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Simbavati River Lodge

4.0 star property
All-inclusive tentalow with spa and safari

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Bring the children when you stay at Simbavati River Lodge and they can enjoy the free children's club. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with massages, body wraps or body scrubs. Other highlights at this all-inclusive tentalow include an outdoor pool, a free airport shuttle and a bar/lounge.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
The current price is AU$2,297
includes taxes & fees
6 June - 7 June

Why we love this property

Foodie paradise
Indulge in the restaurant, bar, and locally-sourced cuisine. Couples can enjoy private dining while everyone gets free full breakfast.
Nature's calling
This tentalow sits in a national park along a river in a rural setting. Safari adventures await with game drives and wildlife viewing from the terrace.
Riverside rejuvenation
Savour daily spa treatments in couples rooms at this riverside tentalow. Body scrubs, wraps, massages, and more await. Fitness room adds active options.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Tent

Luxury Tent

Luxury Tent

  • River view
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Family Chalet

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

Family Chalet

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

View all photos for Family Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

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

Family Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

  • River view
  • 50 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Tent

Deluxe Tent

Deluxe Tent

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Map
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380

What's nearby

  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Selati Nature Reserve - 28 min drive - 22.7 km

Getting around

  • Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 153 min drive
  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 160 min drive
  • Free airport shuttle

About this property

Simbavati River Lodge

Bring the children when you stay at Simbavati River Lodge and they can enjoy the free children's club. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with massages, body wraps or body scrubs. Other highlights at this all-inclusive tentalow include an outdoor pool, a free airport shuttle and a bar/lounge.

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

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 11 cabins
    • Arranged over 1 level
DONE

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
DONE

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
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

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
DONE

Children

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

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
    • Free on-site valet parking
DONE

Transfers

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

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
  • Locally sourced food is prioritised
  • 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
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • 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 1 year 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.

This property does not have lifts.

This property uses some solar energy. Some water is reused through 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. Popular attractions include Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is 31 minutes away by car.

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Reviews

Simbavati River Lodge Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Julian, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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!
David, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Phenomenal property and staff and game drives. Food and rooms were excellent.
SANDEV, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Jody, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Yes
Marion, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Einzigartige Tierbeobachtungen möglich, direkt von der Lodge aus. Lage direkt an einem Fluss, auch in der Trockenzeit mit Wasserlöchern gefüllt. Essen sehr gut, Personal teilweise unpersönlich. Driver und Tracker für die Gamedrives hervorragend. Unterkunft wird in Teilen renovierungsbedürftig. Ob einem der sehr hohe Preis gerechtfertigt erscheint, muss jeder selbst entscheiden.
Achim, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

La tente de luxe était superbe Les games drive quelle aventure formidable, un merci tout spécial à Dennis Le personnel était à l’écoute de nos moindres besoins
Jacques, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Donald, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Excellente

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.
David, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Simbavati sensation

5 star accommodation, food and wildlife experience.
Dean, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing wild dogs sighting

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
Paulo, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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. ,
Bonnie, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Peter, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

60th Birthday celebrations

What a 60th Birthday bucket list adventure Family from around the globe joined together and we were super spoilt by team at Simbavati
Alana, 3-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

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
Verified

6/10 Good

Decepcionados

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.
Janaina, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
carol , 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Traveller from Toronto

Great with African cuisine dinner, thank you so much to Nicholas, Stefan, Kyle for the game drive. it was a great experience in my life. Nice to try kadu, buffalo meat for dinner. 3 meal plus 4 snack time per day.
kevin, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Truly Loved It

We stayed in what are called "tents" but are actually much nicer including a complete bathroom, minibar, a/c, overhead fan, etc. The staff was wonderful, nice small pool, food good. Oh, the animals -- unbelievable. We stayed 4 nights at roughly $515/night, worth every penny, and had a great time on all the drives. Didn't get bored for a second.
Verified

8/10 Very good

Great for safaris

A great location beside a river bed, that sadly only carries water during heavy rain. Never the less we still saw many animals walk along the river bed and drink from the water hole in front of the lodge. Internet is intermittent, due to the isolation of the area, but we found that all the lodges we visited had the same problems. Comfortable and very friendly staff.
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastico

Muy buena experiencia,
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Nice hotel with great staff

The staff is always caring. The morning and evening drives were excellent. We've seen all the big fives. The waterhole in front of the property is popular with animals. You can see them during meals and mid-day breaks. Our children love the property and activities. Highly recommended.
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastisch

Simbavati river lodge is een fantastische om te verblijven op een super mooie locatie in het timbavati reserve. De service is echt uitstekend en alles wordt voor je geregeld. Door de locatie komen er geregeld dieren bij de lodge langs of drinken wat het nog leuker maakt. Echt een top verblijf
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing! Truly unforgettable