Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati is situated in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent big-5 game viewing, breathtaking views and friendly and knowledgeable staff, all in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

Surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife rich wilderness, this is the perfect place from which to experience an authentic and affordable African safari. Game drives are conducted by experienced field guides and Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 vehicles and offer excellent photographic opportunities. Animals you can expect to see in the area are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo as well as other species such as kudu, zebra, warthog, giraffe, monkey to name a few. Nocturnal animals, including the big cats, are regularly sighted on night drives. Bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, buzzards, herons, egrets, owls, weavers.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you have the opportunity to see the unique white lion in their natural environment. The resident lion prides of Timbavati carry the recessive gene "chinchillia' that is responsible for this unusual anomaly and guests have a great chance of seeing these lions while on a game drive in the early morning and evening when animals are most active.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge enjoys magnificent views of the bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from it’s vantage point atop a koppie. The unique contemporary style incorporating natural wood makes for stylish spaces, including a chic lounge and 360 degree bar, game-viewing deck, infinity pool and shaded pool lounge for relaxation. Individual luxury tents are pure safari style with ultimate privacy guaranteed thanks to the careful placement of the tented rooms, ensuring an intimate stay. Each pavilion-style room comprises two individual tents – a bedroom and a separate bathroom, linked by a passage that can be opened up on one side, allowing for a private outdoor shower experience.