Flanking a large dam in the southern Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Simbavati Waterside was conceptualized, 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 traveler. 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.

Suites

Each of the eight suites has a king bed (convertible to twin); en suite bathroom with shower, double vanity, and separate toilet; dressing area with ample storage space; game viewing deck and outdoor shower.

The six Water Facing Luxury Suites including four Family Suites (with two interleading bedrooms), while the two Bush Facing Luxury Suites have a private deck and small private plunge pool (heated by a wood fire in winter).

Shilope Sleepout Deck

Illuminated by solar lanterns, the Shilope Sleepout Deck welcomes you with a king-sized bed and a top-level lookout deck, setting the stage for a night of romance and complete immersion in the bush!

Elevated above the ground, this unique experience allows you to see the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and its wildlife from an entirely different perspective. Fall asleep to the mesmerising nocturnal sounds of the bush beneath you, only
to awaken to birdsong and the warm, golden glow of sunrise.

The sleepout deck is equipped with an en-suite shower and toilet, complete with hot, running water, ensuring the optimal experience.

Dining

This is a convivial affair with traditional local dishes cooked over an open fire. Most of the dishes will be recognisable, but you are welcome to try some traditional African delicacies such as pap and chakalaka.
Naturally this is a meat-eaters delight. But vegetarians are well-taken care of as well.

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 cozy, lantern-lit ambience recalls the early days of safari pioneers.
Another authentic safari experience is dining out under the star in a boma 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.

Safari

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 maximize 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.
You head out in an open-sided 4×4 game vehicle with three rows of comfortable bucket seats, generally with a maximum of 8 guests. This offers safe, yet close wildlife encounters. Guests sit up high for the best ‘spotting’ of birds and animals. There are no sides to inhibit your views and you naturally feel more in tune with nature. A great advantage with no shade tops is the added bonus – as it is open to the skies for the best bird-viewing and for stargazing.