Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is an exclusive, river-facing luxury lodge set in the private Timbavati Game Reserve which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. This allows the Big Five and many other animals to move freely over more than 20,000 km² of pure wilderness.
Highlights
- Luxury, river-facing safari lodge
- Excellent Big 5 game-viewing area
- Unfenced borders with Kruger National Park
- Private, intimate camp with only eight luxury safari tents
- All pavilion-style safari tents are en-suite, air-conditioned and have ceiling fans
- Game-viewing deck overlooking the river
- Infinity pool with panoramic views of the bushveld and Drakensberg Mountains
- Covered pool lounge for shaded outdoor relaxation
- WiFi connectivity in the main public areas
Sister to the well-established Simbavati River Lodge, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is set on a scenic 'kopje' offering superb views of the Nhlaralumi River and the surrounding bushveld with its abundant wildlife inhabitants.
Luxury accommodation with excellent privacy
There are just only eight luxurious pavilion-style safari tents, carefully spaced far enough away from each other to ensure your privacy. Each suite is made up of two individual tents comprising a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. One of the tent sides can be opened up to create an indoor or outdoor private shower experience with breathtaking views of your surroundings. Great care has been taken to use only natural building materials. The tents are on raised decks which are connected by wooden walkways.
Varied game activities
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers Big 5 game viewing activities twice a day; once in the early morning and again in the late afternoon and early evening which is when the wildlife is at its most active. On night drives, you'll have an excellent chance to see the rare and shy nocturnal species, especially the big cats like leopards. Over 40 mammal species frequent the Timbavati Game Reserve, including the Big 5 as well as endangered species like African wild dogs and cheetah. Home to over 360 bird species, the Timbavati is a bird lover's paradise. Of course, the Timbavati is also home to the famous, rare white lion.
Getting there
By air - Regular flights connect Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport to Hoedspruit's Eastgate Airport. From there, it's a one-hour drive to the lodge.
By road - Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is an easy seven-hour drive from Johannesburg. Road transfers are also available.
Our take on Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
A refreshingly new and scenic lodge, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers an enviable view over the vast bushveld from its elevated position. In the tranquil and unhurried Timbavati Private Reserve, you will enjoy a private and personal safari experience with every chance of spotting an incredible variety of birdlife, the Big Five, African wild dog and the rare cheetah which are all endemic to the area.
Includes
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Two game activities per day
- Local wine, beer and soft drinks
Excludes
- Premium-branded drinks and champagne
- Private transfers
- Gratuities
- Laundry service
- Items of a personal nature
- Conservation and park entrance fees
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5 Day Kruger Park and Private Lodge Safari
A guided safari in Kruger Park (using the national park camps) is quite different to a safari at a private game lodge. Both have their advantages. This trip idea combines two nights in Kruger, followed by two nights at a private game lodge for you to experience the best of both worlds. All game drives in open vehicles with expert and knowledgeable guides.
Simbavati River Lodge
Simbavati is a family-orientated safari lodge, situated in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge offers a choice of six luxury safari tents, two tented pool suites and three luxury, two-bedroom chalets, all air-conditioned, privately situated with en-suite facilities and ideal for those wanting to experience an authentic but affordable African safari experience. Open vehicle game drives afford guests great game viewing opportunities and a chance to see the Big 5, as well as the elusive white lion in its natural environment.
