Hilltop Lodge
OVERVIEW
Romantic ambience
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge boasts one of the most breathtaking settings in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, a private and unfenced part of the Kruger National Park. Perched gracefully on a hillside, the lodge offers sweeping views of the untamed bush and the distant Drakensberg Mountains. Below, the expansive Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River create a natural oasis where elephants and other wildlife frequently gather, providing a spectacular sight for lucky onlookers.
Designed with a light environmental footprint, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge blends luxury with sustainability, ensuring that it leaves no lasting impact on this pristine wilderness. The lodge features eight spacious and elegantly appointed tented suites, each offering a romantic, airy atmosphere with its own private plunge pool and deck, perfect for soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding landscape.
As part of the Greater Kruger Park, the Timbavati is renowned for its exceptional game viewing, including the Big Five, with frequent sightings of leopard and wild dog. Enjoy twice-daily game drives that bring you up close to the remarkable wildlife, from the smallest birds to the largest predators.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is where luxury meets the wild, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
Why we love it
Romantic Ambience
Romantic ambiance with luxurious, private suites overlooking the expansive Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River
Game Drives
Game drives are limited to a maximum of 6 guests, ensuring an exclusive experience
Private Decks
Each suite has a spacious private deck with a plunge pool and sala pavilion with daybed
Opulent Amenities
The lodge boasts an infinity swimming pool, a 360° view bar, and revitalising spa treatments, ensuring a truly indulgent stay
ROOMS
Relax in style
8 luxurious tented rooms offer a choice of King or twin beds. Each suite has glorious views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River. French doors open out onto an expansive viewing deck, each with its own private plunge pool and a sala pavilion with double day bed for an afternoon read or snooze.
The en-suite bathroom tent is connected to the bedroom tent via a small passage. On the deck is a double ’rain’ shower with views over the dam.
RATES & OFFERS
Our Price
Enquire about our SA Resident offers.
From 01 May 2024 – 05 Jan 2025
Per Person Sharing From
R17,500
From 06 Jan 2025 – 20 Dec 2025
Per Person Sharing From
R18,900
Offers
GALLERY
Step into Hilltop Lodge
Sit back & relax
ESSENTIALS
The Need to Knows
Top Reasons to Visit
Setting
The Setting
There’s not much that beats this elevated setting in the Greater Kruger with near and distant views over one of the foremost private game reserves in terms of wildlife concentration and habituation to game vehicles. The design makes the most its location, affording a great outlook from every part of the lodge: the pool, the bar, dining tent and sitting areas.
Romance
Celebrate the big moments
All the best associations of being under canvas in a wildlife paradise with none of the rustic homeliness of safari camps of old, Hilltop is modern and architecturally playful in style. Not only private and spacious but also light-filled and light-hearted. It’s a pared down luxury where nature is the star. But you can feel suitably indulgent if you are celebrating one of life’s big moments.
firepit
Dancing Flames
Sometimes the romance of the dancing flames and the glittering dark skies of the southern hemisphere are all we want. Evenings around the Hilltop firepit encourage tall tales from rangers and guests alike, ghost stories, yarns and friendship.
Related Stories
DISCOVER THE
Simbavati Collection
/ Hilltop Lodge
REGIONS
Getting There
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is approx 1½ hours from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport. It can be accessed via a rental car.
FROM HOEDSPRUIT AIRPORT (±90 minute drive to Simbavati Hilltop)
Please DO NOT rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. It will lead you to the wrong lodge which will mean a two-hour detour. Continuous cellular telephone connection ends at the Enkhulu Control Gate. There is no mobile network available within the reserve. As you exit the Airport, turn left onto Argyle Road which leads to the Timbavati Game Reserve. Continue straight for approximately
12km until you reach the Enkhulu Control Gate of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Here you will be required to pay an entrance fee. (This changes on a yearly basis). This gate is open from 6am to 6pm. Cash or card is accepted. Please note that continuous cell phone reception ends here. Aim to arrive at the gate by 13h00, if possible, so that you have ample time to have lunch and settle in before the game drive. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please let us know on (015) 793-9021 or (015) 793-9051.
Once you have entered Enkhulu Gate, continue on the tar road for approximately 26.5km until you see the River Lodge signpost on your right hand side. Please note there is a strict 50km speed restriction on the tar road once you have entered Enkulu gate that is enforced by speed cameras. Please do not get out of your vehicle or feed any animals. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the River Lodge signage for approximately 5.5km until you see a Hilltop sign board indicating left. Speed limit on the dirt road is 30 km per hour. Please give way to all animals. Please keep a careful lookout for all signs within the reserve, as the elephants sometimes knock them over Turn left at the Hilltop signboard and follow the remaining signboards for Hilltop Lodge for approximately 2.5km until you reach Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
FROM JOHANNESBURG (± 6 1⁄2 – 7 hour drive)
N1 via Polokwane (Recommended Route)
The N1 route via Polokwane is an alternative from Gauteng to Simbavati. Although this way is ±50 km longer than the Dullstroom route and one pays more in toll fees, for some people this is a better option. It is a road with fewer potholes, and there are fewer delays due to heavy, slow-moving trucks. From Oliver Tambo International Airport follow the R21 north to Pretoria. Just before you reach Pretoria take the N1 North to Polokwane. (From Johannesburg, you follow the N1 North to Polokwane). Take the R71 to Tzaneen just before you get to Polokwane. Follow the R71 via Grobler Street through Moria to Tzaneen. Do not turn off the R71 until you get to the T-junction. Turn right onto the R36/R71 towards Tzaneen. Turn left onto the R71 at the first off-ramp and stay on the R71 through Giyani, Letsitele and Gravelotte until you reach the next T-Junction. At the T-junction turn right onto the R40 south towards Hoedspruit, White River and Mbombela. Continue straight through Hoedspruit. Drive ±6.5 km and then turn left on the D1909 (Argyle Road). The signage reads Timbavati and Eastgate Airport. Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.
Via Dullstroom
The most direct route is via N4 then Dullstroom to Lydenburg and Ohrigstad and onto Hoedspruit. However some people prefer to take the northern route via Polokwane and Tzaneen as there are fewer potholes. See Downloadable Directions. From Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank (Emalahleni) and continue on the N4 towards Nelspruit. (From Pretoria, take the N4 to Witbank). Follow the N4 and turn left to Belfast (Off ramp R33/R540). Once in Belfast, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight on the R540 to Dullstroom. Drive straight through Dullstroom and continue to Lydenburg (name change to Mashishing) on the R540. At the T-junction turn left into Lydenburg (Mashishing) into Viljoen Street (R36). Turn left again into Voortrekker Street. Turn right into De Clercq Street and follow the R36 through Ohrigstad. After the Abel Erasmus pass, the R36 turns left to Tzaneen. Do not turn left here. Instead continue straight on the R527 to Hoedspruit. In Hoedspruit, continue straight. After the bridge crossing the railway line, turn right at the four way stop and continue south on the R40 for another 6.4km. Turn left onto the D1909 (Argyle Road). The sign says Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. Then follow the Hoed
spruit directions to the Lodge.
FROM KRUGER MPUMALANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OR HAZYVIEW
KMIA – 3+ hours (195km) * Hazyview – Allow 2 to 21⁄2 hours (145km)
The most direct route from Kruger Intl Airport is via the R40 thorough White River and Hazyview. Similarly if you are staying in or near Hazyview, the R40 north is the direct route. Just 6.5km south of Hoedspruit. You turn right onto the Timbavati/Eastgate Airport road. Allow 11⁄2 hours to get from Hazyview to the Timbavati turnoff. Then another hour to get to the Lodge. Once on the Timbavati Road, you immediately pass the Eastgate Airport. Then follow the Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.
Alternative Panorama route if staying at a Hazyview Lodge:
The R40 is a difficult road given the number of slow trucks and cars as well as many pedestrians. It takes longer than you would expect. So if you have time, we recommend enjoying a tour of the Panorama route via the Blyde River canyon. Note that this is a longer route (255km from Hazyview to your lodge or 4 hours driving). En route you can stop off at the Bournes Luck potholes, Gods Window and the Three Rondavels.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
In- room Facilities
- Private plunge pool and viewing deck
- Outdoor sala with daybed
- Air-conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Minibar with drinks and snacks
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Bathroom – bath, double vanity with double outdoor shower for two
- Complimentary eco-friendly amenities
- Room equipped with electronic eco-friendly insect spray (1 min intervals)
- Hair-dryer
- Electric blankets for winter
- Mini-safe for storing valuables
- Laundry service – laundry bag in room
8 luxurious tented rooms offer a choice or King or twin beds. Each suite has glorious views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River. French doors open out onto an expansive viewing deck, each with its own private plunge pool and sala pavilion with double day bed for an afternoon read or snooze. The en-suite bathroom tent is connected to the bedroom tent via an open ‘breezeway’ or small passage. On the deck is a double ’rain’ shower with views over the dam.
Note: Hilltop Lodge is not suitable for people who have difficulty with steps as each suite is accessed by a number of steps. However, two suites are considerably closer with fewer steps. So please mention any mobility issues when booking.
Lodge Facilities & Good to Know
- Main lodge has wraparound decks with panoramic bush and distant mountain views
- Sitting area and books and board games
- Convivial bar with 360°views
- Dining tent and alfresco dining area
- Infinity swimming pool
- Seated firepit
- Open air boma & campfire for dining under the stars
- Spa treatments available in our luxury sala or in the privacy of your room
- Safari shop
- Complimentary Internet access – main lodge area only
OUR DETAILED
2024-2025 Rates
Enquire about our SA Resident offers.
Room Type | Max Guest | Basis | 01 May 2024 – 05 Jan 2025 | 06 Jan 2025 – 20 Dec 2025 | 21 Dec 2025 – 04 Jan 2026 |
Luxury Safari Tent | 2 adults | Sharing pp Single | R17,500 R23,325 | R18,900 R25,200 | R20,790 R27,720 |
FINE PRINT
Inclusions
Booking Policy
General Information
Unfortunately Simbavati Hilltop Lodge does not take kids under 12 years of age. Please see our sister lodges, River Lodge, Camp George, Amani for family-friendly accommodation.
Alternatively – if you are a party of friends or family, you may like to take Amani or Homestead on an exclusive use basis?
The Kruger is a malarial area so we recommend that you take anti-malaria prophylaxis. Mosquitos are less prevalent in the winter.
We also recommend anti-mosquito repellent to stop you from getting bitten.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a typical pattern of safari activities?
What’s the ideal length of stay?
Is there wifi?
What should I wear for a game drive?
Is Hilltop suitable for mobility-challenged people?
Get in Contact
Managers
Colin Ahtom and Tiani van der Walt
Lodge telephone number: 015 793 9021
Reservations: +27 87 151 4520