and Loreto and I have agreed to one thing: this was our first trip to Africa, but will not be the last.