About Simbavati Waterside
DRINKS INCLUDED! Overlooking a large dam, this modern 8-roomed lodge caters for both families (half the rooms are family suites) as well as couples (with the 2 suites that feature wood-burning Kol Kol hot-tubs a particular highlight!)
At Bushscapes we always love lodges that overlook a water source – be it a waterhole, river or dam. Obviously the water tends to act as a powerful animal magnet, particularly in the dry winter months when the surrounding bush dries out, often making for excellent game viewing that you can enjoy even from the comfort of your private deck or perhaps whilst enjoying a drink at the lodge bar. Another big plus point is that water so often adds to the sheer visual appeal of the lodge compared to others which simply overlook the surrounding bushveld. The good news is that Simbavati Waterside ticks both these boxes with its position overlooking a large dam in the southern portion of the 60 000 hectare expanse of the Klaserie Reserve. And compared to lodges deeper into the Klaserie, Simbavati Waterside also has the advantage that it’s very easily accessible, being one of the first lodges that you’ll encounter after entering the reserve, an easy 30 minutes from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport if you’re coming in by air.
The rooms at Simbavati Waterside are large and modern in style but with organic elements that ensure they aren’t too bland or minimalistic. The lodge also cleverly caters for both families as well as couples looking for a more romantic bush experience - of the 8 rooms at Waterside, 4 of them are 2 bedroomed family units where mom and dad enjoy a larger master bedroom with king-size bed and a stunning en-suite bathroom complete with romantic stand-alone bathtub and also boasting indoor and outdoor showers! An interleading door connects the kid’s room which is smaller and fitted out with twin beds and simpler bathroom. All 4 of these Two-bedroomed Luxury Suites overlook the water, so you can relax on your covered deck whilst watching the wildlife come down to slake their thirst! Unusually, Waterside accepts kids of all ages (but only children of 6 years up are allowed on the usual shared game drives (if guests wish younger kids to join them on game drives they will need to take an extra game drive vehicle at extra cost if available)
The other 4 rooms at Waterside are geared towards couples only and of these 2 overlook the dam whilst the other 2 look out into the surrounding bush. What the lodge has very cleverly done though is compensate these bush-facing rooms by equipping them with Kol Kol wood fired hot tubs, which we foresee being a huge drawcard particularly in the cooler winter months!
A wonderful addition is the Shilope Sleepout Deck - set in the heart of the Klaserie wilderness beside an iconic Weeping Boer-Bean tree from which it derives its Shangaan name, this offers a truly serene and adventurous bush experience. Unlike many of the other sleepout experiences that have been such exciting additions to the South African game lodge scene, here the top level is a look-out deck with the comfy bedroom area actually located a storey lower - to be honest this is in many ways probably a more practical solution as opposed to the bed being in a far more exposed area on the top level. A highly recommended treat, especially if you are staying 3 nights or more!
As far as the main lodge areas are concerned, as you might expect they make the most of the waterside location with a shaded wooden deck, a sand floored contemporary-styled boma as well as an attractive firepit area all flanking the water’s edge. The exception, a little surprisingly, is the swimming pool which has been built away from the dam overlooking the surrounding bush. There’s also a second “bush boma” away from the dam built from rough branches where hanging lanterns lend a wonderfully traditional and rustic atmosphere! Then there’s a gym and Spa facility as well as the usual safari shop.
