Simbavati Hilltop

one of our favourite lodges in the area

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is located in the Timbavati Reserve in the Kruger area of South Africa.

This property is privately owned and operated by Simbavati, a lodge group that started in this area, but which now has properties across Africa.

Set on a prominent hill, the lodge is centred on a striking collection of open-sided buildings, with comfortable lounge and dining areas, leading out to a deck with a large swimming pool and enormous views.

We love the fact that this property breaks the usual Kruger mould of being tucked down low alongside a river. The elevated position is definitely uplifting, but it can challenge comfort levels, especially if the winds get up during the May-Oct cool dry season.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is in eight fabulous Luxury Tents, each with air-conditioning and deck with views.

It is a blessed relief that, for once, a lodge has been brave enough to go without private plunge pools in every room.

Activities

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge provides access to the following activities, not all of which are necessarily included in the room rate …

• Vehicle safari
• Walking safari
• Bush meals
• Night vehicle safari

The Timbavati Reserve is one of the largest and best known private safari areas in the Kruger area. It is somewhere that features regularly in trips, often in combination with the even better known Sabi Sand area.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights.

Seasonality

The best time to visit Kruger is generally considered to be the May-Oct dry season, but (surprisingly) the reserve remains popular year round.

Safari in the Kruger area is much more seasonal than most people would lead you to believe. Trip planning is complicated by the fact that the seasons here are almost diametrically opposite to those down in Cape Town (with which the area is most commonly combined in trips).

Dry winter : Jun/Sep

This period is characterised by a cool dry winter which is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, although day length is relatively short and nights can get very cold. Unfortunately it does coincide with a more conventional cool wet winter in Cape Town.

Hot transition : Oct/Nov

This is the start of the hot wet summer. Wildlife viewing is usually very strong, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the first rains, which usually arrive mid November to cool things down. This coincides with a usually pleasant spring season in Cape Town. October therefore represents an interesting compromise month.

Wet summer : Dec/Mar

This period is characterised by a hot wet summer, which is generally considered to be the most challenging time for wildlife viewing, although sightings should remain reliable in the premium areas. Day length is nice and long, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and rain can be a major issue. However these potentially adverse conditions happen to coincide with a hot dry summer in Cape Town.

Cool transition : Apr/May

This is a period of transition between the hot wet summer and the cool dry winter, with wildlife viewing continuing to improve as the foliage dies back. Day length, temperatures and humidities are all in the middle of their ranges. The period coincides with autumn/fall in Cape Town, making this perhaps the strongest time of year for the combination.

one of the best private reserves in Kruger