Simbavati Waterside Lodge - Kruger National Park

Flanking a large dam in the southern Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Waterside was conceptualised, designed and built to be a natural extension of the pure utopian Klaserie wilderness from which it draws its inspiration. Water is the source of life. Throughout the year countless animal species – including predators, elephants, hippo and buffalo – are drawn to the dam to cool off and quench thirst (sometimes in herds numbering hundreds). Here the game viewing never stops, and you literally become part of your own private Africa for an utterly immersive and sensory safari experience.

Simbavati Waterside is the perfect environment for every type of traveller. The carefully considered lodge structure affords absolute privacy for couples, as well as sociable spaces for families and friends. Those in search of romance will enjoy the lodge’s many intimate spaces, imaginative private dining settings (no two meals are ever quite the same), and surprise treats to celebrate honeymoons and anniversaries. Or perhaps just the simple pleasure of disconnecting from life to reconnect with each other.

Facilities include a swimming pool, ‘Beach Boma’ (at eye level with the dam’s water), ‘Bush Boma’ (for dinner under the stars), wine cellar, lounge, bar, spa, gym, and safari boutique. Simbavati Waterside’s sophisticated décor, sublime cuisine, and intuitive hospitality enhance an already-perfect safari.

Two luxury water-facing suites each have a king-sized bed (or twin) and a beautiful game viewing deck overlooking the dam, thriving with wildlife. There’s a spacious en suite bathroom and dressing area with ample storage space, indoor shower, double vanity, enclosed toilet and door leading out to an outdoor rain-shower.

The Klaserie Private Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari wilderness. There are never more than two vehicles at a sighting. So you don’t have to jostle for position as you may do in a national park.Guides are also allowed to take the vehicles off road on occasion, to follow some of the Big Seven (for example rhino, lion, leopard or wild dog). This allows you to enjoy up close and personal encounters.

Currently over 40 mammal species are to be found in the Greater Kruger, including the Big 5 of lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. The Timbavati is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. As many as 360 species of bird life have been documented here.

Simbavati Waterside takes kids of all ages. But only children of 6 years upwards are allowed to participate in the shared adult game drives. If you wish for your younger children to join you, you will need to take a private vehicle at any extra cost. This is subject to availability of vehicles. We have four Family Suites at Simbavati Waterside, each with two inter-leading bedrooms.