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Simbavati River Lodge

4.0 star property
All-inclusive tentalow with a full-service spa and free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Simbavati River Lodge

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Lobby
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Restaurant
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Bar
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool

Explore the area

View in a map
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380
  • Place, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
  • Place, Phalaborwa Gate
  • Airport, Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪71 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Tent

Luxury Tent | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Luxury Tent

  • 409 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Chalet

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

Family Chalet

  • 538 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

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

Family Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

  • 538 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • River view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 5 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Tent

Deluxe Tent | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Tent

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

What's nearby

  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 140 min drive

About this property

Simbavati River Lodge

All-inclusive tentalow with a full-service spa and free breakfast
At Simbavati River Lodge, guests enjoy a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a gym. Free valet and self parking are available—or if you're not driving, take the free airport shuttle (available on request). Front-desk staff can help with concierge services, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Other amenities at this all-inclusive tentalow include free WiFi in public areas, a free kid's club, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Minibars, coffee makers, and safes are also standard.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite 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.

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  • Free airport shuttle
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Oct 23 - Oct 24
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at scheduled times and on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception

Things to do

  • Books
  • Free children's club
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Free children's club
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • In a national park
  • On a river
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 floor
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 5 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • 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

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

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

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2:30 PM—-5 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle (available during limited hours). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the tentalow at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is 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

Will I find all-inclusive rate plans at Simbavati River Lodge?

Simbavati River Lodge is an all-inclusive resort and rates come with all meals.

How much does it cost to stay at Simbavati River Lodge?

As of Oct 19, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Simbavati River Lodge on Oct 21, 2025 start from $1,251.52, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are free cancellation options available at Simbavati River Lodge?

Simbavati River Lodge provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

Will I be able to park at Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, valet parking and self parking are offered for free at the tentalow.

Is there a spa at Simbavati River Lodge?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include body wraps, couples treatments, mani/pedis, and massages.

Does Simbavati River Lodge have a casino at the property?

No, Simbavati River Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Simbavati River Lodge?

No, this tentalow doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about Simbavati River Lodge?

This riverfront tentalow offers many amenities for couples such as an outdoor pool and a bar with some accommodations featuring private plunge pools.

Does Simbavati River Lodge have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this tentalow.

Does Simbavati River Lodge have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Simbavati River Lodge serves free full breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Does Simbavati River Lodge allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Simbavati River Lodge.

What is the closest airport to Simbavati River Lodge?

The closest major airport to Simbavati River Lodge is Hoedspruit (HDS), which is about 22.4 mi away. Another top airport is Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck), which is around 22.9 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Simbavati River Lodge?

Yes, every accommodation at Simbavati River Lodge comes with a deck with some featuring river or pool views.

Simbavati River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jody

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

MARICY

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julian, Miami

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

SANDEV

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Phenomenal property and staff and game drives. Food and rooms were excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ido, London

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dean

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Simbavati sensation

5 star accommodation, food and wildlife experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Paulo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie, Houston, Texas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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. ,
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Peter, New York

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

kevin, toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Dave, Portland, OR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

8/10 Good

Emma, Perth Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

10/10 Excellent

FelixSnow, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

10/10 Excellent

Matthew, Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing! Truly unforgettable

8/10 Good

Atousa, Iran-Mashhad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was better than you expected exept the scorpion that we found in our room. Be careful!!!!!!!

10/10 Excellent

Jacques, VAL D OR

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.....
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
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 .
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Janaina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Maximino, Ciudad de mexico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastico

Muy buena experiencia,

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