Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Thorny Bush Private Game Reserve
March 4, 2020
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Located in the Mpumalanga Province, north of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions that were discovered here in the 1970s. The name ‘Timbavati’ refers to these two unique creatures, it means 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens'. It is home to a number of exclusive African-style bush lodges set amidst spectacular African savannah and abundant game including over 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: daytime safaris, night game drives, guided bush walks, and bird watching.
The Timbavati is not malaria free, although it is low-risk and mostly present during the rainy season (November through to April). We would therefore recommend you take extra protection including anti-malarials which your local doctor can help you with
The Timbavati is huge, 75,000 hectares huge in fact! Back in the 1960s the park used to be separated by a fence from the neighbouring Kruger National Park, however in 1999 the fence was taken down which has bumped up the game population in the reserve and it is a thriving wilderness ideal to support the incredible number of mammals, reptiles, and birds which call this reserve home.
You most certainly can! White lions are incredibly rare with a beautiful crème coloured coat and stunning bright blue eyes. Interestingly, they aren’t technically considered albino as their colouring is a result of a rare colour mutation. The wonderful thing about Timbavati is that white lions are actually indigenous and they have been successfully growing in numbers which means you’re in for a treat if you do spot one, and there is more chance of that now there are a healthy number of them!
Great question – and the answer is, all year round and we aren’t just saying that! With so much land to cover, there are lots of beautiful areas that you can explore when staying here and it looks and feels different depending on the time of year that you visit. The great news is that we can help you understand what to expect – whether that’s when the antelope have their young (which means lots of babies and lots of predator action!) or when the bush is at its driest and the animals have to compete for the only water sources around… or indeed when the bush is at its most lush and the photography is absolutely on point. That’s what we’re here for!
We love the lodges on this reserve. The ones we work with are intimate, classy and each one has a unique feel to it. We can’t honestly hold our hands on our hearts and say that any one is better than the rest! Here at Tailormade Africa, we love getting to know you so that we can help guide you as to which lodge we think will fit you best. Some have more facilities, some are more geared up for couples and some are ideal for those with mini humans. The Timbavati is rich with choice and you’re in for a treat no matter what.
Safari is the name of the game, and the reserve has a variety of ways for you to experience it all! No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives as well as guided bush walks and if being out and about on the reserve isn’t enough, you can always just sit and enjoying the wildlife that comes through camp with a chilled glass of something and take it all in! Some lodges have spa facilities for you to get a little pampering, and some can organise for a therapist to come to your room for a private treatment with the sounds of the bush all around you. One of our favourite activities is the traditional ‘sundowners’ – being out at a perfect viewpoint watching the African sun slowly move down beyond the horizon while you sip on a G&T. Heaven!
Timbavati Private Game ReserveAccommodation
Tucked under a canopy of mopane and tamboti trees, &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge exudes a romantic colonial ambiance. The Lodge’s sparkling swimming pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland, ideal for avid birdwatchers. Hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches are served in the dappled shade of an enormous weeping boerbean tree... Learn more
Chic and contemporary, &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is renowned for sophisticated tented accommodation in tranquil bush surrounds. The overall essence is African, with warm, earthy tones used throughout. Built on platforms, each tented suite is cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees, minimising impact on the environment... Learn more
In celebration of the colours, flavours and tempo of modern-day Africa, Tanda Tula, meaning to love the quiet, is inspired by the people and wildlife of the Greater Kruger National Park. At Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Field Camp and Rishilé Camp, connect to authentic and thoughtful safari experiences... Learn more
