Simbavati River Lodge situated is in the northern sector of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, surrounded by over 12 000 hectares of wildlife rich wilderness in which to experience an authentic but affordable African safari. The design of this 4-star lodge is contemporary, warm and welcoming. Guest common areas offer a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the Nhlaralumi river where regular wildlife sightings take place and guests can unwind. There's also a small plunge pool for relaxing during the heat of the day, an activity area to keep children occupied, and a secluded spa retreat for a pampering massage. Accommodation consists of four luxury tents and three chalets; all are privately situated and comfortably furnished with eco friendly air conditioning and en-suite facilities.

The Timbavati Association was formed in 1956 by a group of conservation minded landowners who had witnessed the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Insensitive land use (primarily crop and cattle farming) had caused soil erosion and destruction of indigenous plant species. In addition, natural water sources had been rerouted by dams further impacting on the natural status quo. As a result, much of the wildlife common to this area was lost. The fledgling association persuaded each land owner to become part of a group with a common aim to reclaim the land for the benefit of all. Today, the group has 50 members, who have succeeded in restoring the land to its former glory with diverse and rare wildlife species making the Timbavati their home. In 1993, in recognition of the importance of the area, the fences between the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve were removed to encourage natural species migration. Today the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR) comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park (KNP). Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big Five of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of bird life.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Simbavati River Lodge is a 6 hour Drive from Johannesburg. Take the N4 TO Witbank. Take the Belfast Offramp (R33/R540). Once in Belfast town, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight to Dullstroom on the R540. Drive Straight through Dullstroom town and keep straight to Lyndenberg. Once in Lyndenberg turn left into Potgieter Street and continue straight to Ohrighstad on R36 until it turns left to Tzaneen. Do Not turn, but continue straight on the R527 TO Hoedspruit. In Hoedspruit, continue straight over the bridge crossing the train line to a four way stop. At the stop turn right and continue towards Bosbokrand / Bushbuckridge along the R40. 6/7km from Hoedspruit, note the East-Gate Airport sign on your left hand side. At the sign, turn left to Timbavati. Drive for 18/19 km of tar and then a futher 9km of gravel till you reach the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. At the entrance you will be required to pay an entrance fee of R 110.00 per person and R 110.00 per car (Above fees are subject to change). Continue Straight for 15.9km (on tar road), you will see a dam on the right hand side, turn right after the dam where it is clearly marked with Simbavati River Lodge. Follow the Simbavati River Lodge paw print signs on the trees for a further 6km to the lodge. From Nelspruit by road: From Nelspruit take the R40 past White River and continue on to Hazyview, then Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek. Carry on straight along this road past the Orpen road turnoff , until you see the Hoedspruit turn off to your right. Turn right here and continue on this road until eventually you see the main Timbavati/ Eastgate Airport road on your right. Turn right here. You will go through a control gate and then head directly for the Timbavati Game Reserve Gate which is roughly 30kms further on. There is approximately 10kms of fairly corrugated dirt road to be journeyed on just before reaching the Gate. At the entrance you will be required to pay an entrance fee of R 100.00 per person and R 110.00 per car (Above fees are subject to change). Continue Straight for 15.9km (on tar road), you will see a dam on the right hand side, turn right after the dam where it is clearly marked with Simbavati River Lodge. Follow the Simbavati River Lodge paw print signs on the trees for a further 6km to the lodge. GPS