Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve
Greater Kruger National Park

Features

Enjoy magnificent views of the bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from the vantage point of the beautiful small koppie on which the lodge is situated.
Accommodation is pure African safari, and comprises of individual pavilion-style luxury tents, arranged to create a unique village feel for a tranquil and intimate stay.
Experience the Timbavati Nature Reserve with over 12 000 hectares of pristine South African bushveld for the ultimate safari experience. Home to the legendary Big 5 and White Lions.
Each tented suite features an outdoor daybed where guests can relax and take in the spectacular scenery

Big FiveYes
Off RoadYes (for Big 5 Sightings Only)
Camp FencedNo
Child PolicyNo children under 12 years
PoolYes - At The Main Area Only
SPAIn-room Massages
AirconYes
Cellphone SignalNo
Malaria AreaYes

Location

Timbavati Game Reserve adjoining the western border of the Greater Kruger National Park

Getting There

Approximately 7 to 8 hours drive from Johannesburg to Simbavati River Lodge.
2 x daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
3 x flights a week from/to Cape Town to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
Road transfers from Nelspruit Airport can be arranged at an extra cost for the 3 hour drive to Simbavati.

Accommodation

8 x Luxurious Safari Tents, offering king-size or twin-bed options.

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Rates & Special Offers

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If you would prefer to chat to a Bush Lodge Expert for advice and recommendations, please contact us on 0861 00 44 55 (South Africa) or +27 11 468 3476 (international) or email info@bushbreaks.co.za.

Please note:

All rates are subject to availability.
Proof of SA residency may be required at the time of booking or upon check-in at the lodge.
Surcharges may apply on rates over peak holiday periods and long weekends.

Important Notes

Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
Rates quoted are only applicable to SA Residents. Special Discounted Rates for International Residents are available on request.
Timbavati Conservation Levy, which needs to be pre-paid with the accommodation costs on confirmation of the booking. Subject to change without prior notice.
South African Residents – R 220 per person per night applies
African Citizens & Residents – R 220 per person per night applies
Timbavati Gate Entrance Fee of R 300 per vehicle entry applies, based on a light motor vehicle, for self-drive guests. Payable in cash at the gate and subject to change.
**The Timbavati Enkhulu Gate closes at 18h00 and reopens at 06h00**
When self driving it is approximately a 7 to 8 hours drive. The recommended departure time from Gauteng (Johannesburg/Pretoria) is no later than 10h00, with no stops, to make it in time before the gate closes. The recommended route is the N1 via Polokwane.
Guests arriving at the Lodge after 15h00/15h30 will unfortunately, miss out on the first afternoon’s activity.

Single Accommodation Policy

Please contact your BushBreaks & More consultant for single accommodation rates.

Child Policy

Children under 12 years of age are not permitted at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.
Children under the age of 16 years have to share a room with an adult above 18 years of age.

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About Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Enjoy magnificent views of the bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountain Range from the vantage point of the beautiful small koppie on which the lodge is situated.

Accommodation is pure African safari, and comprises of individual pavilion-style luxury tents, arranged to create a unique village feel. Each suite comprises two individual tents – one for the main bedroom, and a separate bathroom, which is linked by a passage that can be opened up on one side – allowing for an indoor or private outdoor shower experience. Privacy is guaranteed thanks to the careful placement of the tented-suites, ensuring a tranquil and intimate stay.

Some of the private suites are situated to avail of the breathtaking views, and are therefore accessible via steep stairs. For the mobility impaired, please ensure that you stipulate your needs when booking.

PATTERN OF ACTIVITIES AT SIMBAVATI HILLTOP LODGE

The lodge offers Big 5 game activities 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.

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

|Early morning tea/coffee, a selection of fresh fruit and pastries on the deck overlooking the river|Game activity (approximately 3+ hours) including a coffee/tea stop in the bush|Mid-morning breakfast/brunch (continental and full hot breakfast)|Leisure time – enjoy the use of the infinity pool overlooking spectacular views of the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Alternatively, relax in the lounge/bar area, avail of the free Wi-Fi on offer, or simply allow your mind to wander while sipping a refreshing cocktail, and watching the wildlife at the Nhlaralumi River.|Lunch (A la carte or chef’s specials)|Afternoon High Tea (tea or coffee and freshly baked sweet and savoury treats)|Afternoon/evening game activity (approximately 3+ hours), which includes a bushveld Sundowner break. Alternatively, embark on a prearranged bush walk, and be back at camp in time to enjoy sundowners while watching the sun sink below the horizon.|Dinner of African-inspired cuisine is served on the deck, or – weather permitting – around the fire in the open-air boma.

Special dietary requirements: We require prior notification in order to accommodate any special dietary requirements you may have. Please ensure that you notify our reservations office upon booking.

About Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free range and ensuring guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that Africa has to offer. View the big game from open vehicles, on foot or from the comfort of your room as you experience timeless Africa. Escape from the grind of daily life and succumb to the tranquil wilderness of the Timbavati Nature Reserve in the South African Lowveld. Here you can view the Big Five and other endangered species such as the Wild Dog and Cheetah in their natural environment. Currently over 40 mammal species are listed as resident in the Timbavati, including the Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant, as well as endangered species including Wild Dogs and Cheetah. There is an abundance of birdlife, with a total of 360 species of bird listed.

Lodge Features

Boma

Lodge Pool

Curio Store

Wi-Fi

Additional Activities

Early morning tea/coffee, a selection of fresh fruit and pastries on the deck overlooking the river.
Game activity (approximately 3+ hours) including a coffee/tea stop in the bush.
Mid-morning breakfast/brunch (continental and full hot breakfast).
Leisure time – enjoy the use of the infinity pool overlooking spectacular views of the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Alternatively, relax in the lounge/bar area, avail of the free Wi-Fi on offer, or simply allow your mind to wander while sipping a refreshing cocktail, and watching the wildlife at the Nhlaralumi River.
Lunch (A la carte or chef’s specials).
Afternoon High Tea (tea or coffee and freshly baked sweet and savoury treats).
Afternoon/evening game activity (approximately 3+ hours), which includes a bushveld Sundowner break. Alternatively, embark on a prearranged bush walk, and be back at camp in time to enjoy sundowners while watching the sun sink below the horizon.
Dinner of African-inspired cuisine is served on the deck, or weather permitting , around the fire in the open-air boma.

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Getting There

Directions From Johannesburg/Pretoria to

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

DULLSTROOM ROUTE

Please be aware that this road has some very bad stretches with potholes, but it is still the fastest and most preferred road by regular travellers.

From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank (Emalahleni) and follow the N4 to Nelspruit (Mbombela). From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank (Emalahleni).

Follow the N4 and turn left to Belfast (Off-ramp R33/R540). Once in Belfast, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight with the R540 to Dullstroom. Drive straight through Dullstroom and continue to Lydenburg (Mashishing) on the R540. At the T-junction turn left into Lydenburg (Mashishing) into Viljoen street (R36). Turn left again into Voortrekker Street. Turn right into De Clercq street and follow the R36 through Ohrigstad. After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen. Do not turn left here, but continue straight on the R527 until you reach the town of Hoedspruit. (The distance between Ohrigstad and Hoedspruit i s ±89 km).

Once in Hoedspruit, continue straight. After the bridge crossing the railway line, turn right at the four-way stop and stay on the R40 South towards Hazyview and White River. Drive ±6.5 km and then turn left on the D1909 (Argyle Road). The signage reads Timbavati and Eastgate Airport.

Please do not rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. It will lead you the wrong lodge which will mean a two-hour detour.

After about 300m. you will get to a control gate, where you pass through. Continue straight, past the airport, for another 18 km until you reach the Enkhulu Control Gate into the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The gate is open from 06:00 – 18:00. You will be expected to pay an entrance fee here (2021 R210 * subject to change) . Very important: Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch, which we do not serve later than 15h00. It is also safer not to drive in the reserve and arrive at the l odge when it is dark. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please l et us know on (015) 793-9021/22. P lease note: C ontinuous cellular telephone reception ends here. Stay on this tar road for another 37 km (on the way you see the turn-off for Simbavati River Lodge – do not turn in here). Please ensure that you keep to the speed limit and do not get out of your car. You will later cross a low water bridge j ust before the

entrance to Ingwelala. After another 800 meters, you will see the Simbavati Hilltop sign on your right. Turn right on the gravel road here and follow the signs (another ± 10 km) until you reach Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.

N1 ROUTE TO SIMBAVATI HILLTOP LODGE

The N1 route via Polokwane is an alternative from Gauteng to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge. Although this way is ±50 km longer than the Dullstroom route and one pays more i n toll fees, for some people this i s a better option. It i s a road without potholes, and there are less delays due to heavy, slow-moving trucks. From Oliver Tambo International Airport follow the R21 north to Pretoria. Just before you reach, Pretoria, follow the N1 North to Polokwane. (From Johannesburg, you follow the N1 North to Polokwane). Take the R71 to Tzaneen just before you get Polokwane. Follow the R71 via Grobler Street through Moria to Tzaneen. Do not turn off the R71 until you get to the T-junction. Turn right onto the R36/R71 towards Tzaneen. Turn left onto the R71 at the first off-ramp and stay on the R71 through Giyani, Letsitele and Gravelotte until you reach the next T-Junction. At the T-junction turn right onto the R40 south towards Hoedspruit, White River and Mbombela. Continue straight through Hoedspruit. Drive ±6.5 km and then turn left on the D1909 (Argyle Road). The signage reads Timbavati and Eastgate Airport.

Please do not rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. It will lead you the wrong lodge which will mean a two-hour detour.

After about 300 m. you will get to a control gate, where you pass through. Continue straight, past the airport, for another 18 km until you reach the Enkhulu Control Gate into the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The gate is open from 06:00 – 18:00. You will be expected to pay an entrance fee here (2021 R210 * Subject to change) . Very important: Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch, which we do not serve later than 15h00. It is also safer not to drive in the reserve and arrive at the l odge when it is dark. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please l et us know on (015) 793-9021/22. Please note: Continuous cellular telephone reception ends here. S ay on this tar road for another 37 km (on the way you see the turn-off for Simbavati River Lodge – do not turn in here). Please ensure that you keep to the speed limit and do not get out of your car. You will later cross a low water bridge just before the entrance to Ingwelala. After another 800 meters, you will see the Simbavati Hilltop sign on your right. Turn right on the gravel road here and follow the signs (another ± 10 km) until you reach Simbavati Hilltop Lodge.

From Hoedspruit, i t will take you approximately 90 minutes to get to the l odge.

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Book & Pay Here

Online bookings can only be done for 2 guests sharing a room. If you have children or more than 2 guests travelling then please contact us for personal service.

Please note: Bookings are subject to terms & conditions, and cancellation fees may apply if relevant.

South African residents receive discounted prices from various lodges. Please confirm both visitors are SA residents.

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