Simbavati River Lodge

Sara and Joseph made our drives memorable with their patience, passion, and knowledge. They spotted wildlife so well and shared fascinating details along the way. From arrival, the staff were warm, attentive, and always willing to help. The food was excellent, and transfers were smooth and well organised. Simbavati River Lodge gave us comfort, hospitality, and unforgettable game drives. Highly recommend it!

After long days out in the wilderness, we were welcomed back by an attentive team and delicious meals. The food was a real highlight, with impressive flavour and care in its preparation for such a remote setting. Sarah and Joseph took us into the bush each day, with three hours at sunrise and another three at dusk. Their skill, intuition, and connections with other trackers helped us see all five within two days, including lion cubs. The drives stayed interesting even in quiet moments, as they pointed out insects, birds, termite towers, and faint tracks in the sand. Their enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation added a lot to the safari. We left with wonderful memories of the animals and a deep appreciation for the dedication and genuine hospitality of the whole Simbavati team. This was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Strongly recommend giving it a try!

We stayed at Simbavati River Lodge from 7-10 January 2026 as a family of four, with our daughters aged 9 and 6, to celebrate my wife's 40th birthday. The lodge is about a 60-minute, 44 km drive from Eastgate Hoedspruit Airport. The first 12 km to Enkhulu Gate is easy, then it's another 32 km inside the reserve at a strict 50 km/h. Enkhulu Gate is the only entrance to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, and the safari starts right away, with wildlife sightings along the way. The staff made the stay feel personal and special, with a butler for every meal and our own ranger and tracker throughout. Chef Tact checked on our dietary needs and how we were enjoying the food. Everyone was warm, humble, smiling, and keen to make our visit memorable. Ralph, our butler, deserves a special mention. He checked in at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and his attention and care made us feel at home. He looked after my wife and children like family and treated them like royalty. Meals were generous and beautifully made, served on a lovely deck overlooking the riverbed. We saw hippos, elephants, nyala, warthogs, crocodiles, and all sorts of birds from there, including kingfishers, eagles, and storks. The quiet deck made meals feel like part of the safari. The food is so good that you'll leave full. There's also a small gym and a pool to cool off in. There are two drives a day, around 2-3 hours each, at 05:30 and 16:00. Andre “The Giant”, our ranger and driver, knew the bush inside out and brought even the small details to life. Nicholas, our tracker, was quiet, but his tracking was incredible. We saw the Big Five, wild dogs, giraffe, hyena, and much more. Each drive was exciting, educational, and immersive. The time from 09:00 to 15:00 gives you a chance to rest before the afternoon outing. Kate also took wonderful care of our girls while we went on a bush walk, so we felt completely at ease. Zintle and Thandi at front reception were warm and friendly. We loved the ice-cream surprise on a 38-degree afternoon drive and the cheerful welcomes after every game drive. Thank you to Simbavati River Lodge for being part of my wife's birthday and giving our daughters memories they'll treasure. They are already asking when we can return. We loved every minute and feel like part of the family. THANK YOU ❤️

Beautiful setting and lodge, with friendly staff and good food. The guides and trackers were experienced, and we saw all the Big Five and more. Hyenas, impalas, and even elephants came right beside our pool, which was amazing. Definitely try the walking safari!