The lure of the African bush is never stronger that at the Timbavati Nature Reserve, this luxury African safari destination borders the Kruger National Park on the Limpopo side and falls within the Greater Kruger Park area. Just one of the reasons it is so famous is that you are likely to see more species of bird in one day in Timbavati than you will in your entire life span!
Luxury lodges and bush camps within the Reserve cater for your every whim and then some. Interact with the real Africa right here in the undulating savanna bushveld of the Limpopo region by game drives through the extensive reserve or heading on foot into the bush on nature trails. Besides the pull of being close to Africa’s Big Five, there are numerous wonderful creatures that will fascinate you such as one of the regular visitors to the Reserve, the critically endangered African wild dog.
Spend your Timbavati vacation in the midst of mighty elephants, shortsighted rhino’s and sleek beautiful leopards. The game sightings on this premier reserve are legendary; more than 40 species of mammals call the Timbavati home as do more than 300 species of birds. The roar of lions on the hunt breaks the peace of the African night, as does the shuffling of hundreds of nocturnal animals doing their nightly rounds.
With a majestic cast of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah as well as kudu, zebra, giraffe and warthogs, you won’t lack for entertainment. But just in case, many of the lodges provide tribal dancing evenings, astrology courses, visits to local communities and luxury facilities within the game lodges themselves. From understated luxury accommodation to full-blown colonial glamour and tented African safari options, this family-friendly wildlife destination awaits your arrival. Contact Southern Africa Travel today.
You can fly-in or drive the five or six hours from Johannesburg to reach Timbavati Nature Reserve, a group conservation effort by private landholders. Visit the Museum on sight detailing the history of the Reserve and current conservation projects underway.
The Timbavati Nature Reserve is known for:
Walking safaris
Stretch your legs and your knowledge base with a nature walk on this beautiful Reserve. Walks normally take place in the early morning before the beating African sun reaches its full power. Look out for the smaller attractions that go unnoticed during game drives. A first for the Timbavati, you can now take an overnight walking safari with your nights spent in camps in the wilderness. You will walk during the day, tracking wildlife, looking out for birds and appreciating the magnificent surrounds.
The White Lions of the Timbavati
The famous White Lions of the Timbavati, first seen in the mid-1970s, are exceptionally rare today and hardly spotted at all. These unusual looking lions have had various spiritual powers attributed to them over the years because of their white coats but in reality, it comes about through a natural genetic phenomenon known as leucism.
Off the Beaten Track:
Sleep out under the Stars
Settle down for the night around a blazing campfire and fall asleep to the sounds of the Africa bush and the brilliance of the stars after a hearty bush meal. There is nothing quite like waking up after an evening spent in the untamed wilderness.
Interact with Africa’s endangered wildlife
A fantastic experience, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is home to cheetah, lions, the African wild cat, rare African vultures and elephants amongst other endangered species. Take an elephant-back safari for close contact game viewing or visit the ‘vulture restaurant’ to see these legendary birds feeding! The Centre is a leader in the field of breeding and researching endangered species.
Play golf in the wild
Enjoy a unique round of golf in the bushveld atmosphere of the Hans Merensky Golf Course, located close to the Phalaborwa gate into the Kruger National Park. Considered one of the best walking golf courses in the country, your luxury African safari vacation will only be enhanced by a game here.
