Beautiful setting, flanking a huge dam. Just 30 minutes drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
The perfect environment for couples. 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 – including predators, elephants, hippo and buffalo – are drawn to the dam to cool off and quench thirst (sometimes in herds numbering hundreds). Here the game viewing never stops, and you literally become part of your own private Africa 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.
Simbavati Waterside’s sophisticated décor, sublime cuisine, and intuitive hospitality enhance an already-perfect safari.
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.
There are four family suites. Each has a main bedroom with king-sized bed, open-plan bathroom en-suite (with bath and interconnected indoor and outdoor rain-showers), and a separate WC. The second bedroom has twin beds (which can be converted to a king bed) and a separate bathroom en-suite with indoor rain-shower and WC. Each bedroom has a beautiful game viewing deck with a view of the water.
There are two suites which face the bush, each with its own private deck and small private KolKol tub (heated by a gas-fire in winter). 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.
Game drives in the Klaserie take place in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are naturally most active. Key to the experience is your English-speaking local guide. They bring their knowledge, experience and fresh observations to maximise your wildlife sightings. And not only in terms of how much you see. But how rewarding, informative and fun the overall experience is. Your guide may be a keen photographer and will be conscious and considerate if your mission is to capture sightings on camera.
Night drives continued after the sun goes down, using a spotlight to search for a glimpse of a nocturnal hunter in the beam. Or one of the shy nocturnal animals which only operate after dark.
This may include some of the smaller cats such as civets and genets. Or the extremely rare and surprisingly aggressive honey badger. You may even encounter one of the predators starting their night-time hunt.
Several times a week, dinner in the camps is a more hearty, campfire style meal served under the stars in a ‘boma’, a circular enclosure originally made from branches. The cosy, lantern-lit ambience recalls the early days of safari pioneers.
Another authentic safari experience is dining out under the star in a boma (an enclosed circular dining area) around the campfire. This usually takes place every 2nd night. The gentle flicker of lanterns, candle-light and a welcoming open fire truly conjures up what is magical about a safari.
Why does a safari spa experience work quite so well? It’s probably because the intoxicating mix of being surrounded by nature and pampering relaxation. Together, they entice a restorative effect on your well-being.
Plus the relaxing and unhurried hours between game drives are the perfect time, with few other distractions. Though the lure of a siesta on your bed with a good book, could come a close second.
