REGIONS

Getting There

Simbavati Waterside is just 30 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate airport, depending on how comfortable you are driving on gravel roads. It can be accessed via a rental car.

Directions from Hoedspruit Airport

As you exit the Airport, turn left for Klaserie 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.

At the gate, you will be required to pay an entrance fee in cash. (This changes on a yearly basis).  This gate is open from 6am to 6pm.

From Enkhulu Gate (Timbavati gate) drive on the tar road for 10.7km

Turn left at the Simbavati Waterside signboard.

Drive on the gravel road for 1.8km go right at the fork

In another 0.3km, you will arrive at the lodge.

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) 004 1400

Note: Please do NOT rely on your GPS after Hoedspruit. It will lead you onto the incorrect roads where you could get lost and stuck!

Timing 

From Johannesburg Airport – ± 6½ to 7 hours’ drive (505km)

From Kruger Airport – 3 + hours (190km)

From Hazyview – 2 to 2 ½ hours (140km via the R40)

From the Three Rondavels view point (last point on the Panorama route, 145km) – 2½ hours (so depart by 12 noon latest).

Directions from Johannesburg to Simbavati Waterside (± 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.

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 – 3+ hours (195km) * Hazyview – Allow 2½ hours (140km)

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 (240km from Hazyview to your Lodge (or 3¾ hours driving). En route you can stop off at the Bournes Luck potholes, Gods Window and the Three Rondavels

TIP: It takes approx 2½ + hours to get to the camp from the Three Rondavels viewpoint. So don’t leave the Three Rondavels later than 12 noon. Assuming you spend 1½ hours at the various stopping off points, we recommend leaving your lodge by 8.30am.