The renowned Simbambili Game Lodge located in the Kruger National Park, is undergoing comprehensive refurbishment with the aim of preserving its storied history.
The renovations at the iconic 5-star destination within the acclaimed Sabi Sands Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga, seeks to improve its structure and layout with the intention of enhancing its status as a premier destination for luxury safari experiences.
The site’s co-manager Tania Cowden said: “The refurbishments have taken the lodge to the next level without losing the special inviting and homely feel of the lodge.
“These upgrades now provide guests with a modernised, more advanced and luxurious experience.”
Some of the refurbishments at site, which is part of the Thornybush Game Lodge’s portfolio, include the addition of a new thatch roof at the main lodge area, doors for a warmer dining space in winter, and a new two-level deck as well as a firepit.
“All soft furnishings have been refreshed and a newly-designed bar area has been introduced,” Cowden said.
She added that enhancements to the boma created a more inviting space for guests to gather and enjoy traditional African cuisine under the stars, enhancing the overall safari experience.
Meanwhile, all of the lodge's rooms have received a refreshment, ensuring a blend of elegance and comfort that aligns with the surrounding bush.
“Each suite features a private deck, plunge pool and shaded Sala bed, providing guests with an intimate and luxurious retreat,” Cowden said.
In addition, the former conference room and gym have been transformed into the new Africology Spa & Wellness Centre and library to offer guests an expanded range of options during their stay.
The state-of-the-art spa offers two treatment rooms, a gym, with an outside deck and swimming pool as well as an additional dining area with a weather-proof pergola-covered deck.
“The Africology Spa is dedicated to natural, holistic healing and wellness, using products that celebrate South Africa's rich botanical heritage and indigenous plants such as rooibos, aloe and African Potato Bush,” the manager said.
The refurbishment's interior design, led by Cate Simpson of Reflecting Africa, aimed to immerse guests in nature, ensuring that the lodge harmonises with its setting.
“The colour palette and design concepts reflect the surrounding bush, enhancing the sense of place and connection to the natural environment,” Cowden said.
An artistic touch has also been added to the lodge as seven large-scale murals, commissioned by Simpson and created by local artist Nikhil Tricam, are set to grace various areas of the lodge, adding a contemporary edge to the natural vistas.
Simpson explained that these murals, painted directly onto the walls, reflected the unique shapes and patterns of the surrounding landscape.
“Nikhil, who is passionate about the bush, painted directly onto the walls an almost whimsical and contemporary take on the exquisite trees as a vista,” she said.
“He so cleverly highlights the unique shapes and patterns that we see as we cast our own eye across the front of the lodge, forcing guests to see in nature what perhaps they would have missed.”
Threads that Bind Us, inspired by a photo of the surrounding grasses, also crafted the murals into the embroidered cushion range.
The black-and-white wildlife photography, by Mike Cowden, who also manages the lodge alongside his wife Tania, adorns the room walls.
In addition, wildlife artist Warren Cary contributed three leopard paintings, which celebrate the area's prolific sightings of the powerful big cats.
“One of the stand-out décor pieces is an intricately carved wooden crocodile skull by Hoedspruit artist Friday Jibu, which is masterfully precise in its detail,” added Simpson.
Tania believes that all these refurbishments add to the lodge’s appeal. “With the global focus on conscious and healthy living, Simbambili Game Lodge can now provide guests with a holistic experience that balances wildlife encounters with wellness and relaxation.”
These additions will also improve the experience at the lodge, which is renowned for its exceptional game viewing.
“Our location is ideal for seeing great general game as well as The Big 5,” Cowden said.
“Resident leopards are extremely relaxed around the vehicles and regular sightings of them are always a real treat.”
Other celebrated elements of the lodge include its Honeymoon and Waterhole suites and their cuisines. “Guests enjoy fresh, delicious meals made with ingredients from the Thornybush Community Garden and local suppliers, ranging from à la carte dining to boma barbecues,” he added.
Thornybush’s head of sales and marketing, JB Burger, added that these additions to the lodge will see them keeping the spirit of the Lowveld and the rich history of Sabi Sands alive.
“This refurbishment marks a new chapter in the lodge's story, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for future generations,” Burger said.