Imagine a lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve that overlooks a river in the where elephants are taking a bath and antelopes quenching their thirst. Where children are not only welcome but taken good care of in the-house „kids club“ while the parents can enjoy a game drive or a spa treatment. Where you can sweat in the gym at any time of the day. And where you can experience the feeling of exclusivity. Welcome to Simbavati River Lodge. 

BYOND TARVELING rating – ★★★★★

For whom?
For couples and especially for families with children. The lodge accepts children from the age of 6. 

When to go?
All year around. The lodge is sprayed, thus Malaria is not an issue during rain season (Nov – Feb). 

Location ★★★★★
Timbavati Game Reserve is highly famous for its luxurious safari lodges and high calibre game viewing, including the Big 5. Situated in the west of Kruger national park, the 53.392 hectares private concession can be reached within 6 hours from Johannesburg and is home to the rare species of the white lions. Only 500 are left in the whole of Kruger Park.

Amenities ★★★★★
The main are of the lodge as well as the 11 tents (8 double and 3 chalets for families) face the Nhlaralumi river – a true jawbreaker. The rooms are tented and have an indoor and outdoor shower, a private deck, a coffee station & minibar and all the other necessary amenities. Wifi is only available at the main deck. Especially precious for families with children: the kids club. A room fully equipped with games where the small ones are entertained all day around by a pedagogical staff member. The highlight for long-term guests and sports addicts: the in-house gym. The ultimate treat for connoisseur: the spa. 

Service ★★★★☆
Simbavati River Lodge meets the expectations of a 4* lodge. Special requests  are fulfilled immediately and you feel pampered, especially after a spa visit. 

Kitchen ★★★★☆
Intercontinental breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner. Occasional bush dinners and boom dinners provide a change from the „ordinary“. Quality of the food is very high, all dietary requirements are met and the variety is extensive. 

Sustainability ★★★★☆
Simbavati attempts to become more sustainable: Plastic bottles are about to be replaced by metal and glas, delivery trucks are already reduced to a minimum and local communities are involved and supported. Guests can make a day- visit to a surrounding village, learn about their culture and support them.

Value for Money ★★★★★
Simbavati River Lodge is the perfect place to go on a safari vacation with your whole family, including the kids and everyone will love it. The cherry on top – it is situated in one of the best game viewing areas of the Kruger Park. The price for this is 430€ per person per night sharing. We think it’s totally worth the money. 

What we liked the most
A place to linger – As we said, there is something for everyone. A spa, a gym, an entertainment area for kids, kids-sitting (included in the price) and so on so forth. This all-inclusive packages makes it a place where you can easily spend more than a weekend. 

What we didn’t like so much
Sustainability efforts can be improved – To run a lodge fully sustainable is not easy. But we’ve seen a lot of best practice examples by know who have shown that it’s not only environmentally friendly but also well approached by guests. Simbavati River Lodge still has a few kilometers to become more sustainable e.g. removal of plastic bottles, introduction of renewable energy, supply of organic ingredients etc. However we appreciate that first attempts have been made (local community support) and further progress is planned! 

PS: For those whore looking for something more sustainable or something more luxurious and exclusive (especially couples) Simbavati runs 2 other lodges – the Hilltop Lodge and the soon opening Trails Camp.