The Simbavati Lodge Collection comprises a number of lodges in some of South Africa’s most beautiful safari, wilderness and coastal destinations, where extraordinary experiences are brought to life by a family of dedicated luxury hospitality specialists.

The Simbavati Lodge Collection brand promise is to bring about the sense of ‘Africalm’ to our guests. Africalm is a state of ‘BE-ing’ where body, mind and spirit align. This brings about a joyful presence in each moment, where the essence of life is fully appreciated. It’s a feeling… Wholeness. Stillness. Excitement. Wonder. Grace. It’s that perfect moment in time, enhanced by the essence of Simbavati’s Africa …

Simbavati Lodge Collection offers seven luxury lodges/camps within the Timbavati Game Reserve and Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – both part of the greater Kruger National Park (with unfenced borders open to the KNP). Here you can expect an uncommercialized safari experience, with a very low vehicle/hectare ratio which means that sightings are personal and unhurried.

The origin of the private safari experience was all about exploration and discovery in wild natural habitats largely uninhabited by humans.

With the evolution of the African safari over decades, highly populated reserves – such as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve – have gained fame due to the calibre of their animal sightings and their many exceptional lodges. Animal sightings are virtually guaranteed, considering the length of time the reserves and their conservation initiatives have had to mature, coupled with the number of vehicles (and people), out on safari at any given time.

The Timbavati and Klaserie private reserves are also part of the greater Kruger National Park, and are home to an abundance of animal species – including the coveted Big 5. Their landscapes differ, as do their habitats, but what truly sets them apart is the raw authenticity of the safari experience they afford. Instead of being led to animals, guests are part of the immersive experience of tracking and finding them. Due to the exponentially lower density of vehicles and humans per square kilometre, sightings are unhurried with plenty of time to simply BE in each moment.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a vast tract of 53,000 hectares of preserved land (or 131,000 acres). It comprises savanna bushveld with a diverse mix of open plains, thornybush savanna, mopane and combretum woodlands. Here you can still observe at close quarters the natural relationship between predator and prey, with lion, leopard, hyena and even wild dog often seen. Leopard sightings are particularly good in the Timbavati as the semi-wooded landscape suits them.

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa, at 60,000 hectares (or 148,000 acres). This vast tract of land is characterised by beautiful trees and riverine vegetation near the magnificent Klaserie River. This river is a mecca for a vast array of wildlife, and here you will likely find large herds of elephant and buffalo, many hippo pods, as well as predators a-plenty. The reserve offers a diverse habitat, from flat plains to rocky outcrops to hilly landscapes.

Regardless of which reserve and lodge you may choose, you can rest assured that your guests will enjoy an exceptional and authentic safari experience – just as the original pioneers did.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve Lodges:

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is romance personified. Perched on a hilltop, with wide-angle views over the bush and views to the distant mountains of the Drakensberg escarpment, only eight luxury safari tents offer an intimate environment ideally suited to couples, friends and families with teenagers.

Simbavati River Lodge has a broader appeal, as it welcomes children of all ages (without compromising on the privacy that couples expect, due to a carefully considered lodge layout). It enjoys a unique setting on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River, and has a popular waterhole right below the main dining deck, much loved by elephants. Eleven rooms include Family Chalets, Luxury Safari Tents and Tented Pool Suites.

Simbavati Trails Camp is a luxury, yet back-to-basics walking trails camp – with just four Meru-styled tents for eight guests sharing. Here it’s all about walking trails with expert guides, one of the most stimulating and enthralling forms of safari.

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve Lodges:

Simbavati Camp George lies in a tranquil lush garden oasis overlooking a dry riverbed in the heart of the reserve. Those who appreciate a beautiful landscape will find their happy space here, in the shade of mammoth trees and among a veritable collection of protected cycads. Designed for couples, family and friends, this elegant and refined lodge comprises eight Luxury Suites, each with its own private deck.

Simbavati Amani is a charming, intimate safari villa, perfect for couples, or it can be taken on an exclusive-use basis. Just four Luxury Suites make for an exclusive experience, overlooking a thriving flood-lit waterhole.

Simbavati Homestead is our stylish self-catered lodge, which combines the intimacy and warmth of a holiday home with the game experience of a traditional safari lodge. Comfortable, contemporary and expansive interiors, with its five Luxury Suites, invite you to totally relax with family or friends.

Simbavati Waterside is the latest addition to the Simbavati Lodge Collection fold (opened on April 1, 2022). It is uniquely located on the banks of an expansive dam in the southern Klaserie Reserve – a popular drawcard for wildlife. Eight Luxury Suites (including four Family Suites) make this the perfect location for couples and families alike.
Those in search of romance will enjoy the lodge’s many intimate spaces, imaginative private dining settings and surprise treats to celebrate honeymoons and anniversaries. Or the simple pleasure of disconnecting from life to reconnect with each another.

Simbavati’s luxury wilderness lodge: Simbavati Cederberg Ridge

Just 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town and the Winelands, you’ll find yourself in one of South Africa’s richest and most beautiful scenic destinations. Simbavati Cederberg Ridge overlooks the Cederberg Mountains within a natural fynbos area of the 3,000h farm – with the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve beyond.

The luxurious wilderness lodge offers a stylish ‘away-from-it-all’ experience with delicious food, warm hospitality, and adventure.

This is the place for couples and friends to come together. Or for the solo traveller looking for a quiet retreat or personal adventure. Writers, artists and creatives will find no end to the inspiration and tranquillity that comes from this very special place on earth – this is where masterpieces are born. Adventurers will love the quiet open spaces for hiking, climbing or mountain biking.

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge has the authentic ambience of a modern African farmhouse. Inviting interiors with vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and natural textures give a light and airy feel. Large French windows open to a generous covered stoep and dining deck overlooking the indigenous grasses and mountains beyond.

Simbavati’s luxury coastal lodge: Simbavati Fynbos on Sea

Situated in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, above the quaint town of Sedgefield, this eco paradise awaits. Simbavati Fynbos on Sea offers sweeping views over beaches, mountains, lagoons and a fynbos wonderland.

Our nine-room lodge and self-contained cottage are perched high on the dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a 600-hectare pristine fynbos reserve. The estate abounds with plains game such as eland, zebra, bushbuck and waterbuck so there is plenty to see in all directions.

The lodge has a peaceful ambience, with decks facing all directions to appreciate the views. A covered conservatory is perfect for reading or quiet reflection, while the expansive swimming pool overlooks the ocean, Swartvlei lagoon and mountains.

Immerse yourself in scenery to revive both mind and soul. Sedgefield has a tortoise as its emblem to remind visitors of the joy of ‘slow travel’. So meander along our nature trails, lie and watch the clouds or sit with binoculars. Enjoy a picnic or sundowners overlooking Gerickes Point. When you fancy a change of pace, take a mountain bike and choose from a variety of off-road trails.

Close to our lodge, discover lovely fossil dunes and beaches, kayak on the Swartvlei and Sedgefield lagoons or enjoy a nature drive through the fynbos. In summer at low tide, snorkelling in the rockpools can be a treat. More excitement still? This area is a big draw for advanced paragliding, while invigorating sunrises and romantic sunsets will make this an unforgettable stay.

W: simbavati.com
E: res@simbavati.com
T: + 27 (0) 87 151 4520

Social media

https://facebook.com/SimbavatiSafari/
https://facebook.com/SimbavatiCederbergRidge/
https://facebook.com/SimbavatiFynbosOnSea/