Named after the Shangaan word, translated to mean “the place where lions come down from the stars,” Simbavati River Lodge positively glistens with that special African magic. Simbavati has an eco-sensitive and contemporary design, nestled between ancient Jackalberry trees, offering guests accommodation in both luxury tents and thatched chalets. A full staff complement creates a warm and welcoming environment, allowing for a truly family-friendly experience. The lodge is based in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve which borders the Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife roam freely between the two reserves. With access to over 12,000 hectares of bushveld, the focus is on viewing the Big 5.

Simbavati is popular with guests who are looking for an unfussy, value-for-money and down-to-earth safari experience. Game drives head out in the morning to catch glimpses of sun-loving creatures, and again in the evening for nocturnal wildlife. Simbavati offers wildlife lovers the rare opportunity of viewing the White Lion in its natural habitat. The lions carry a recessive ‘chinchilla’ gene, which creates this unusual colouring. Game viewing reveals sightings of elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, kudu and zebra, amongst many others. On night drives, as many as 360 recorded species of birds have been spotted, between sightings of big cats.

Guests are treated to feasts along the river and out in the open bushveld throughout the day. Breakfast is served on the expansive deck after the morning game drive, while dinner is a celebration around the fire, in the boma under the Milky Way.

The luxurious tented accommodation has all the amenities you could desire, to special touches, such as an outdoor shower and a private wooden viewing deck. The Family Chalets contain two bedrooms, offering gorgeous views over the wilderness. Children are well catered for, with an activity program that will keep them busy all day, if game drives and swimming in the lodge pool aren’t enough!

Simbavati has long been a favourite safari holiday destination, recently winning a Certificate of Excellence for Service from Tripadvisor, offering unbeatable value, comfort and the best game viewing in Africa.