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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers a luxurious and immersive safari experience in the heart of the exclusive Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the iconic Greater Kruger National Park. Nestled atop a scenic koppie (hill), the lodge provides panoramic views of the vast African wilderness, the seasonal Nhlaralumi River below, and the distant, dramatic backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain Range.
Perfect for discerning travelers seeking serenity, privacy, and exceptional wildlife encounters, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding bushveld. Accommodation consists of spacious, pavilion-style luxury tents arranged in a village-like layout that reflects a harmonious connection with nature.
Each tented suite is thoughtfully designed for both comfort and seclusion, featuring two separate tents connected by a covered walkway—one for sleeping and one for bathing. The open-air design allows guests to enjoy either an indoor retreat or a private outdoor shower under the African sky. Carefully spaced apart, every suite guarantees breathtaking views, peace, and privacy for a truly intimate safari escape.
Whether you’re unwinding on your private deck with a glass of wine, listening to the call of the wild, or spotting elephants and big cats from afar, every moment at Simbavati Hilltop is filled with the beauty and authenticity of a classic African safari.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers exceptional Big Five safari experiences, with twice-daily game drives conducted during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon—when wildlife activity peaks and the bush reveals its most dramatic moments. These expertly guided safaris are led by professional rangers and Shangaan trackers who share fascinating insights into the ecosystem, animal behavior, and traditional bush knowledge.
Evening game drives transition into thrilling night safaris, giving guests the rare opportunity to spot elusive nocturnal species such as leopards on the hunt, civets, genets, and owls. Powerful spotlights and trained guides help uncover the hidden magic of the African night.
Located within the unfenced wilderness of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the lodge ensures exclusive traversing rights over prime Big Five territory, allowing for immersive sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo—often without another vehicle in sight. Guests can also expect to encounter a rich variety of plains game, birdlife, and even the endangered African wild dog.
Every game activity at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is designed to bring you closer to nature in its purest form, creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the Greater Kruger wilderness.
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is a wildlife-rich haven within the Greater Kruger National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and uncrowded game viewing. Over 40 mammal species are known to inhabit this pristine wilderness, including Africa’s legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant.
Guests at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge are also uniquely positioned to witness rare and endangered species such as the African wild dog and the cheetah, both of which are elusive and highly sought-after on any safari. Sightings of these predators are particularly exciting due to their unpredictable movements and low population numbers in the wild.
For birding enthusiasts, Timbavati is nothing short of paradise. With more than 360 recorded bird species, the reserve offers year-round birdwatching opportunities. During the summer months (October to March), migratory birds add to the already impressive list, with colorful species like the lilac-breasted roller, woodland kingfisher, and various raptors frequently spotted.
Pro Tip: Bring a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to fully appreciate the diversity of wildlife. The lodge’s guides are highly experienced and will help you track both iconic game and lesser-known creatures, from antlions and pangolins to hornbills and bush babies.
Whether you’re a first-time safari guest or a seasoned wildlife lover, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers a deeply immersive and rewarding nature experience in one of South Africa’s most celebrated conservation areas.
