Simbavati River Lodge

Mopane-veld is one of my favorite places to be found in at the end of the dry season when the leaves of the Mopane trees start changing colour and the grass has turned almost white, especially when set against the coarse rocky substrate of light coloured granite/gneiss outcrops and darker gabbro intrusions of the Greater Kruger National Park. 

This time I was on tour with the van der Lee family from Holland who had two nights on their itinerary booked at Simbavati River Lodge. This lodge located in the northern Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is found within the southern extreme of the very extensive Mopane-veld which stretches northwards all the way to the Limpopo river.

We had a fantastic safari experience exploring this wonderland in open safari vehicles as well as on foot, with good quality sightings of all of the Big Five and much more. Early mornings are always the best times to be out and when the soft sunrise lighting brings this colourful vegetation to life it makes for magical photo opportunities. 

Viewing a crash of white rhino on a bushwalk as they peered at us warily through the Mopane woodland, having a ringside seat right next to a leopard who had dragged an impala under some Mopane branches, and seeing giraffe coat patterns camouflaged amongst the Mopane leaves were real highlights. 


My favourite photo though was of a Plains Zebra which I could place in the V of a multi-stemmed Mopane tree with its characterful bark patterns, and the background seemed to be on fire as the sunrise lit up the pastel shades of the magnificent Mopane-veld. 

On tour for African Insight - August 2011
Overland tour with the van der Lee family from the Netherlands.

"Situated in the heart of the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, this intimate, family-friendly camp is built on the banks of the Nhlaralumi River – a beautiful watercourse in the summer months when rain is plentiful, and a dry riverbed in the drier winter months. 

Shaded by age old Jackalberry and Leadwood trees, Simbavati River Lodge is warm and welcoming, with a generous contemporary design and accommodation for guests in luxury tented rooms or thatched chalets.

Simbavati takes its name from the local Shangaan language, translated as “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. The focus of the lodge is on the excellent big-5 game viewing, breathtaking views, friendly and knowledgeable staff in an environment where guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they arrive. 

Simbavati River Lodge is situated in the northern sector of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and surrounded by 12 000 hectares of wildlife and rich wilderness in which you can experience an authentic and affordable African safari. 

The design of this 4-star lodge is contemporary, warm and welcoming. Guest common areas offer a generously proportioned lounge, bar, boma and extensive decks with breathtaking views overlooking the Nhlaralumi river where regular wildlife sightings take place and guests can unwind.

Accommodation consists of eight luxury tents and three chalets; all are privately situated, comfortably furnished and with en-suite facilities." - Simbavati lodges website

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