Timbavati Private Game Reserve

An unbelievable leopard sighting at night in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve

All luxury lodges in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve have something unique to offer

A view across the river to Simbavati River Lodge

Male lions in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Some luxury lodges in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve offer incredibly beautiful bathrooms

Comfortable rooms with a view can be expected at most Timbavati luxury lodges

The Timbavati Private Game Reserve allows for a variety of sightings and not only the 'Big 5'

The viewing deck at Simbavati River Lodge allows for some fantastic sightings

Located in the northern most province in South Africa, the Timbavati Private Game Reserve allows for one of the best game viewing experiences in the Kruger National Park area.

The lodges that we normally make use of in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve can be found below. Click on the lodge to see detailed information with costs.
3* Gomo Gomo Game Lodge	From: R1620 - R1900 p/p/s/p/n
4* Simbavati River Lodge	From: R2250 - R2800 p/p/s/p/n
4* Kambaku Safari Lodge	From: R2890 - R3100 p/p/s/p/n
Daily itineraries at the Private Game Lodges
All Private Lodges of the Kruger
*** p/p/s/p/n = per person sharing per night

About Timbavati Private Game Reserve:
The Timbavati Private Game Reserve is located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and borders the world famous Kruger National Park. The reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park as the fences are dropped between the Kruger Park and the Timbavati. The dropping of the fences allows for free movement of wildlife between the reserves. The Kruger Park is a conservation area of more than two million hectares. The terrain is undulating with varying altitudes of between 300-500 metres above sea level. The area is characterised as 'savannah bushveld' with six different landscape types.

The climate has a wet summer season (October - March) with the majority of rain coming from December to February. This is also the hottest time of year with temperatures in the region of 32°C. A typical summer day will be hot with storm clouds gathering for spectacular late afternoon thundershowers.

The winter months from April - September are dry with little chance of rain. The game tends to congregate around the dwindling water holes, which makes the viewing a bit more predictable and best for a Kruger Park Tour. Temperatures can range from 10°C to 28°C in a day. The mornings and evenings can be quite chilly so warm clothing is advised for these times.

Game Viewing in the Timbavati:
Using open 4x4 safari vehicles, the specially trained game rangers will delight in taking guests out on two daily safari drives and guided bush walks.

Wildlife at Timbavati:
The Timbavati boasts 40 species of mammal including the 'Big 5' (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) and 360 species of birds, which makes it a bird watchers paradise. It is possible to see more bird species in one day while in the Timbavati than you have ever witnessed in your life. On night drives, the smaller nocturnal mammals such as porcupine, serval, genet and civit can be seen, among others.

Other wildlife includes kudu, zebra, giraffe, impala, waterbuck, warthog, hyena and cheetah to name just a few. The critically endangered African wild dog is also a regular visitor to the Timbavati Reserve. The larger and rare antelope species such as Roan, Eland and Tsessebe have been slow to return to this area though their numbers are still critically low.

The Famous White Lions of the Timbavati:
When the White Lions of the Timbavati were discovered in the mid-1970's they became the subject of much interest and debate. The story of the "White Lions of the Timbavati" has been told by several people, the most notable of whom was Mr. Chris McBride, who published two books about the phenomenon. The white lions were first sighted on October 1975. McBride relied heavily on the expertise and knowledge of two local trackers, Jack Mathebula and Mandaban Hlongo, in his efforts to track the white cubs. These men had grown up in the bush and had intimate knowledge of the behaviour of lions.

There have been various "spiritual" powers attributed to the white lions and many people were, and still are, of the opinion that the lions are a different species. The truth is that this is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to a 'recessive white gene'. Though no white lions have been spotted in the Timbavati for many years, a number of white lions are regularly seen in the Kruger National Park in different areas, and they could occur at any time in the Timbavati prides again.

For more information, contact a consultant at Journey into Africa. Safaris and tours are our speciality, so whether you want to stay in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve or any other destination in Southern Africa, we can assist.

What our guests have to say...

Fantastic experience, beyond our expectations and great value for money. The lodge environment is a unique setting and true to its surroundings. Our personal guide Eugene Basson was educated not only on the wildlife, flora and fauna, but also the history and culture of the destination. We leave wiser and so appreciated this experience.

Jay & Linda Shecter
USA
KNP04 - 4 Day Kruger & Private Game Lodge Safari
03-06 December 2010

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