
Photos: Simbavati Lodge Collection
About this place
Simbavati River Lodge stands on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, beside the Kruger National Park. A floodlit waterhole just below the dining deck is a favourite with elephant herds, so the wildlife often comes to you between game drives.
The lodge pairs classic safari style with fresh, contemporary decor. Couples can choose a luxury safari tent or a tented pool suite, each with a private plunge pool, and families have three two-bedroom chalets with a game-viewing deck over the river. There is a safari spa, a gym and the Cubs Club, a kids' centre with games, crafts and supervised activities, which makes this the most family-friendly of the Simbavati lodges.
Two game drives a day explore the Timbavati, a private reserve in the unfenced Greater Kruger known for the Big Five, leopard and wild dog. The lodge's guest areas are fenced with a low-visibility fence that keeps the river views open. River Lodge is also the meeting point for transfers to Simbavati Trails Camp.
Amenities
Bed linen
Wifi
En-Suite Bathrooms
Swimming pool
Plunge pool
Outdoor dining area
Get to know where you stay
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Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with Simbavati Lodge Collection once you send your dates.

King · 5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom
Three family chalets, each with a king bedroom and a second bedroom with twin beds, sharing one bathroom with a bath and a double indoor rain shower; the bathroom is reached through one of the bedrooms. A game-viewing deck looks over the river. Two chalets sleep four and one sleeps five. A minimum of three paying guests applies.

King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
A luxury safari tent with a king or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with its own plunge pool, set along the river.

King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
A tented suite with a king or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with a plunge pool overlooking the bush.
About Hoedspruit
Important information
Check-in and check-out
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes90% refund 61+ days
Refund schedule
- 90% refundcancel 61+ days before check-in
- 75% refundcancel 31+ days before check-in
- 25% refundcancel 15+ days before check-in
- 10% refundcancel any time before check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Deposit Required10% deposit
10% Deposit Required
Deposit Due at Booking
The 10% deposit is required when you make your booking
Balance (90%)
due 30 days before check-in
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Child PolicyFamily friendly
Child Policy
Children of all ages are welcome
Children of all ages are welcome. Under 4s stay free, and children aged 4 to 11 pay half the per person sharing rate when sharing with two adults in a family chalet; 12 to 17 year olds pay the third and fourth person rate. Children aged 6 and older may join game drives. A child sharing with one adult pays the adult sharing rate. The Cubs Club kids' centre runs activities on request.
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
A 10% deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days before check-in.
Cancellation Policy
- 90% refundcancel 61+ days before check-in
- 75% refundcancel 31+ days before check-in
- 25% refundcancel 15+ days before check-in
- 10% refundcancel any time before check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Simbavati River Lodge located?
Simbavati River Lodge is in Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
How many guests can Simbavati River Lodge accommodate?
Two-Bedroom Family Chalet (3 of them) sleeps 5 each, Luxury Safari Tent with Pool (6 of them) sleeps 2 each and Tented Pool Suite (2 of them) sleeps 2 each.
How do I book Simbavati River Lodge?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with Simbavati Lodge Collection, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom.
Enquire about a stay
Request availability. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with Simbavati Lodge Collection.
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Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.
