Access & Location
Hilltop Lodge is positioned on the top of a small kopje, overlooking the Nhlaralumi River and offering superb vistas of the Drakensberg Mountains beyond.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Luxurious lodge in the northern region of Timbavati
Lovely lounge, bar, curio shop, game-viewing deck, infinity pool and spa
Eight sumptuous safari suites, all with amazing views
Great game drives, bush walks, birding, photographic safaris
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
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Well-loved lodge
One of the Timbavati’s intimate elevated luxury tented lodges, with the most breathtaking panoramic views of the riverbed and of the foothills of the Drakensburg Mountains. At different times of the year, you’ll be able to spot the likes of hippos, elephants, impalas, and lots more from your own terrace!
Activities
Activities from Hilltop Lodge focus on exploring Timbavati.
Big Five
White lions
Wildlife sightings
Birdlife sightings
Afternoon drives/walks
Sundowner break
Night drives
Photographic safaris
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After an early breakfast, guests can venture into the bushveld for a three-hour game drive, bush walk or photographic safari. There is loads to see in this area. All Big Five animals roam the reserve, with huge herds of lion, elephant and buffalo!
This is also the place of the famous white lion.
Other mammals include cheetah, zebra, antelope, giraffe, wild dog, hippopotamus and warthog.
The birdlife is equally impressive and birders relish the opportunity to spot such species as herons, egrets, storks, kites and vultures.
A further drive or walk is available in the afternoon, following a leisurely lunch and afternoon tea at the lodge.
This activity incorporates a sundowner break before guests return to lodge for dinner.
After dinner, night drives are available, a great chance to check out the nocturnal life of the reserve and catch a glimpse of civets, genets, porcupines and servals!
Guiding is of a very high standard, while photographic safaris include equipment hire and use of the lodge’s special photographic safaris vehicle. A professional photographer offers one-on-one instruction, so guests are guaranteed fabulous images!
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
Make an EnquiryMake an EnquiryFacilities
All the communal areas are open sided, for guests to enjoy the views.
The lounge offers comfortable and colourful seating, a selection of books and a few board games, while the circular bar boasts 360-degree views of the surrounding bush. There is also a curio shop, and a deck for dining and viewing passing game. The infinity pool has its own lounge, for the ultimate in relaxation!
Make an EnquiryAmenities
The guest accommodation at Hilltop Lodge comprises eight pavilion-style safari suites, spaced around the kopje to ensure privacy while maintaining a village feel.
Each unit consists of a wooden deck supporting two canvas tents, one for the bedroom and one for the bathroom. All bedroom tents are elegantly furnished and feature twin or double beds with electric blankets for winter, air conditioning, ceiling fan, bedside lamps, two-point plug converters, eco-friendly insect repellent, hairdryer, safe, tea and coffee station, and well-stocked mini bar! Bathroom tents are linked via a passageway that can be opened up for outdoor showering. Some of the suites have very steep steps and we recommend a lower-level unit for guests with mobility issues.
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What our Customers say
Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.As Seen In
