6 Top-Rated Families hotels in Timbavati Game Reserve: Kings Camp, Kambaku Safari Lodge, Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Umlani Bushcamp, Simbavati River Lodge, Kambaku River Sands
1. Kings Camp
Unkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
Overall Ratings
9.8 based on 5 reviews
Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp offers luxury accommodations in a secluded bush setting, with an outdoor pool. Guests can dine under the stars while watching wildlife visit the spot-lit watering hole.
The room are decorated with African artifacts, zebra rugs, mosquito nets and chandeliers. They all have a spacious bathroom with a free-standing bath and an outdoor shower. The Honeymoon Suite has a private outdoor pool and terrace.
The restaurant serves a fusion of African and international cuisine with a different menu prepared each night. Guests may dine around the open fire in the boma area, in the dining room or on their private terraces.
Game drives and walking safaris are offered at the Kings Camp which is adjacent to the Kruger National Park. After an active day, a spa and wellness center is available for relaxation.
A shuttle service can be requested and free parking is provided.
Reviewed By Jaco
We enjoyed our time at the lodge very much and were spoiled from start to finish. The personal attention to detail makes for an unforgettable stay. Our ranger Neil and tracker Donald were extremely knowledgeable. If you can spot a chameleon at night in a tree while driving not once but twice it says something. We saw all the big five animals and witnessing a Leopard eating a kill was special.
2. Kambaku Safari Lodge
Enkhulu Gate, Arygle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
Overall Ratings
9.1 based on 21 reviews
You're eligible for a Genius discount at Kambaku Safari Lodge! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
Kambaku Lodge is located in the heart of Timbavati Nature Reserve and has a waterhole which attracts members of the Big 5. Each of the rooms and chalets feature African décor and a private patio.
The four-poster beds are surrounded by mosquito nets and the bathrooms contain both a bath and shower. This eco-friendly lodge lights its rooms with lanterns at night, but also has solar operated electric sockets, ceiling fans and free Wi-Fi.
Brunch is served daily either beside the outdoor pool or on the spacious veranda. Dinners consist of local cuisine and are held beside a bonfire, under the stars in the Boma area. Guests can also enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
The Kambaku Lodge is a 45-minute drive from Hoedspruit Airport and 3 hours by car from Nelspruit. Timbavati Nature Reserve is directly next to Kruger National Park, about 43 mi from the lodge.
Reviewed By Leila
oh my god this place is home away from home! Julius, Cordy, Stanly and everyone else became our family within an hour. I would stay here 10 time over and over again. the ride are so wonderful and out of this world. Julius and stanly make sure you see the animals you came to see. they drove us for hours to make sure we see the last of big five. they are so great at tracking the animals without disturbing the animals or interfering with their normal habitats. Cordy was just amazing kind and so attentive, she made sure we got the best room, placed rose pedals, wine chocolate and setup a romantic dinner/bath for our stay. also food is just delicious, like if your grandmother is cooking in the kitchen.
3. Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
Overall Ratings
9.9 based on 12 reviews
You're eligible for a Genius discount at Tanda Tula Safari Camp! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers all inclusive luxury tented accommodations in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve located within the Greater Kruger National Park. Guests can enjoy game drives.
Each tent offers views of the riverbed and features its own private bathroom, a Victorian bathtub, an outdoor shower and a spacious deck overlooking the riverbed and African bush.
Guest can relax at the swimming pool overlooking the watering hole. The main lounge overlooks the riverbed and the bush and there is complimentary internet and WiFi coverage in the main lounge area.
The attractions of God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes are a 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive away.
Reviewed By Kevin
A very enjoyable stay in every way. The staff was superb, the food delicious and the tents were clean, comfortable and added greatly to the bush experience! A special thanks to Jack and Scotch for sharing their world with us.
4. Umlani Bushcamp
Enkhulu Gate, Arygle Road, Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
Overall Ratings
9.7 based on 26 reviews
You're eligible for a Genius discount at Umlani Bushcamp! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Game drives, bush walks and meals are included in the rate.
Guests sleep in traditional African reed and thatch huts created using local Shangaan tribal architecture. Umlani Bushcamp’s huts offers an private bathroom with open-air shower, mosquito netting over each bed and crisp white linens. Candle lanterns are used for evening light.
Umlani’s rangers take guests on daily game drives in open Land Rovers. Guests can also enjoy guided bush walks with Umlani’s experience trackers.
Pre-dinner drinks are offered each evening around the fire in the traditional boma. Dinner is then served in the candlelit dining room, or out in the open riverbed on a table surrounded by lanterns.
Nelspruit Airport is a 2.5 hours’ drive from Umlani Bushcamp.
Reviewed By David
Everyone in the staff was very friendly and helpful, making sure that everything was always right. The resort's location was calm, serene and peaceful making you feel part of the bush. Rooms were clean and comfortable. We really enjoyed the game drives with our kids, 4 and 7, and had a great time. Look forward to visiting again!
5. Simbavati River Lodge
Enkhulu Gate, Argyle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
Overall Ratings
9.1 based on 81 reviews
You're eligible for a Genius discount at Simbavati River Lodge! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
In the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, the Simbavati River Lodge offers the chance of a face-to- face encounter with Africa’s incredibly varied wildlife from the lodge’s private viewing decks.
Simbavati River Lodge combines the rustic appeal of an African game with stylish modern interiors. Choose from 2-bedroom family suites or luxurious Safari Tents, all feature air conditioning private outdoor decks overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. The spacious family have a large bathroom twin wash-basins, a shower and deep, free-standing bath.
Each morning and evening, Simbavati Lodge offers game drives conducted by experienced rangers and trackers, providing the opportunity to photograph some of the reserve’s incredible array of wildlife that includes the 'big 5' - lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and elephant.
Afterwards you can sit around the campfire and enjoy traditional African cuisine often prepared on the 'braai' or barbecue.
Reviewed By Yusuf
Simbavati provides an exclusive experience to its guests. The staff is very kind and engaged. The place and the food is amazing and the trackers (for the game drives) are very knowledgable. I give full recommendations to this facility.
6. Kambaku River Sands
Enkhulu Gate, Arygle Road, 1380 Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
You're eligible for a Genius discount at Kambaku River Sands! To save at this property, all you have to do is sign in.
Located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kambaku River Sands features game drives and bush walks. The lodge also offers an outdoor swimming pool, spa and communal lounge with two open fireplaces.
Each luxury, air-conditioned suite comes with a private viewing deck. It also includes a seating area with a mini-bar and tea-and-coffee making facilities. The private bathroom has a spa bath and separate double shower.
Guests can enjoy spa treatments, the sauna or fitness center at the on-site spa. The bar overlooks the watering hole where elephants and other animals come to drink.
Meals are all-inclusive, and local African cuisine is served around the open-air boma bonfire. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main lounge.
Kambuku River Sands is located along the western border of Kruger National Park, 16 mi from the Orpen Gate. Hoedspruit is 22 mi away and Hendrik Van Eck Airport is 62 mi from the lodge.
