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Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Nestled in the western expanse of the Greater Kruger region, the Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a sprawling wilderness that shares its boundaries with the Kruger National Park, Klaserie, Umbabat, and Thornybush Game Reserves. Encompassing an impressive 54,300 hectares, its fencless border facilitates the unhindered movement of wildlife between itself and its neighboring reserves.
Situated within the Mpumalanga Province, the name “Timbavati” holds a deep significance in Xitsonga culture, translating to “the place where something sacred descended from the heavens.” This name pays homage to the legendary white lions that roam its lands. Home to an extraordinary biodiversity, Timbavati boasts over 40 species of mammals, including the iconic Big Five, as well as 360 species of birds and 79 varieties of reptiles. The landscape is adorned with 85 species of trees, while numerous rivers and waterholes provide vital sustenance for the diverse array of wildlife that call this reserve home.
Timbavati is celebrated for its exceptional collection of luxury lodges. From exclusive adult-only retreats exuding an intimate ambiance to family-friendly lodges catering to all ages. With limited lodges and strict occupancy regulations, visitors enjoy uncrowded safari experiences. A variety of activities are offered in the Timbavati Game reserve, ranging from exciting off-road game drives and captivating night drives to walking safaris led by experienced guides. Additionally, guests can indulge in open-air dining experiences under the starlit African sky as well as an abundance of other enchanting experiences.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Highlights:
- 54 300 hectares in size.
- No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
- Nhlaralumio river is a prominent landmark, which spreads out over the reserve.
- Famously known for its rare white lions.
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Home to some of the counties best luxury lodges offering a diverse range of adult only and family options.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for sightings of leopards and the wild African dog.
Getting there:
- There are several private airstrips in Timbavati, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Timbavati, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Timbavati take 30 – 120 minutes lodge depending.
Location:
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Umbabat Game Reserve and Thornybush Game Reserve.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View packages or enquire via the contact form on the page below.
Simbavati River Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 750 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Simbavati River Lodge, nestled along the Nhlaralumi River, offers 8 luxury suites and 3 two-bedroom family chalets. The lodge features a deck with stunning river views and an adjacent waterhole.
Ages 6 years and older
Kambuka River Sands Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 812 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Kambaku River Sands offers 8 luxury thatched chalets in standalone positions around the main lodge, with open-air dining by the riverbed or around campfires in the African Boma.
Ages 12 years and older
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,725 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Tanda Tula, an ultra-luxurious safari lodge on the Nhlaralumi River, offers 7 luxury safari suites and 2 two-bedroom family suites, each with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the riverbed.
Ages 6 years and older
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,069 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ngala Safari Lodge, part of the acclaimed &Beyond collection, offers 20 luxury cottages and 1 family villa. The main lodge features a large rim-flow pool with stunning views of a lively waterhole.
Ages 5 years and older
&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,446 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ngala Tented Lodge, an intimate camp nestled between dense riverine forest and a sandy riverbed, offers 9 luxury tented suites, each with a private deck and breathtaking wilderness views.
Ages 12 years and older
Simbavati River Sands
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 5,934 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Simbavati River Sands offers a luxury two-bedroom villa along the Sohebele River, with exclusive use, private chef, guide, and safari vehicle, plus an outdoor terrace overlooking the reserve.
All ages are welcome
Kings Camp
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,038 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Kings Camp overlooks a savanna plain and waterhole, offering 7 luxury suites and 1 four-bedroom villa. Each suite includes a private veranda with a plunge pool, sunken lounge, and fire pit.
Ages 6 years and older
Makanyi Private Game Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,380 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Makanyi Game Lodge, set in gardens overlooking an active waterhole, features contemporary design with an African twist. Its 8 luxury suites have private decks with stunning dam views.
Ages 12 years and older
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 475 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Kambaku Safari Lodge is a family-friendly 4-star lodge in a 5-star location, featuring a relaxed atmosphere, warm hospitality, and a swimming pool overlooking the watering hole.
All ages are welcome
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 1,134 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge is a unique tented luxury lodge with views of the reserve and Drakensberg Mountains. Its 8 secluded suites overlook the dam and river, with wildlife visiting the nearby waterhole.
Ages 12 years and older
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Umbabat & Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 391 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Motswari is a family-owned luxury safari lodge known for its personal touch and warm hospitality, offering 15 stylish bungalows and a pool overlooking the Sohobele River.
All ages are welcome
Geiger's Camp
Umbabat & Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Now $ 574 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Geiger’s Camp is an intimate luxury lodge with panoramic views of the Sharalumi River. It offers 4 private luxury rooms, each with a viewing deck, and retains a warm, homely atmosphere.
All ages are welcome
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Enquire at Timbavati Game Reserve