Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

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Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Hilltop Views over Mbali Dam & the Nhlaralumi River

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge pairs a dramatic koppie setting with just eight pavilion-style tents for wide-angle views across the Timbavati to the distant Drakensberg. Below, Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River draw wildlife throughout the day. Twice-daily game drives explore unfenced Big Five terrain linked to Kruger, with optional night drives and guided nature walks adding nocturnal and on-foot perspectives. Evenings gather in the open-air boma, while downtime centers on the infinity pool; in-room spa treatments and Wi-Fi in the main area round out a relaxed, polished stay.

Price Per Person Sharing From:

From: POA

Rating | Personal and Comfortable

Highlights & What to Expect

Eight private pavilion-style tents; bedroom and bathroom tents linked by a breezeway.
Signature hilltop outlook over Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River with vistas to the Drakensberg escarpment.
Twice-daily guided game drives in unfenced Big Five country adjoining Kruger National Park.
Optional night drives and guided nature walks in the private reserve (conditions permitting).
Open-air boma dinners, an infinity pool and a relaxed main deck for midday wildlife watching.
In-room spa treatments; complimentary Wi-Fi available in the main lodge area.

Location & Setting

Hilltop occupies a koppie inside the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, an unfenced part of the Greater Kruger system. From the decks, views sweep across bushveld to the Drakensberg escarpment, while the Mbali Dam and the meandering Nhlaralumi River lie below and attract elephant and other game. Access is via Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport with an onward road transfer of roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on routing and gate formalities. The area’s relatively low vehicle density supports unhurried sightings on morning and late-afternoon/evening drives.

Rooms

Accommodation is in eight pavilion-style luxury tents, each comprising two linked tents—one for the bedroom and a separate en-suite bathroom—connected by a passage that can open on one side to create an indoor/outdoor shower feel. Suites are carefully spaced for privacy and look onto the bush, dam and river. Thoughtful comforts include climate control, tea/coffee, a private deck with a day-bed sala and (at select suites) a small plunge pool, all designed with a light footprint.

Facilities

The heart of the lodge blends lounge, bar and dining spaces opening to an expansive viewing deck anchored by an infinity pool. Evenings typically gather around the campfire or in the open-air boma for dinner under the stars. Operationally, two guided game drives run daily; guided nature walks and night drives may be arranged subject to conditions. Spa treatments are provided privately in your suite, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge area.