Mvubu Cottage
Local is Lekker
local is lekker
OVERVIEW
Picturesque & Quaint
Mvubu Cottage is a picturesque cottage in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, with views of the untouched African bush. It is located alongside the expansive Mbali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River.
This luxurious cottage has a quaint, restful impression with two suites and a pool overlooking the dam and river. Wake up to the sounds of the hippos in the distance, with the familiar bird twitterings surrounding the cottage.
The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog. Twice-daily game drives provide for close encounters with birds and animals, large and small.
Why we love it
Private cottage
Double level, exclusive use cottage with luxurious touches
Sleep out deck
Ideal as a relaxing daybed or romantic sleep out
Quaint
Comfortable and homely with a high level of service
Panoramic views
Tranquil and inspiring views
over the Timbavati bush
ROOMS
Private and comfortable
There are two bedrooms. Both have king-sized beds which can be changed to twin. Both rooms are en suite with one having an outdoor shower.
RATES & OFFERS
Our Price
Bookable 30 days prior to arrival
Per Person
Sharing
01 May – 20 Dec 2024
From
R8,375
Offers
EXPERIENCES
Things to see & do
GALLERY
Step into Mvubu Cottage
Sit back & relax
ESSENTIALS
The Need to Knows
Top Reasons to Visit
Quaint Cottage
Sleep out and viewing deck
Incredible sunsets
/ Mvubu Cottage
/ Mvubu Cottage
REGIONS
Getting There
Simbavati Mvubu Cottage is approx 1½ hours from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport. It can be accessed via a rental car.
Directions from Hoedspruit Airport
As you exit the Airport, turn left for Timbavati Game Reserve onto Argyle Road. Continue until you reach the Enkhulu control gate of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Please note that continuous cell phone reception ends here.
Aim to arrive by 2.30pm, if possible so that you have ample time to 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.
After the gate you continue on the tar road for approximately 37km. Please ensure that you keep to the speed limit (50km/hour) and do not get out of your car. On the way you will see the turnoff for Simbavati River Lodge. Do NOT turn in here.
You will later cross a low water bridge just before the entrance to Ingwelala game lodge. After another 800 meters, you will see the Simbavati Hilltop sign on your right.
Turn right onto a gravel track. Follow the Simbavati Hilltop Lodge paw print signs on the trees/side of road all the way to the lodge (for approximately 10km). Please keep a careful lookout for all signs, as the elephants sometimes knock them.
Please do not rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. Their directions are incorrect and this could mean a two-hour detour.
Timing
From Johannesburg Airport – ± 6½ to 7 hours’ drive (505km)
From Kruger Airport – 3½ + hours (210km)
From Hazyview – 3 hours (160km via the R40)
Directions from Johannesburg to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge (± 6½ – 7 hour drive)
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 Hoedspruit directions to the Lodge.
Directions from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Hazyview
KMIA – 3½ hours (210km) * Hazyview – Allow 2½ to 3 hours (160km)
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 1½ 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
TIP: It takes approx 3 hours to get to Hilltop Lodge from the Three Rondavels viewpoint. So don’t leave the Three Rondavels later than 11.30am. Assuming you spend 1½ hours at the various stopping off points, we recommend leaving your lodge by 8 to 8.30am latest.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
In- room Facilities
- Ceiling fan
- Bar in Cottage
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Bathroom – bath, double vanity, shower, outdoor shower in one bedroom
- Complimentary eco-friendly amenities
- Room equipped with electronic eco-friendly insect spray (1 min intervals)
- Hair-dryer
- Electric blankets for winter
- Laundry service – laundry bag in room
Lodge Facilities & Good to Know
OUR LOCAL PROMOTIONAL
Valid until 20 December 2024
2024 Rates
| Room Type | Max Guest | Basis | 01 May 2024 – 20 Dec 2024 |
| Mvubu Cottage | 4 guests (minimum 2 guests sharing) | Sharing pp Per Person Sharing | R8,375 |
| 3rd / 4th person Per Person | R4,200 |
FINE PRINT
At Simbavati Mvubu Cottage, guests are treated to a private dining experience. Simbavati Mvubu Cottage guests can enjoy a continental breakfast , picnic-style-lunch delivered to the cottage and a private, three course dinner prepared at the Cottage. For those who desire a change of scenery or wish to explore alternative dining options, guests also have the option of enjoying their meals at either Simbavati Hilltop Lodge or Simbavati River Lodge.
Inclusions
Booking Policy
General Information
Simbavati Mvubu Cottage accepts children of all ages.
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?
Get in Contact
Managers
Colin Ahtom and Tiani van der Walt
Lodge telephone number: 015 793 9021
Reservations: +27 87 151 4520
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