Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

This was a very special place to stay The people were just delightful and very happy The drives every morning and afternoon produced something special every day. The guides and the trackers were lovely people and very clever at anticipating animal movement. It was so exciting in positive luxury. We loved every moment, especially the view from our veranda!

This place is fabulous. It is only a four because of cost. The facilities, food, staff and game drives were all excellent and, because it is open to the Kruger on three sides, all the animals are free to roam unlike some private reserves.

Wow wow wow - a beautiful hotel / lodge and a mind blowing experience. Our first safari and I don’t think it can get much better. Stunning lodges with nice terraces, outdoor showers and plunge pools. Great food in plentiful quantities and very very very good game drives in cars never exceeding 6 clients - we maxed at 4 and even had a game drives on our own. Tracker Joseph and guide Sarah were simply brilliant - patient, knowledgable and fun. We had lodged 1, with good views as animals wanders through the camp. For better views of the dam and bathing crocs / hippos and baboons then go for lodges 3-8 but all are good. Everything about this place is top notch.

One of the best hotels we have stayed in across the whole world! We came here as part of our honeymoon trip to South Africa and truly had the most magical experience. The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful - quiet, small and perfectly situated in the Timbavati nature reserve so that you can spend your days in your beautiful suite watching the animals and nature around you. We had an incredible guide, Dennis, and tracker Musa for our safari drives. They were both super experienced, friendly and attentive - we were lucky to see all of the Big 5 multiple times during our trip and each of the drives (even the early morning ones!) were magical thanks to them. Back at the lodge we were looked after by the amazing Aubrey - I have to say the service we experienced was unlike anywhere else we have visited. Warm, friendly, attentive and so many special touches that make the stay even more memorable. We would love to return here one day and highly recommend it to everyone we meet!

The lodge facilitated an incredible safari experience and we couldn’t recommend it more. The staff’s attention to detail is outstanding, the amenities are great, and the way the entire operation is managed allowed us to enjoy an stress-free and unbelievably fun adventure. Thank you for an unforgettable stay!

The journey to Hilltop Lodge from Eastgate Airport, took us about 90 Minutes and en route our driver pointed out a number of animals. We received a warm welcome. Our tent number 2 had a good view over the river and we saw elephants and hippos from our room, as well as hearing other animals. The rooms are very well appointed and have plenty of space. The bed has a good view and is very comfortable. There was always plenty of hot water. The room was kept spotlessly clean. and the electric blanket was on when we returned after dinner. The food was excellent, every second evening we had a barbecue at the boma when we were joined by our driver and tracker an enjoyable experience. All of the twice daily drives were very good. Nicholas our driver and Perfect our tracker worked well together to ensure we not only saw all of the big 5, but also wild dogs , hyenas and lots of birds. What was also impressive was their concern for the wildlife. We enjoyed the sun downers on the evening drive and coffee each morning. Overall this was an unforgetable experience.