Timbavati Game Reserve Accommodation

Accommodation Options in Timbavati Game Reserve

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is not short of accommodation options for visitors into the Kruger region. Choose a world class game viewing holiday at one of 18 all-inclusive luxury lodges, or 4 self-catering camps. Your safari accommodation choice contributes to Timbavati’s sustainable tourism model – to conserve all wildlife and biodiversity, and to support the surrounding communities. 

The Timbavati is one of the oldest private game reserves in South Africa, sharing a fence-free border with the Kruger National Park. Picture 60 000 ha of soul stirring wilderness where excellent value for money private game lodges and safari camps promise top class Big 5 game viewing.

This kind of individualised ecotourism is behind Timbavati’s vision to showcase Africa’s magnificent wildlife and conserve this healthy restored ecosystem that is part of the Greater Kruger. Add Timbavati to your bucket list, if not just to catch a glimpse of the famous white lions. 

Top Game Lodges in Kruger Timbavati

Check out our selected top Timbavati game lodges in the Greater Kruger region below.  Get in touch with us to book that dream Africa safari to one of 18 deluxe safari lodges or 4 self-catering camps.  The perfect addition to a Southern African game viewing holiday, Timbavati can also be integrated into a multi country package deal. 

We love &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge for its ultimate family safari holiday where you expect the usual personal service and characteristic special touches off an &Beyond property. Simbavati River Lodge also promises a world of adventure and make-believe for kids, a family safari lodge with lavish family villas. Simbavati River Sands shelters beneath huge Jackal berry and Leadwood trees, an opulent yet homely tented camp and Motswari Camp, meaning ‘to conserve and protect’, offers guests a night in the delightful Giraffe’s Nest Hide, peeping over the Xanatsi Dam, a lavish outside bedroom. 

Our Top Picks for Accommodation in Timbavati

Our top picks are our ‘big five’ Timbavati lodges based on value, service and positive feedback over the years. We offer awesome itineraries and the best package deals for a safari into the Kruger at Timbavati:

  1. Kings Camp – for colonial style safari charm, 9 luxury suites feature private plunge pools, 2 deluxe honeymoon suites, Waterbuck Private Camp for privacy in a 4-bedroomed villa for 8 privileged guests 
  2. Ngala Tented Camp – dazzling lap pool, flowing naturally with the curves of the seasonal Timbavati river; tented suites raised on stilts in the trees take in the view 
  3. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge – a modern rendition of the traditional safari lodge, it sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful Nhlaralumi River below 
  4. Rockfig Safari Lodge – delightful open plan living with chef’s kitchen where natural design blends into the environment
  5. Thabamati Tented Camp – located on a serene dam with Drakensberg mountain views, an eco-friendly, camp that still highlights chic modern amenities.

Best Time to Visit Timbavati Game Reserve

The dry winter season, May to September, is always best for game viewing. The absence of rain means thinner vegetation, easier driving and it is so much easier to spot game. Animals tend to congregate around waterholes from October.

But don’t write off the green season as migrant birds arrive with the rains, December until April. The African bush comes alive and predators make abundant kills during this time. The sprinkle of rains, the budding of trees and grasses – and something special happens – tiny birds, calves, cubs and other newbies are spotted!

aerial view of AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
From $906

&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

Set off on the ultimate family safari holiday to &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge. Take an exciting bush break in the beautiful Timbavati Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park where your children will delight in seeing elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopard, cheetah and African Wild Dog. The family suite has its own dedicated ranger. Watch your children play on manicured lawns and swim in the sparkling pool. Silver service from days gone by.
view of Simbavati River Lodge from the exterior
From $538

Simbavati River Lodge

Enter a world of adventure and make-believe, a family safari lodge where children can safely play in the heart of a pristine wilderness. Simbavati River Lodge, deep in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, on the now unfenced Kruger National Park border, offers travellers spacious family chalets and exciting kiddies’ programs.
private outside pool at the honeymoon suite in Kings Camp in Kruger National Park
From $919

Kings Camp Private Game Reserve

Choose King’s Camp, a haven of old-world colonial charm, in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve beside the Kruger National Park, for the ultimate private safari in a luxury setting made for royalty. Game drives twice a day traverse the enormous terrain pf pristine bushveld in search of the Big 5 and the famous white lions. Settle into 9 luxury suites with private plunge pools and 2 deluxe honeymoon suites for sublime romance on safari. Waterbuck Private Camp is a 4-bedroomed villa for 8 privileged guests who want personalised service and privacy in the wilderness.
the exterior of the AndBeyond Ngala Tented Camp in Kruger Park
From $1,188

AndBeyond Ngala Tented Camp

Find this classic African safari accommodation to the west of Kruger National Park in the breath-taking Timbavati Private Game Reserve, home to the famous white loins and several other endangered species. Twice daily game drives at andBeyond Ngala Tented Lodge take guests to find the Big 5 roaming in this fence-free 75 000 ha region. Return to elegant, tented suites, elevated on wooden decks to showcase incredible wilderness views with huge bathtubs and delightful outside showers.
Woman standing over the balcony viewing the river and bush below during sunset
From $686

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

A premium hilltop position, meticulous tented suites, polished timber decks and eye-catching contemporary décor wins prizes for Hilltop Lodge under the Simbavati safari banner. Find this lavish bushveld accommodation in the legendary elephant habitat of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve beside Kruger. A modern rendition of the traditional safari lodge, it sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful Nhlaralumi River below. Each tented suite has its own grand view of the river with an exquisite outside shower, modern Bali style décor with plenty of wood and stone for effect.
View of the Simbavati River Sands lodge from the river beds in the Kruger
From $5,000

Simbavati River Sands

The name says it all – it’s on the Nhlaralumi River and the name Simbavati means “the place where the lions come down from the stars”. This understated yet definitive safari camp is perfect for authentic wilderness escapes where wildlife matters more – guest stay in 8 luxury tents or 3 family chalets with a spare bedroom for the kids. Sheltering under huge jackal berry and leadwood trees, the camp is opulent yet homely, designed for game viewing all day. Big 5 safaris into 12 000 ha of prime bush thrill guests twice daily.
Swimming pool with sunbeds in the back at the Thabamati tented camp
From $520

Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

Reminiscent of luxury colonial safaris from ‘Out of Africa’ days, but with a modern 21st Century twist, Thabamati Tented Camp is an eco-conscious safari destination in the private Timbavati Game Reserve near Kruger. Welcome to lavish amenities, warm African hospitality, exquisite views towards the Drakensberg mountain range and resident hippos in the dam. It’s small, hosting only 8 guests in 4 gorgeous tents and everything runs on solar and gas. Enjoy two game drives a day plus thrilling bush walks.
fire pit with chairs around it outside during sunset at Rockfig Safari lodge
From $875

Rockfig Safari Lodge

The wonderful family friendly Rockfig Safari Lodge in the private Timbavati Game Reserve loves to host children on family game drives into the Greater Kruger to find diverse wildlife species. Rockfig is an intimate, plush affair where the chef’s kitchen flows through to the dining area, lounge and pool deck, all merging with the magic of the bushveld beyond. The 8 beautifully furnished luxury suites boast deep bathtubs with bush views and private decks. Honeymoon couples are treated to their exclusive use game drives.

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