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Join us at River Sands Villa and experience Africalm

River Sands

OVERVIEW

Private & exclusive

River Sands Villa is a combination of luxury and opulence with exceptional private views overlooking a watering hole, in the heart of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. It is positioned alongside the Sohebele River, a tributary of the Nhlaralumi River. A custom designed waterfall pool feature overlooks the watering hole that attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the day. 

This opulent villa emits a private and luxurious feeling with 2 spacious suites connected by the main lodge area with a large fireplace which makes up the heart of this villa.  The villa is a personification of the term: “Space is Luxury”

The Timbavati forms part of the Greater Kruger Park and offers exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dog. Once again privacy is accentuated in the twice-daily game drives on the villa’s private game vehicle, which provide for close encounters with birds and animals, large and small.

Why we love it

Opulent space

Intimate setting

Private & exclusive

Stunning setting

ROOMS

Opulent and spacious

There are two spacious bedrooms. Both have king-sized beds which can be changed to twin. Both rooms are en suite with one having a private balcony and the other a outdoor seating area.

Top Reasons to Visit

The Setting

The Space

The Privacy

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    [post_date] => 2021-09-06 07:39:49
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    [post_content] => 

It was just another chilly morning in the bush. As usual, we had our coffee and tea around dawn while we waited for the sun to rise. Just enough for us to see what was going on in the gradually lessening shadows. We left in the morning on foot and nothing was out of the norm. It was the same wonderful landscape we walked in everyday. But today something happened that we thought we would never experience.

As we left camp we started to make our way towards a small dam just to the side of camp. This is usually what we do in the morning as we go to the water to see what animals have been visiting. So just as usual, we walk towards the small dam not thinking much, as it's only an 8 minute walk from camp.

We walked through a small mopane thicket and turned left onto the dam road. That's when we just stopped dead in our tracks. Straight ahead of us were two lion cubs playing around the water. Wow! We just stood still watching the cubs for a moment or two, when we started to think…where is the mother?

It didn't take long before we managed to spot the lioness. Unfortunately, she had already spotted us first. Everything at that point just went utterly quiet. When we saw the lioness lying in the bush to the left of us, and the cubs straight ahead, we knew what was coming. We slowly started to walk backwards to give some space between us and the lioness. That's when we heard this loud noise, it sounded just like somebody was on a Harley Davidson. The lioness was warning us that we better not get any closer.

We didn’t need telling. But before we could back away more, she came bolting towards us. People always tell you that you shouldn't run in the bush. I found out that day that, at the speed that the lioness was charging towards us, you dont even have time to think about running. Luckily, she stopped about three metres from us.

So she just wanted to make it clear that she didn't have the intention to harm us. She just wanted to warn us to stay away from her cubs, like any mother would do. After she warned us with a mock charge, she turned around and trotted towards her cubs. She picked one of them up in her mouth and the family made their way back into the bush.

We left the lioness with her cubs and moved away to find that there were lots of vultures in the sky not too far from camp. We started to walk that way trying to see what was going on. On the way there we bumped into a hyena that appeared to be searching for something. We just watched him for a bit to try and figure out what he was looking for. Then the wind picked up and we got this smell of something rotten in the bush.

At that moment we realized why we found the lioness and cubs by the dam. They’d made a kill somewhere around our camp, but where? We tried to follow the smell but the wind would drop and the smell would disappear. That's when we heard that sound of a Harley Davidson again.

Straight in front of us, under the weeping wattle tree, were four lionesses and the two cubs. Busy devouring a wildebeest. We just stopped and watched them for a minute or two. However we decided not to chance our luck with these cats anymore, but to rather head back to camp.

That astounding walk is a moment in time that will never be forgotten. Yes, we cannot forget the rush of fear when she charged us. But equally memorable was the beauty of a good mother nurturing and protecting her young.

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Experiences

Kruger Timbavati

Trails Camp

Lioness on Foot in the Timbavati

WP_Post Object
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    [post_date] => 2021-09-06 07:10:40
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Our ‘Secret Seven’ wildlife species in Africa are rarely seen and elusive animals. Well, the name says it all.

These are the most secretive animals and even many frequent visitors to National Parks and wildlife reserves haven’t been fortunate enough to see them all.  The secret seven comprise aardvark, African wild cat, civet, large spotted genet, pangolin, porcupine and serval.

In a lifetime career working in the bush I’ve been lucky enough to see six of our Secret Seven. But one I am yet to see in all my years..

The main reason these guys are such a rare ‘spot’ is due to the fact that they are mostly nocturnal, solitary and shy animals. Let’s run through our list so that you’ll be ready to share in the excitement if you do spot one. It’s usually quite a fleeting sighting and they are certainly camera-shy!

Aardvark

Afrikaans Name: Erdvark

This animal has long ears, a long pig-like snout and a very thick tail. Their skin is almost bare and of a yellow-grey colour while the hair on the legs is generally darker in colour. Plus their hindquarters are also much heavier than the front quarters and their shoulders are much lower than the crop. Their limbs are extremely powerful and the feet, especially their front feet, have strong claws adapted for digging and for breaking into anthills. The aardvark is very adaptable and occurs in areas where the soil is not very compact and where a sufficient number of termites are. 

Male aardvarks are slightly more heavily built than the females. Both are generally solitary. They range widely seeking food, with those noses of theirs held close to ground as their sense of smell is amazing. They are nocturnal (active at night) and usually sleep in a hole that they fill up behind them.

Speaking of their holes. You may be surprised that they have three holes with three different uses:

Hole 1: They live in this hole as well as give birth to their young in this hole. They give birth to a single young and they are born from July to September after a gestation period of +-7 months.

Hole 2: This acts as a temporary shelter from bad weather or unexpected weather or if they travelled a bit too far they will seek shelter before moving back to hole 1.

Hole 3: A small excavation for seeking food.

They can dig at unbelievable rates. Sometimes when they are done with their holes, if they are in good condition, then other animals will move in! They'll make & shape them into dens or shelters for themselves.  All and all, you can call the Aardvark the architect of bush.

African Wild Cat

Afrikaans Name: Vaalboskat

The second of our secret seven wildlife species is a slender animal resembling a grey house cat! Their colour varies from grey to dark grey, from reddish to dusky red stripes on their legs and tail. African wild cats are larger than small spotted cats and they usually have more spots. These cats can easily interbreed with domestic cats, but the cross-breeds will have shorter legs and lack the reddish tinge on the back of their ears which African wild cats are known for, however the cross-breeds will have a red nose instead of the normal black nose. You can find these cats everywhere, provided there is sufficient dense thicket, tall grass and rocks for shelters.

These shy, cunning animals are usually solitary, except for mating season when one or more males will be around a single female. 2 to 5 young are born any time of the year with the peak being between September and March, after a gestation period of +-2 months. They are mainly nocturnal. But you may be lucky and see them in the late afternoon at sunset. They are very territorial and both sexes will defend their areas. Although these cats are mainly terrestrial they are very good climbers, especially if they are being pursued. They also sometimes hunt from trees. I have been very lucky to have seen them, but only 2 individuals in my career.

African Civet

Afrikaans Name: Siwet

This cat-like animal is a whitish-grey with indistinct spots on the forequarters and regular black spots which merge into stripes on their hindquarters. Their legs are black and their tail white, bushy and ringed with a black tip. These animals prefer woodlands with thick undergrowth. They also like to be in well-watered surroundings. African civets are exclusively nocturnal and are most active during the early hours of the evening or just before sunrise. 

They are mainly solitary animals. Civets can climb trees but they mostly move on the ground, you will find these guys usually along footpaths and walking purposefully with their heads held down. They are extremely shy animals. If you disturb them, they will either stand motionless or lie down on the ground. Depending on good camouflage rather than fight. One to four young are born between August to December after a gestation period of +-2 months. These animals can live up to 12 years if they don’t get killed by lion, leopard or pythons.

I have been lucky enough to see four individuals and the last one was my best sighting; a civet being chased by a leopard! He survived due to the fact that the leopard wasn’t hunting or anything. It seemed that they just accidentally walked into each other in tall grass. Personally, I think the leopard got just as much of a fright as the civet.

Large Spotted Genet

Afrikaans Name: Grootkolmuskejaatkat

The fourth one in the secret seven roll-call is a rather small, cat-like animal. The large spotted genet are white or greyish-white with dark spots and stripes. Their tail is long and dark with white rings. The species has been split into the Large spotted genet with black spots, stripes and rings. And the Rusty-spotted genet with rust-brown stripes and spots. These animals like to be in well-watered areas with sufficient undergrowth. 

Usually solitary animals, but they can sometimes be found in pairs. They are nocturnal animals and will emerge a few hours after sunset. During the day they sleep in old aardvark holes (our architect of the bush, remember?), spring hare holes or sometimes they will sleep in hollow tree stumps. They are mainly terrestrial but will either take shelter or hunt in trees. Their movements are watchful and furtive and when they run they keep their heads down and their tails horizontal.

These animals love dog pellets so people that live on farms where they keep dogs have to keep the dog food inside or they end up stealing the dog pellets.

Porcupine

Afrikaans Name: Ystervark

These guys are the largest rodent in the region. Their bodies are covered in quills, spines and flattened black bristles. Quills are generally black and white and very distinctive.

Porcupines are usually solitary but three or more can be found using the same shelters. Sometimes at the holes you will find bones which the porcupines drag to the shelters where they gnaw on the bones for calcium.

These guys are very adaptable and you can find them everywhere except in forests and desserts. So you may see them away from conservation areas. Indeed they are the worst enemy to veggie gardens and agricultural lands and cause a lot of damage.   

They can travel long distances looking for food at night. These guys might look slow but they can run really fast if being pursued by a predator. Speaking of dangerous encounters for porcupine, they are pretty feisty. The quills by the neck and hindquarters are longer and thinner. They raise these up to make the porcupine look bigger and more fearsome to its enemies.

Look at this encounter between a leopard and a porcupine in the Kruger...

Quills cannot be shot out or released as folklore says, (cool though that would be). They actually back up into the predator where the quills will stick and remain in the predator. Lions and leopards struggle after an altercation between them and a porcupine as the quills cause infections and festering sores, making it difficult to hunt, eat or even drinking water, so they become weak and easy targets to their own enemies. Some people working in the bush actually refer to porcupines as the serial killer of the bush.

Serval

Afrikaans Name: Tierboskat

The serval is a slender animal with long legs, a rather small, rounded head and large ears. Colour varies from dull white to light golden-yellow with black stripes down the neck and irregular black spots on the body. The serval is sometimes confused with a young cheetah cubs as they look very similar. Yet so different if you know what to look for. Servals prefer thicker, more humid types of woodland with sufficient shelter and water. 

These animals usually forage alone, although pairs sometimes hunt together, even in swampy areas. They are mainly nocturnal but you may see them in the early morning and late afternoon. They can run fast for short distances. At night they range far in search of food, using roads and footpaths to avoid difficult terrain. Although they are excellent tree climbers they are mainly terrestrial. These guys can live up to +-12 years unless their predators like lion and crocodile get to them first.

Pangolin

Afrikaans Name: Ietermagog

And last, but not least, in our secret seven line-up is probably the animal that most keen safari visitors would LOVE to see. These guys have got very hard, dark grey-brown scales which cover the body like roof tiles, their defining characteristic. It’s a very odd animal. You very rarely see them, being even more elusive than the other secret seven clan.

Pangolin walk on their hind legs with the front legs held off the ground, only touching now and then. The front feet have long, curved claws which are used to dig. They like sandy soil in dry fairly humid types of savannah with adequate shelters.

Pangolin are usually solitary animals and move about noisily as they brush against bushes and branches. They are also mainly nocturnal but you can occasionally see them during the day. If they suspect any intrusion they will stand on their back legs supported by their tails. When threatened they will roll themselves into a ball. They live in old Aardvark holes and hunt for food at night. They eat mainly ants and sometimes termites. Intriguingly they also emit a really foul odour when threatened.

These guys can live a good life of over 12 years in the wild and have no natural enemies. Their worst enemies are humans, unfortunately. Sadly they are the most trafficked animals in the world, mainly sought after for their scales. Again, another sad story of ignorance, greed and misinformation about non-existent health benefits. This animal has evaded me watching to catch a slighting for 9 years and going. So Mr Pangolin, watch out! Our cat and mouse game ain’t over just quite yet. I’ve still got my eyes open and I will see you soon!

So as the sundowner drinks come to an end, and the night drive begins, keep your eyes peeled for one of these secret seven gems. 

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Secret seven wildlife - aarvark

Amani

Camp George

Hilltop Lodge

Homestead

Kruger Klaserie

Kruger Timbavati

River Lodge

Wildlife & Safari

Secret Seven wildlife of the Timbavati & Klaserie

WP_Post Object
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    [ID] => 5078
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    [post_date] => 2021-09-06 06:56:22
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    [post_content] => 

So what sort of things are we looking for when on a walking safari? At Simbavati Trails camp, or any bush walk for that matter. Since we are part of the Timbavati Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger area, we do have free-roaming game including the Big 5. But, when we are out walking in the bush, they are not our primary focus.

Our main aim at Simbavati Trails Camp is to concentrate on everything you miss while being on a vehicle. Feeding signs of animals, the smell of wild herbs, the touch of grass or the taste of wild fruit. And of course to have the ability to hear everything without having a diesel engine making a noise.

As trails guides, we love teaching people about the smaller things, the tracks and the uses for trees and wild herbs. We have a mix between riverine and mopane thicket with little crests that have open clearings. One of the most amazing things about Trails Camp is the very little light interference from other camps so things like sunrise and sunsets are some of the best when visiting Trails. Staying at a walking camp like ours not means a little exercise. It also provides the chance to rest the mind and take it back to basics. To how man used to be and how we still are to this day. If only we can let go of distracting pings and devices!

Tracks and Signs and the meaning behind them

Because Trails is located in a remote part of the reserve where we are the only active presence on a full time basis, the tracks we find are always amazing. The ability to tell guests about them. And to make them a part of a story that is written in the ground is always fun. Plus it gives the guests a deeper understanding of animal behaviour. And a deeper understanding of what trail guides look for whilst walking through this incredible bush. 

We wake up knowing that, even if the bush was quiet, or it was windy, the tracks that we find will always have a story to tell. This is why we normally refer to roads and elephant pathways as our local newspaper. All we have to do is lend our voice to interpret what the bush has to say. The ability to trail the animal and predict the movement all comes from reading the tracks. And thinking like the animal. Thinking about what the animal might need or want will not only give you a greater understanding of your surroundings and animal behaviour. But you could end up catching a glimpse of the animal itself.

Birds to look out for on a walking safari

Timbavati hosts an incredible amount of bird life. We can expect to see over 350 different bird species, depending whether it’s a good rainy season or not. Birds return after winter from all over the world. Such as European Bee eaters that migrate to Europe during our winter. Or the woodlands kingfisher who migrate north of the equator. Or even the Amur Falcon, returning from the UAE.

We are very fortunate to see these birds, but we also get amazing rare birds on the odd occasion. Such as the painted snipe or the golden pipit or even the African Skimmer. Plus we are always on the lookout for new species as well. Birds that might have been pushed off course because of wind. Or they may just been exploring. We won’t be surprised to spot rare birds like Western Osprey or Pel’s fishing Owl. Because the Timbavati has the environment they like. We just need to be lucky enough to spot them. It’s always right place; right time

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Simbavati Trails camp - walking safari & guiding

Camp George

Conservation

Experiences

Kruger Klaserie

Kruger Timbavati

Trails Camp

Wildlife & Safari

What to look out for on a walking safari

/ River Sands

REGIONS

Getting There

Simbavati River Sands Lodge is approx 2 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

  • Private deck
  • Air-conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Bar in Villa
  • Coffee and tea-making facilities
  • Bathroom – bath, double vanity, shower
  • 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

Lodge Facilities & Good to Know

OUR DETAILED

2022-24 Rates

Room TypeMax GuestBasis Opening Special
1 Sep 2022 to 30 June 2023
1 June 2023 to 7 Jan 2024
Villa4 adultsExclusive UseR60,000R84,800

FINE PRINT

Accommodation, all meals, two safari activities per day, private safari vehicle, beverages (excluding premium brands and cellar wines). Return transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS).

Exclusions

All other drinks, private transfers, gratuities, laundry service, other items of a personal nature. Conservation levies and gate entrance fees – see note below

Minimum Stay

2 nights – 1 night stays on request only. Recommended length of stay is 3 nights. 

Child Policy

No children under 12 years.

We understand that these are very uncertain times. So we have put flexibility at the heart of everything we do. We want you to feel comfortable booking with Simbavati, knowing that your money is safe if Covid-19 circumstances change.

Free cancellation up to 15 days before arrival.

Flexible Covid-19 Payment & Cancellation Policy – (valid until 20 Dec 2022*)

Applies for all individual bookings (Up to 4 rooms) & excluding Festive Season

  • All Direct reservations require a 10% deposit upon booking confirmation, to be paid within 7 days. (This is fully refundable if you need to cancel up to 15 days prior to travel. Or in the case of last-minute Covid-19 issues.)
  • Final payment is due 15 days prior to your arrival
  • For last minute reservations, full payment is required upon confirmation.
  • Up to 15 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fees (Any deposit is refundable, minus bank charges.)
  • Less than 15 days prior to arrival: 90% cancellation fee – see Last Minute Covid-19 Changes.
  • Please note that a 100% cancellation fee will be charged if you decide to depart early while staying with us, unless for a bona fide Covid-19 reason – see below.
Covid 19 Payment and Cancellation Policy for Festive Season & Groups (5 rooms or more)

As above but with the following changes:

  • Final payment is due 30 days prior to arrival.
  • Up to 31 days prior to arrival: no cancellation fees (Any deposit is refundable, minus bank charges.)
  • 30 days prior to arrival: 90% cancellation fee – see Last Minute Covid-19 Changes.
Other Info
  • All requests, confirmations and cancellations are only valid if in writing. Please ensure you receive acknowledgment of cancellation from our Reservations Department.
  • Provisional bookings will only be held for 7 days; or 48 hours within 7 days of arrival or if Reservations specifies due to high demand. Thereafter the booking will automatically be released.
  • We reserve the right to cancel the booking if deposit or final payment is not received at the appropriate time.
  • We reserve the right to amend/change rates on this website without prior notice. Or to request 2 nights’ minimum stay during our Festive or other Peak seasons.
  • We strongly recommend a minimum stay of 2 nights throughout the year.
  • We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards. Alternatively, you can settle via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer). Unfortunately, we don’t accept American Express or Diner’s Club.
Last Minute changes (within 15 days) due to Covid-19

We are aware that, occasionally, last-minute changes may be needed due to Covid-19, such a suddenly-imposed ‘travel decree’ or personal covid-19 diagnosis. Please outline the specific circumstances to us.

Please note: In the case of an SA travel ban, an official ban in country of residence, or personal Covid-19 diagnosis, we will offer 100% refund or postponement.

In the case of other personal Covid 19 issues, please chat to us. We are happy to hold your payment as a credit towards future travel.

Please see our detailed Flexible Covid-19 Policy for what constitutes a Travel Ban.

* We reserve the right to amend the Covid-19 cancellation policy earlier if WHO declares the pandemic is over. However T&Cs will not change for any existing bookings and due notice will be given.

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in is from 14:30.
We try to accommodate early arrivals, subject to villa availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the room was occupied on the previous night.

Check-out is prior to 11:00 on the day of departure. Again, we try to accommodate late check-outs, subject to villa availability. Unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed, if the villa is booked for the evening. If we are unable to accommodate a late check-out, we will happily store your luggage whilst you enjoy our facilities.

Lunch
The rate price includes lunch (served from 1pm to 2.30pm) either on the day of arrival or on departure.
If you wish to have lunch on both arrival and departure days, there will be an extra charge for the second lunch.

Conservation Fees

Timbavati Conservation Levy:

2022: R460 per adult per night and R230 per child under 12 years per night (2022). Will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.

2023: R510 per adult per night and R255 per child under 12 years per night (2022). Will be added to invoices for prepayment, or collected at the lodge directly.


Self-drive guests only: Vehicle entrance fee of R230 is payable at the Timbavati or Klaserie Control Gate for all self-drive guests. (All levies & fees subject to change in 2023.)

The villa is non-smoking

However you are welcome to smoke on your terrace or deck. Please request an ash tray. However please be careful to dispose of cigarette snubs as our vegetation is often dry and quick to burn!

Unfortunately Simbavati River Sands does not take kids under 12 years of age. Please see our sister lodges, River Lodge, Camp George, Amani and Waterside 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?

Get in Contact

Managers

Colin Ahtom and Tiani van der Walt

Lodge telephone number: 015 793 9021 

Reservations: +27 87 151 4520