Overview
Luxury tents with a view
In the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge drinks in magnificent views of the African bush, the Nhlaralumi River and the distant foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains from its vantage point atop the small koppie.
Eight pavilion-style luxury tented suites are arranged to create a village feel while being carefully placed to ensure privacy. Each suite comprises two individual tents – one for the main bedroom, and the other a separate bathroom, which is linked by a passage that can be opened on one side, allowing for an indoor or private outdoor shower experience. Some suites are accessible by steep stairs, rewarded with views, with similar vistas enjoyed from the infinity pool, lounge and panoramic bar.
The 12,000 hectare Timbavati shares a fenceless border with the Kruger, with an incredible array of wildlife to see such as lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos as well as other species such as wild dogs, cheetahs, zebras and giraffes.
Facts
At a glance
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Eight tented suites
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Infinity pool
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Panoramic bar
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Lounge and libary
Experiences
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![Simbavati River Lodge 9]()
Game drives
The lodge offers Big 5 Safari game drives in the early morning and evening for exceptional game viewing when the animals are most active. Nocturnal animals, including big cats, are regular sightings at night. Game drives are conducted by experienced field guides and local Shangaan trackers in open 4X4 vehicles, with excellent photographic opportunities.
Community & Culture
Simbavati is passionate about their local community with a long-term goal to see the community around us thrive both economically and socially. For this reason, they have partnered with Eco Children, a local non-profit organisation focusing on improving education in the area.
Eco Children focuses on hands-on environmental education and whole school development and work with primary schools in the area. They help schools better their infrastructure and the overall teaching conditions, in order to improve education and empower learners to break the cycle of poverty they have been born into.
Conservation
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve was initiated in 1956 by a group of landowners who were concerned about the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Timbavati is dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species and is also involved in different research projects.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
