Simbavati River Lodge in Greater Kruger National Park

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All-inclusive tentalow with spa and safari

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Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Airport transfer
Bar
Spa
Free breakfast
Pool
Gym

Main amenities (12)

Daily housekeeping
Restaurants and bar/lounge
Full-service spa
Outdoor pool
Free children's club
Free airport shuttle
Fitness centre
Babysitting
Terrace
Coffee/tea in a common area
Air conditioning
Self-serve laundry

Feel at home (6)

Babysitting (surcharge)
Children's club (free)
Private bathroom
Terrace
Daily housekeeping
Laundry facilities

includes taxes & fees

24 May - 25 May

Room options

All rooms

1 bed

2 beds

3+ beds

Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Family Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Deck/patio

Individually furnished

Individually decorated

Air conditioning

Heating

Premium bedding

2 bedrooms

Bathrobes

River view
50 sq m
Sleeps 5
5 Single Beds

Family Chalet

Highlights

Deck/patio

Individually furnished

Individually decorated

Air conditioning

Heating

Premium bedding

2 bedrooms

Bathrobes

River view
50 sq m
Sleeps 4
1 Double Bed OR 1 Single Bed

Luxury Tent

Highlights

Deck/patio

Individually furnished

Individually decorated

Air conditioning

Heating

Premium bedding

Separate bedroom

Private bathroom

River view
38 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Single Bed

Deluxe Tent

Highlights

Deck/patio

Individually furnished

Individually decorated

Private plunge pool

Air conditioning

Heating

Premium bedding

Private bathroom

38 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Similar properties

Pool
Spa
Free parking
Free WiFi

includes taxes & fees

26 May - 27 May

About the area

Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380

What's nearby

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Selati Nature Reserve - 32 min drive - 21.2 km

Getting around

Hoedspruit (HDS) - 140 min drive
Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 175 min drive
Free airport shuttle

About this property

All-inclusive

This tentalow is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks and select beverages included

Basic alcoholic drinks included

Land activities

Childcare

Languages

Afrikaans, English

At a glance

Hotel size

- 11 cabins
- Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

- Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; check-in end time: 5 PM
- Contactless check-in and check-out are available
- Minimum check-in age – 18
- Check-out time is 11 AM
- Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

- This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
- The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM
- Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
- This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
- To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
- For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

- Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
- Government-issued photo ID may be required
- Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

- No cots (infant beds)
- Babysitting*
- Free children's club

Pets

- No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

- Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

- Free on-site self-parking
- Free on-site valet parking

Transfers

- Free airport shuttle from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM*

Other information

- Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

Free full breakfast each morning 9:00 AM–10:30 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee/tea in a common area
Private dining
Free daily reception

Travelling with children

Free children's club
Babysitting (surcharge)

What to do

Safari
Wildlife viewing

Services

Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Laundry facilities
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas

Facilities

Terrace
Fitness centre
An outdoor pool
Full-service spa
At least 80% of food locally sourced
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Locally owned and organised tours and activities
Local culture and ecosystem education
Comprehensive food waste policy
Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

Air conditioning and heating
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers

Sleep well

Turndown service
Premium bedding

What to enjoy

Deck or patio
Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

Private bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels

Food and drink

Free bottled water

Daily housekeeping
In-room safe

Special features

Spa

The on-site spa has 2 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include body wraps, body scrubs, body treatments and manicures and pedicures.

The spa is open daily. Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 12 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:

Destination fee: ZAR 575 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

Additional fee: ZAR 140 per person, per night

This property is located in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The additional mandatory fee covers entrance to the reserve.

Children & extra beds

Babysitting is available for an extra charge

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

Guests under 12 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 12 years old are only allowed with adult supervision
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

This property does not have lifts.

This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system.

Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit on-site.

This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.

Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard

Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

Also known as

Simbavati River Lodge Kruger National Park

Simbavati River Lodge

Simbavati River Kruger National Park

Simbavati River Bushbuckridge

Simbavati River Lodge Bushbuckridge

Simbavati River Lodge Safari/Tentalow

Simbavati River Lodge Safari/Tentalow Bushbuckridge

Frequently asked questions

Does Simbavati River Lodge offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Simbavati River Lodge does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Simbavati River Lodge?

Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, there's free self and valet parking.

Is an airport shuttle service offered by Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, a free airport shuttle is available from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on request.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Simbavati River Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; check-in end time: 5 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Simbavati River Lodge and nearby?

On-site recreation at Simbavati River Lodge includes game viewing, a wildlife and game drive and a safari. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Simbavati River Lodge also has a fitness centre.

Are there restaurants at or near Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.

Does Simbavati River Lodge have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a deck or patio.

What's the area around Simbavati River Lodge like?

Simbavati River Lodge is located by the river, a short 1-minute walk from Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

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Simbavati River Lodge Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Great place. If you like elephants you will see many here. Overall a great place, from the people working there, to the food and amazing game drives.

2-night trip

10/10

Phenomenal property and staff and game drives. Food and rooms were excellent.

3-night trip

10/10

Simbavati River Lodge encompasses a combination of luxury and Safari adventure。 While being papered with an amazing room with 5 star accommodations, you are submerged within the best Safari viewing experience one can imagine. Staff is professional friendly and extremely happy and hospitable. They go way beyond what was expected in all aspects leaving you with an experience that may be lived in very few places in this type of vacation. The food served is phenomenal with all sorts of choices for every breakfast lunch dinner and drinks. Our Field Guide, Tracker provided us with knowledge and viewings of all sorts of species while always providing a safe environment with upbeat and fun momments to be remembered. The rest of the staff including our Butler were all on opoint. We dream on returning soon.

3-night trip

10/10

What we like the best is the people in this property! They are warm and welcoming! Every staff there are giving their best services to us! They are working hard to make sure the customers happy! Our guide named Happy was exceptional in terms of knowledge, competence, skills and his happy nature and disposition impressed us! He works extremely well with our ranger/ driver named Marte-lize, who has tremendous passion for her job and very good at her job! We are very blessed to have the best game drives every day! Our waitress Chrinah, was sweet, attentive and thoughtful. We are very grateful to have the wonderful unforgettable experiences! We cannot help but feel grateful for the memories we had made during our stay. It was a journey that awakened our sense, rejuvenate our spirit , and left us with a profound appreciation for the untamed the beauty of Africa wilderness! The memories of our Safari adventure will forever remain tattooed in our heart!

3-night trip

10/10

3-night trip

10/10

The lodge is well positioned with great facilities and comfortable accommodation. The guides and trackers and knowledgeable and friendly making for the best game drives.

4-night trip

10/10

Chambre confortable. Chaque lodge est a l’écart des autres ce qui donne un sentiment d’être seul. Les prestations sont excellentes. Le personnel au petit soin. Les games drive au top avec le chauffeur et pisteur qui vous accompagne pendant le séjour. Beaucoup d’animaux dont les big 5. Je retournerai dans cet hôtel avec grand plaisir.

2-night trip

10/10

5 star accommodation, food and wildlife experience.

3-night trip

10/10

Very nice lodge located on a river bank in the Timbavati Game Reserve with good food and with excellent and talented staff. They could not do anymore to make us feel comfortable and welcome. From the front desk ladies to the waiters and cooks they are all so nice and attentive. The guide (Nichole) and the tracker (Thabo) tried everything to show us some amazing animal sights. The game drives can vary depending on your luck, but the guide and tracker did everything they could to show us some quality sightings such as leopards and hyenas with kill and the high light for me, a pack of more than 30 wild dogs which Nichole chased off road for more than 15min. The information and explanations from the guide were just enough to keep us interested and to let us enjoy the moment. I also liked the fact that the guides use a hear piece to maintain radio contact with the other vehicles. In other lodges you have to be submitted to listen to the constant radio talk. This was a far, far better experience. We definitely recommend this lodge for a fantastic stay and a truly bush experience. Thank you to all and well done for your dedication

2-night trip

10/10

The guide and tracker and butker qere excellent. So kind and helpful. The drives were FANTASTIC. Included the Big 5 as well as nuanced things like birds, vegetation, insects and reptiles. Just excellent. ,

2-night trip

10/10

Wunderschöner Platz mit vielen vielen Tieren direkt beim Frühstück und an den lodges, tolles Essen und klasse Personal, alles wie eine Familie, spitzen Safaris mit Leopard, Nashorn, Löwen Elefanten.....

3-night trip

10/10

Nothing better than being greeted by a herd of elephants and impala as we sat on the veranda sipping a drink and sailing up the sun

2-night trip

10/10

What a 60th Birthday bucket list adventure Family from around the globe joined together and we were super spoilt by team at Simbavati

3-night trip

6/10

Leider war das Lucyszelt In der River Lodge nicht wie auf den Bildern am Fluss , kein Blick . Bei Hitze ueber 40 Grad funktionierte die Klimaanlage nur unzureichend . Außer 2 Ganes drives keinerlei andere Aktivitaeten moeglich . Gebiet um die Lodge bzgl Tieren ziemlich leergefegt , morgens in 3 Stunden 2 x nur 2 Tiersorte gesehen . Zu teuer fuer die Leistung , schade .

3-night trip

6/10

Buscávamos um safári de alto nível e não tivemos isso. A qualidade dos safáris foi mediana. Fizemos outros em outro lodge e foi imensamente superior (mas o dobro do preço). A ranger era inexperiente e o tracker apático. Na maior parte das vezes, se restringiram a rodar pela reserva e encontrar os animais na sorte. No outro lodge, eles foram totalmente envolvidos e ativos na busca, e os safáris foram emocionantes. Não voltaremos e não recomendamos. A parte isso, o lodge é lindo e a reserva tem uma natureza belíssima. Os animais que vivem por lá são especiais. Vimos os 5 grandes. Também fomos presenteados por uma manada de elefantes que atravessou o rio, bem em frente ao lodge, enquanto tomávamos café da manhã.

4-night trip

8/10

O hotel é muito bom, a equipe é MUITO educada, prestativa são ótimos. Achei só que na hora do safari não conseguimos ver os big 5 e faltou um pouco de foco, senti que rodávamos sempre os mesmos perímetros e não explorávamos muito.

2-night trip