Location of Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is a wildlife-rich concession of land adjoining the western border of the Kruger National Park. The amalgamation of public and private land in the area forms “The Greater Kruger Park” area. There are no fences between the Timbavati and the Kruger National Park, which allows for the free movement of the animals between the Reserves.
*It is important to note that guests wishing to visit Simbavati from the Kruger National Park are unable to enter the property via the bush/park, but will have to exit the park and approach via the tar road (see directions).
Getting to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge by Air
Scheduled Flights:
SA Express operates daily flights from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International airport to Hoedspruit/Eastgate airport. Transfer from Hoedspruit to Simbavati takes approximately 90 minutes.
Other airports in the area are Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, also known as KMIA/Nelspruit (approx 3-3½ hrs from Simbavati) or Phalaborwa airport (1½-2 hrs).
Please note:
All complimentary transfers exclude the vehicle entry fee - see rates below
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Gate Entrance Fee:
R160.00 per vehicle, payable at the gate (subject to change)
Getting to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge by Road
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is approximately a 7 hour drive from Johannesburg.
Do not type in Simbavati Hilltop Lodge into your GPS.
The GPS will either send you to Timbavati River Lodge on the Orpen Road or try and direct you through Kruger National Park which is not the correct direction.
Please note you cannot access the Lodge through Kruger National Park but only through the Timbavati Gate as per the directions below.
Take the Eastgate Airport / Timbavati turnoff from the R40 south of Hoedspruit. On the tar road you will go through 2 control gates.
At the second gate you enter the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve where you will pay a Vehicle Entrance Fee per vehicle.
Keep your permit as the Lodge will issue you with an exit permit when you return again.
Follow the tar road from the Timbavati Gate for approximately 39km, past the turnoff to Simbavati River Lodge and Machaton Private Camp, and continue on the tar road to the Motswari / Simbavati Hilltop turn-off.
This is just passed Ingwelala on the righthand side. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow the signs for approximately 12km to the lodge.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Gate Entrance Fee:
R160.00 per vehicle, payable at the gate (subject to change)
Very important:
Please do not arrive at the lodge late, as you will then miss the afternoon/evening game drive and lunch.
Game drive start between 15:30 and 16:30 depending on season.
We do not recommend to drive in the reserve when it is dark. If you are going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, please let us know on (015) 793-9052.
NB: There is no more cellphone reception once you turned off the R40.
Transfers
We offer scheduled transfers at set times to coincide with the scheduled flights into and out from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
Please note that this is a scheduled transfer and you will be sharing with other guests coming to the lodge. If you are planning to drop a rental car at Hoedspruit Airport, please ensure that you arrive well before the flight arrival time as unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals.
The transfer time is approximately one hour.
Scheduled collection times from Hoedspruit
Scheduled departure times from Simbavati
If you are arriving at a different time, then we can arrange private transfers from Hoedspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga Intl Airport, Phaloborwa Airport or from the Timbavati Gate. Please click here for our Transfer Rates.
Please note:
All scheduled transfers need to be pre-booked as we only meet flights if we have guests on that flight.
Scheduled transfers exclude the vehicle entry fee - see rates below
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Gate Entrance Fee:
R160.00 per vehicle, payable at the gate (subject to change)