Simbavati River Lodge
Family-friendly Timbavati lodge on the Nhlaralumi River — elephants at the waterhole below your deck
About Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati River Lodge occupies one of the finest settings in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve — perched on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River with a large waterhole directly below the main deck that attracts a constant procession of wildlife. Elephant herds are regular visitors, and watching them drink and play in the water from the comfort of the dining deck is one of the signature experiences at this lodge.
The lodge offers a choice of accommodation styles to suit different budgets and group sizes: luxury safari tents, tented pool suites with private plunge pools, and two-bedroom chalets ideal for families. All are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities and private decks facing the bush.
Game drives in the Timbavati are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles with expert ranger-tracker teams. The Big Five roam freely across the unfenced border with Kruger National Park, and the Timbavati’s lower lodge density means fewer vehicles at sightings compared to busier reserves. Night drives reveal nocturnal species rarely seen during daylight hours.
The Simbavati Collection, which operates this lodge alongside several others in the Timbavati and Klaserie, is renowned for warm hospitality and excellent food. All meals, local drinks, and activities are included.
What's Included
Rooms & Accommodation
Luxury Safari Tent
Air-conditioned tent with en-suite and private deck
Tented Pool Suite
Safari tent with private plunge pool and river views
Two-Bedroom Chalet
Family chalet with two bedrooms, en-suite, and shared deck
Safari Experience
Wildlife Commonly Seen
Elephant (regular at waterhole), lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, wild dog, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, kudu. Excellent waterbirds.
Best time to visit: Year-round; dry season (May-Sept) for waterhole concentrations
Amenities & Facilities
Location & Getting There
Address: Simbavati River Lodge, Timbavati, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa
GPS: -24.2200, 31.4100
Fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Lodge transfer approximately 1 hour. Drive from Johannesburg via R36/R40 (5 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Excellent — they welcome children of all ages, have family chalets, and offer adapted game drives for younger guests.
Yes — the waterhole below the main deck attracts elephant herds regularly. Many guests spend hours watching from the deck between drives.