Timbavati Game Reserve Lodges

Timbavati Nature Reserve The Land of The White Lions

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 Game 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  Greater Kruger and Timbavati. 

Timbavati Game Reserve is home to more than 40 different mammal species(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.  

Safari To Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Timbavati Kruger, an iconic destination nestled within South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. Known for its white lions, diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and pristine wilderness, Timbavati offers a truly immersive safari experience. Here, you can encounter Africa’s renowned “Big Five” and the rare elusive white lions, who roam freely across this vast, protected terrain.

Stay in elegant lodges that blend luxury with authentic bushveld charm, offering guided game drives and walking safaris led by expert trackers and rangers. As you traverse this incredible reserve, witness breathtaking sunsets, engage in thrilling wildlife encounters, and enjoy the serene beauty of unspoiled nature. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is a haven where conservation and comfort unite to create a safari experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime

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.

Timbavati - Exclusive Safari Destination in South Africa

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.  

Why Choose Timbavati for Your Kruger Safari?

Timbavati offers an exclusive safari experience with incredible Big Five sightings, including the rare white lions. Unlike Kruger’s public areas, this private reserve ensures uncrowded game drives, with limited vehicles per sighting and expert-led off-road tracking for premium wildlife encounters. Spanning 60,000 hectares, Timbavati shares an unfenced border with Kruger, allowing free movement of animals. Guests enjoy activities unavailable in Kruger, such as night drives and guided bush walks, perfect for birdwatchers. Luxury lodges provide top-tier service, gourmet dining, and immersive safari adventures. Whether visiting in peak winter months or lush summer, Timbavati delivers an unforgettable, conservation-focused safari in pristine African wilderness.

Is Timbavati good for photography?

Timbavati is a dream destination for wildlife photographers, offering close encounters with iconic animals like leopards, wild dogs, and rare white lions. Off-road access allows photographers to capture unique shots in natural settings. With its fenced-free border with Kruger, the reserve boasts high wildlife density and diverse landscapes, from bushveld to open plains, providing stunning backdrops. For the best results, use an SLR camera with a 200mm+ lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. Guides and trackers ensure perfect angles, and morning and late afternoon drives offer optimal lighting for memorable shots. Timbavati is an unbeatable destination for both amateur and professional photographers.

What accommodation options are available in Timbavati?

Timbavati offers luxurious, eco-friendly lodges ranging from intimate tented camps to high-end safari villas, all with personalized service and top-tier amenities. Many lodges feature private decks, plunge pools, and open-air showers with breathtaking bush views. Unlike larger Kruger accommodations, Timbavati lodges provide an exclusive atmosphere with limited guests, ensuring privacy and tailored experiences.

Options range from Tanda Tula Field Camp, a temporary eco-friendly retreat, to Ngala Safari Lodge, offering grand colonial-style luxury with vast exclusive traversing rights. Motswari Private Game Reserve features an open border with Kruger and the Giraffe Nest Sleep-out, a romantic starlit experience. Whether for romance, family adventures, or photography, Timbavati lodges promise an unforgettable, all-inclusive safari experience.

Is Timbavati Good for a Family Safari?

Timbavati offers an exclusive, family-friendly safari with safe, private, and immersive wildlife experiences. Unlike Kruger’s self-drive safaris, expert-guided game drives ensure stress-free adventures tailored to children’s interests. Many lodges feature spacious suites, kid-friendly meals, and engaging activities, including bush walks, animal tracking, and conservation lessons. With structured daily itineraries, families enjoy the best wildlife sightings without overwhelming younger travellers. Private vehicles allow flexible schedules, ideal for kids with shorter attention spans. Off-road drives provide close-up Big Five encounters, including rare white lions. Timbavati blends education, adventure, and luxury, making it an unforgettable safari destination for families seeking an authentic African wilderness experience.

How to Get to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve?

Reaching Timbavati is easy, with options to suit different travel preferences. By air, the nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), just 45 minutes from the reserve, with direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Lodges can arrange transfers, or guests can rent a car. By road, a self-drive from Johannesburg takes 5-6 hours via the N4 and R40, with scenic Lowveld views. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for reserve roads. By private charter, flights land at Timbavati’s airstrips, offering a seamless, time-saving journey. Entry requires a gate fee, and transfers can be arranged for ultimate convenience.

What makes Timbavati unique?

Timbavati is one of South Africa’s most exclusive private reserves, offering pristine wilderness, ethical conservation, and world-class wildlife encounters. Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, it allows free movement of animals, ensuring exceptional Big Five sightings year-round. It’s home to the rare white lions, found only in this region, along with the ‘Magnificent 7’—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, and wild dog. Guided off-road game drives, night safaris, and walking tours offer intimate encounters with diverse wildlife and over 360 bird species. Luxury lodges provide eco-friendly accommodations, gourmet dining, and private game drives, making Timbavati a top choice for an exclusive, conservation-focused safari experience.

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