Simbavati Waterside

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

  • Beautiful setting, flanking a huge dam
  • Just 30 minutes drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
  • Intimate private dining, spa, and suites with waterhole views or private KolKol tubs
  • Caters equally for both couples and families
  • Sophisticated decor, with an emphasis on natural elements inspired by the Klaserie’s unique wilderness

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 are drawn to the dam to cool off and quench their thirst. Predators, elephants, hippo and buffalo are found in and around the dam (sometimes in herds numbering hundreds), making it the perfect viewpoint for the avid bush enthusiasts. Here, the game viewing never stops, and you literally become part of your own private Africa. Allowing 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.

At A Glance

  • Big 5
  • Swimming pool
  • Romantic
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Spa
  • Wildlife

Simbavati Waterside on the map

Rooms

Luxury Suites

Luxury Suites

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.

Two-bedroom Luxury Suites

Two-bedroom Luxury Suites

There are four two-bedroom suites. Each has a main bedroom with king-sized bed, open-plan bathroom en-suite (with bath and interconnected indoor and outdoor rain-showers). The second bedroom has twin beds (which can be converted to a king bed) and a separate bathroom en-suite with indoor rain-shower. Each bedroom has a beautiful game viewing deck with a view of the water.

Luxury Suite with private KolKol tub

Luxury Suite with private KolKol tub

These two bush-facing suites, each with its own private deck and small private KolKol tub (heated by a wood-fire in winter) are pure bliss. Each has a king-sized bed (or twin), 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.

Simbavati Waterside – Milandi’s review

This is the newest Simbavati Lodge (it opened in April 22). The main lodge looks out over a huge waterhole which is a WOW factor. It is a five star lodge with a fully equipped gym, spa treatment room for couples, wine cellar and very stylish main areas and suites.

Expansive public areas with many sitting areas / day beds, loungers to choose from.Β  Stylish modern boma (serving plated meals, not buffet) overlooking the waterhole.

Behind the suites is a large swimming pool and pool deck.

Some of the suites have a view of the waterhole view but most are facing the bush. These are very spacious and stylish. They have a semi-open plan bathroom behind the bedroom (bed faces away from bathroom), separated by headboard and desk. They are elevated so that you can have a bush view from the bathroom. There’s an enclosed toilet and an indoor shower leading to outdoor shower. Two of them have private kolkol plunge pools (at no extra cost) on the decks so try to request these!

Several suites are two-bedroomed for families with a main bedroom with same bathroom layout as the normal suites (not elevated however) and a second smaller bedroom (with its own en suite shower room.) These are ideal for families with kids under 12.

Finally we thought the Staff were excellent - friendly and very well-trained. It seems like they enjoy what they do which creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The food was excellent.

This is a well-priced lodge for the quality. This mainly reflects the fact that it’s in the Klaserie which is less well known that the Timbavati. So I suspect that it may change over time.

 

Milandi Joubert
Africa Travel Specialist

Exclusive Offers

Stay 2n each at 2 camps - 10% off

Stay 2n at 2 different safari camps, for a 10% discount

Excludes: Festive season

VALID FROM 01/11/2025
VALID UNTIL 31/03/2026

Combo Offer

Stay 3 nights at any Simbavati Game Lodge & get 30% off a stay at Simbavati Trails Camp - see detail

Stay minimum of 3 nights at any Simbavati Game Lodge (Hilltop, River, Camp George or Amani) and get 30% off a stay at Simbavati Trails Camp (Minimum 2 nights stay) Stay minimum of 3 nights at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge and Fynbos on Sea ON A FULL BOARD AND ACTIVITY BASIS and get 30% off a stay at Simbavati Trails Camp (Minimum 2 nights stay) Trails Camp is open from March to November each year.    

Excludes: Note: Trails Camp is closed from December to February each year

Terms & Conditions: Min 2 nights at Trails Camp

VALID FROM 01/03/2026
VALID UNTIL 30/11/2026

Combo Offer

Stay 4 or more nights at Simbavati Lodges & receive discounts

Stay 4 nights at any combination of our lodges and receive an 8% discount (min 2 nights at each lodge) Stay 5 nights at any combination of our lodges and receive a 10% discount (min 2 nights at each lodge) Stay 6-7 nights at any combination of our lodges and receive a 12% discount (min 2 nights at each lodge) Stay 8+ nights at any combination of our lodges and receive a 15% discount (min 2 nights at each lodge)

Excludes: Festive Season - 20 Dec to 4 Jan

Terms & Conditions: Not combinable with other Simbavati offers

VALID FROM 05/01/2025
VALID UNTIL 19/12/2026