Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

hoedspruit, south africa

From $540/night
  • air conditioning
  • airport transfers
  • bar / lounge
  • bath products
  • bedding
  • bedside lighting
  • community pool
  • concierge
  • electric blankets
  • electricity
  • fire extinguisher
  • first-aid kit
  • front desk
  • hair dryer
  • housekeeping
  • lounge areas
  • mini bar
  • mosquito nets
  • patio / deck
  • restaurant
  • robes
  • running water
  • safe - in room
  • security
  • shower
  • shuttle service
  • slippers / in-room shoes
  • spa
  • towels
  • turndown service
  • game drives
  • massage
  • safari tours
  • wildlife observing
  • All-inclusive

Rate excludes alcoholic drinks

  • Check-in

    1:00 PM

  • Check-out

    11:00 AM

  • Taxes

    VAT 15% Included.

  • Gift Cards

    Not available at this property.

  • Included in the Rates

    Accommodation, all standard meals, two game drives per day, selected drinks (selected spirits, house wines, local beers and soft drinks). Emergency Medical Response and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.

  • Gratuity

    Not included, but appreciated.

  • Other Fees

    Conservation Levy of $25 & Vehicle Entrance Fee of $10

  • Parking

    Included on-site

  • Cellular Signal

    Limited

  • Wi-Fi Signal

    Strong

  • Minimum Age for Children

    12

  • Additional Guests

    Rates based on per person.

  • Suggested items to bring with you

    Personal Items

  • Reservation and Cancellation Policy

    1. All cancellations must be provided in writing.

    2. Cancellation policy per booking:

    2.1. If cancelled up to 61 days prior to arrival, a 10% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

    2.2. If cancelled 31 to 60 days prior to arrival, a 25% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

    2.3. If cancelled 15 to 30 days prior to arrival, a 75% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

    2.4. If cancelled 14 days or less prior to arrival, a 100% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

    3. Cancellations of 4 rooms and more, group cancellation policy will apply.

    4. Guaranteed reservations will be held for the first night only, after which the accommodation will be released.

  • Pet Policy

    Pets are not allowed at this property.

How Do I Get There?

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is approximately a 7-hour drive from Johannesburg.

Please note you cannot access the Lodge through Kruger National Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the directions below.

Take the Eastgate Airport / Timbavati turnoff from the R40 south of Hoedspruit. On the tar road you will go through 2 control gates.

At the second gate you enter the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will pay a Vehicle Entrance Fee per vehicle.

Keep your permit as the Lodge will issue you with an exit permit when you return.

Follow the tar road from the Timbavati Gate for approximately 39km, past the turnoff to Simbavati River Lodge and Machaton Private Camp and continue on the tar road to the Motswari / Simbavati Hilltop turn-off.

This is just passed Ingwelala on the righthand side. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the signs for approximately 12km to the lodge.

Very important:

Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch.

Game drive start between 15:30 and 16:30 depending on season.

NB: There is no cellphone reception once you turned off the R40.

View Google Maps

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is situated in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park, on a beautiful small kopje, an ideal vantage point for stunning views of the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. 

Enjoy magnificent views of the bush and wilderness from the unique contemporary lodge facilities or from your own private deck or daybed and experience an exhilarating game safari exploring the abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 as well as the unspoiled landscapes of the reserve.

The lodge boasts breathtaking views from individual luxurious safari tents, specifically arranged to create a unique village feel. Privacy is guaranteed thanks to the careful placement of the tented-suites, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable stay. Each of the luxury safari tents are equipped with a private game-viewing deck and daybed to take in the stunning scenery. A pure authentic, tranquil safari experience in pavilion-style luxury tents.

The lodge facilities allow for complete relaxation and appreciation of the unique, authentic surroundings. Guests can sit back and enjoy a cocktail on the deck overlooking the river or in the covered pool lounge for shaded outdoor relaxation, spend an afternoon at the outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views of the bushveld and distant mountains and visit the gift shop for safari memorabilia.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Glamping Types

  • Tents

Great For

  • couples
  • honeymoon
  • romantic
  • solo travelers

Setting

  • eco-reserve
  • luxury
  • safari

Total Accommodations

  • 8

Minimum Night Stay

  • 2

Rates Based On

  • per person on double occupancy

Best time to visit

Open: Year-round

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
5.0 469 Reviews
Email

Accommodations

  • Luxury Tents

    From $540/night
    01
    03
  • Amenities
    • air conditioning
    • airport transfers
    • bar / lounge
    • bath products
    • bedding
    • bedside lighting
    • community pool
    • concierge
    • electric blankets
    • electricity
    • fire extinguisher
    • first-aid kit
    • front desk
    • hair dryer
    • housekeeping
    • lounge areas
    • mini bar
    • mosquito nets
    • patio / deck
    • restaurant
    • robes
    • running water
    • safe - in room
    • security
    • shower
    • shuttle service
    • slippers / in-room shoes
    • spa
    • towels
    • turndown service
  • Experiences
    • game drives
    • massage
    • safari tours
    • wildlife observing
  • Dining Options
    • All-inclusive

    Rate excludes alcoholic drinks

  • Policies
    • Check-in

      1:00 PM

    • Check-out

      11:00 AM

    • Taxes

      VAT 15% Included.

    • Gift Cards

      Not available at this property.

    • Included in the Rates

      Accommodation, all standard meals, two game drives per day, selected drinks (selected spirits, house wines, local beers and soft drinks). Emergency Medical Response and Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.

    • Gratuity

      Not included, but appreciated.

    • Other Fees

      Conservation Levy of $25 & Vehicle Entrance Fee of $10

    • Parking

      Included on-site

    • Cellular Signal

      Limited

    • Wi-Fi Signal

      Strong

    • Minimum Age for Children

      12

    • Additional Guests

      Rates based on per person.

    • Suggested items to bring with you

      Personal Items

    • Reservation and Cancellation Policy

      1. All cancellations must be provided in writing.

      2. Cancellation policy per booking:

      2.1. If cancelled up to 61 days prior to arrival, a 10% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

      2.2. If cancelled 31 to 60 days prior to arrival, a 25% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

      2.3. If cancelled 15 to 30 days prior to arrival, a 75% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

      2.4. If cancelled 14 days or less prior to arrival, a 100% cancellation fee of the full booking value (inclusive of VAT) will be charged.

      3. Cancellations of 4 rooms and more, group cancellation policy will apply.

      4. Guaranteed reservations will be held for the first night only, after which the accommodation will be released.

    • Pet Policy

      Pets are not allowed at this property.

  • Location

    How Do I Get There?

    Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is approximately a 7-hour drive from Johannesburg.

    Please note you cannot access the Lodge through Kruger National Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the directions below.

    Take the Eastgate Airport / Timbavati turnoff from the R40 south of Hoedspruit. On the tar road you will go through 2 control gates.

    At the second gate you enter the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will pay a Vehicle Entrance Fee per vehicle.

    Keep your permit as the Lodge will issue you with an exit permit when you return.

    Follow the tar road from the Timbavati Gate for approximately 39km, past the turnoff to Simbavati River Lodge and Machaton Private Camp and continue on the tar road to the Motswari / Simbavati Hilltop turn-off.

    This is just passed Ingwelala on the righthand side. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the signs for approximately 12km to the lodge.

    Very important:

    Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch.

    Game drive start between 15:30 and 16:30 depending on season.

    NB: There is no cellphone reception once you turned off the R40.

    View Google Maps

Inside Scoop

  • The lodge offers Big 5 Game Drives in the early morning and late afternoon/evening, taking advantage of the time of day that the animals are naturally most active. Nocturnal creatures - including the big cats - are regular sightings at night.