Waterside
OVERVIEW
Water is life
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.
Why we love it
On the
water’s edge
Beautiful setting, flanking a huge dam. Just 30 minutes drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Romance
The perfect environment for couples. Intimate
private dining, spa, and suites with waterhole views or private KolKol tubs
Family
Caters equally for both couples and families
Decor
Sophisticated decor, with an emphasis on natural elements inspired by the Klaserie’s unique wilderness
Shilope Sleepout Deck
An activity that can’t be missed is a night spent at the newly launched Shilope Sleep Out Deck. Elevated above the beautiful Klaserie wilderness and situated in a perfectly private part of the reserve, this luxury tent offers unparalleled views across the unspoilt bush and the endless, star-speckled night sky.
ROOMS
Romance personified
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.
GALLERY
Step into Waterside
WEBCAM
Life at our Waterhole
Find calm and escape to real-time scenes overlooking the Waterside dam, thanks to our live-streaming Africam. The discreet camera constantly scans and captures a live-feed of happenings at the waterhole, which attracts wildlife throughout the day and night.
ESSENTIALS
The Need to Knows
/ Waterside
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.
ROOMS & FACILITIES
Each of the eight suites has king bed (convertible to twin); en suite bathroom with shower, double vanity, and separate toilet; dressing area with ample storage space; game viewing deck and outdoor shower.
The six Water Facing Luxury Suites including four Family Suites (with two interleading bedrooms), while the two Bush Facing Luxury Suites have a private deck and small private plunge pool (heated by a wood fire in winter).
In- room Facilities
● Private viewing deck
● Bathroom comprises a bath, double vanity with indoor shower and outdoor shower
● Complimentary eco-friendly amenities
● Minibar
● Coffee and tea-making facilities
● Air-conditioning
● Ceiling fan
● Electric blankets (winter)
● Mini safe for storing valuables
● Hair dryer
● Laundry bag in room
● Room equipped with electronic eco-friendly insect spray (subtly sprayed at 10 minute intervals)
Lodge Facilities & Good to Know
● Main lodge, with a deck enjoying expansive views of the dam
● Sitting area, with books and board game
● Complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas
● Outside dining area
● Swimming pool
● Bar
● Safari spa
● Open air boma & camp-fire overlooking the dam
● Wine cellar
● Fitness centre
● Safari shop
● Maximum 8 guests per safari vehicle
SHILOPE SLEEPOUT DECK
Accommodating two guests, Shilope Deck offers a luxury sleepout in the Klaserie wilderness, enjoyed as a unique experience during a stay at Simbavati Waterside.
The sleepout deck entails of the following features:
Lower Deck
● King size bed (twin not available)
● Ceiling fan
● Lighting in the same beautiful design as Simbavati Waterside
● Room equipped with insect spray
● Camping fridge /freezer
● Bathroom comprises an outdoor shower, single vanity, toilet, towels are provided
● Coffee and tea-making facilities including rusks
● Complimentary eco-friendly amenities
Upper Deck
● 360 degree views over the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
●Views of the Drakensberg mountains in distance
● Star gazing bed and pillows
● Seating and table
● Solar lanterns
● Blankets
Sleepout Deck Facilities & Good to Know
● Deck has been built with sustainability in mind, with no fixed structures it can be removed from nature without impact
● Canvas walls can be opened, closed or the mesh zipped closed on the inside
● Solar powered
● Inverter and battery
● Clean, drinkable water
● Gas geyser
● Fire extinguisher
● First Aid kit
● Stairs (25 steps) with LED lighting
● Handrail along stairs
OUR DETAILED
2025-2026 Rates
Enquire about our SA Resident Offers.
| Room type | Max Guest | Basis | 01 May 2025 – 20 Dec 2025 | 21 Dec 2025 – 04 Jan 2026 (Festive) |
| Luxury Suite | 2 adults | Sharing pp Single | R14,500 R19,285 | R15,950 R21,214 |
| Two Bedroom Luxury Suite | 2 adults + 2 children | Sharing pp 3rd / 4th adult Child | R14,500 R14,500 R7,250 | R15,950 R15,950 R7,975 |
| Luxury Suite with private KolKol tub | 2 adults | Sharing pp Single | R14,500 R19,285 | R15,950 R21,214 |
| Sleepout Deck (booked in conjunction with a lodge room) | 2 adults | Per night | R5,400 | R5,940 |
FINE PRINT
Inclusions
Booking Policy
General Information
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.
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 Wi-Fi?
What should I wear for a game drive?
Get in Contact
Managers
Colin Ahtom and Tiani van der Walt
Lodge telephone number: +27 15 004 1600
Reservations: +27 87 151 4520
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