Timbavati means “the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens” and refers to the white lions. So, welcome to the home of the famous and distinctive white lion that made this reserve famous. First seen in TImbavati Private Nature Reserve in 1938, these lions are born snow white, but are not albinos as once thought. Their condition is a rare double recessive gene mutation. They became famous in the 1970s when Chris McBride, a young zoologist, studied them and wrote his best-selling book, The White Lions of the Timbavati.
Years later, researchers considered the white lions to be extinct in the wild between 1992 and 2004. Then the Global White Lion Protection Trust successfully reintroduced white lions to their natural habitat and these prides have continued to hunt and breed successfully in the wilds of the Greater Kruger.
Timbavati Game Reserve is home to more than 40 mammals (including the iconic big 5 of course), more than 360 bird species, 79 different reptiles, 49 fish species and 85 listed species of trees! Find this lush, preserved landscape north of Sabi Sand Private Game reserve on the western edge of Kruger covering an incredible 53 000 ha for wildlife.
A brilliant safari to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is usually an all-inclusive exclusive experience. Guests are privileged to drive off road in open 4×4 game viewing vehicles to spontaneously follow animals existing in their own natural landscape. Despite this treat, there is no crowding at animal sightings – it is just you and your private ranger and tracker.
Come across jaw dropping scenes where these animals graze: elephants, buffalos, kudus, zebras, blue wildebeests, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks and warthogs. Predators wait in the wings on this safari stage of bush dramas – the big cats, wild dogs and hyenas.
With over 360 species of birds, this is a South African birding hotspot. Specials include regular sightings of Martial Eagles, and you are likely to see Pel’s Fishing Owl, Ground Hornbill and Kori Bustards plenty. Take a night drive and add a whole new perspective to the African bush. See Genet, Serval, Porcupine, Bushbabies, Owls and some of the big cats hunting on these drives.
An authentic South African safari begins in the magical Timbavati Private game Reserve, forever an untouched wildlife haven and recognised biodiversity hot spot. Remember the days of lavish colonial safaris encompassing luxury tented suites, gracious furniture and luxury foods and wines. This region embraces the meaning of the word ‘safari’, an overland journey or hunting expedition in the African bush. Timbavati is the epitome of the South African safari in Kruger.
Safari Lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve
Our broad collection of safari accommodation in top safari lodges ranges from rustic traditional tents deep in the wilderness and authentic thatched rondavels with outside showers, to the top end of the scale with ultra-luxurious chalets and tented suites designed for visitors to feel like royalty and enjoy elegance like never before.
We promise an impressive selection of luxury safari lodges in Timbavati Private Game Reserve where special guests can expect all the safari comforts of personal mini bars and coffee machines, five-star boma dinners, spa treatments, deep bathtubs with views, and private plunge pools!
Our best-selling safari packages to Timbavati feature all-inclusive deals for romantic honeymoon couples and special rates for families on safari. Group packages for the exclusive use of premier villas in the wilderness in elegant, top notch safari lodges too. Get in touch for some great planning tips and well-priced safari packages. We love the combo packages to Kruger’s Timbavati and Cape Town, South Africa, with an adventure to Victoria Falls.
