From KSh1,355,530 to KSh2,269,603 pps
Ngala Tented Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Night drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Specialist guides | Star gazing | Bird watching
HomeDestinationsTimbavati
Timbavati
Timbavati is a private reserve open to Kruger, north of Sabi Sands, with the same idea: a guide, night drives, and no self-drive.
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Timbavati Reserve Safaris
Lying on the Kruger National Park’s unfenced western boundary and flanked by the private Thornybush reserve, Timbavati is a 53 000-hectare private nature reserve that ranks among the region’s most successful conservation stories. Created in the 1950s to rehabilitate degraded farmland, the environment is now fully restored and teeming with wildlife.
Wildlife in Timbavati – a Big 5 Safari
Timbavati is classic Big 5 safari territory. Expertly guided dawn and early afternoon game drives are conducted daily, and since Timbavati is a private Kruger reserve, guests at the half dozen or so lodges are treated to activities that are not allowed in the Kruger National Park such as off-road driving for premium sightings, exciting spot-lit night drives, and guided nature walks – ideal for birdwatchers to tick off some of the 360 bird species recorded in the reserve.
When to visit
The best time to visit Timbavati is usually during the dry May to September winter season when temperatures are at their lowest and the game viewing the easiest. The heat and aridity build up in October and November as the rains approach; animals are clustered around water sources and game viewing is superb but it’s often extremely hot. The summer rains between December and April transform Timbavati into a green paradise – expect sensational birding and plenty of baby animals, favourite prey items for the many Timbavati predators.
Timbavati Safari Accommodation
Excellent safari accommodation is available in the Timbavati Game Reserve – speak to your African Safari Expert to make sure you choose the right lodge for your requirements. There are family-friendly lodges, exclusive honeymoon suites and no-frills mobile adventure camps on offer but standard to all are great comfort and facilities, friendly, can-do service and fine dining.
Getting there
Although accessible by road – Timbavati is a half-day’s drive from Johannesburg – many visitors choose to fly in. The reserve is close to the local Hoedspruit Airport as well as Kruger International in Nelspruit which is served by direct flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Mozambique’s Vilanculos – gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Such convenient logistics means it’s simple to combine a beach holiday with a Timbavati Big 5 safari – just ask us how.
What travellers most enjoyed about Timbavati Game Reserve
Bird watching
Mobile camping
Wildlife and safari
Where to go
- The baseA private lodge. The name can change before anything is paid.
- The pairingSabi Sands if leopard density is the priority. Kruger's public camps if you want to drive yourself.
When to go
When to go
May to September is the dry winter. Summer is green and thundery.
Travel advice
Before you travel
The lowveld is malarial. Ask about children's ages before you choose a camp.
Timbavati Game Reserve Tours & Safaris
If you’re looking for a tour or safari in the Timbavati, look no further than our selection of luxury safaris. Our Timbavati tours and safaris embrace a part of the Greater Kruger area that is well known for its white lion sightings and great Big 5 game viewing. There’s a wide variety of accommodation options and it’s easy to add on a beach holiday or Cape Town vacation.
Recommended Timbavati Game Reserve Tours & Safari Holidays
From KSh2,029,735 to KSh2,350,390 pps
Highlights
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
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Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
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Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
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Explore the many wonders of Cape Town. Discover splendid art at a top wine estate.
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From KSh2,029,735 to KSh2,350,390 pps
Click to save to your wishlistSouth Africa's Luxury Kruger, Cape & Kwandwe Safari
11 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative This safari is a Hidden GemHighlights
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Destinations visited
Cape Town Eastern Cape Kruger Private Concessions South Africa
From KSh2,029,735 to KSh2,350,390 pps
Highlights
Encounter Big 5 game in private concessions. Guided walking safaris & game drives.
Destinations visited
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From KSh2,269,255 to KSh2,522,405 pps
Click to save to your wishlistHoneymoon Cape, Kruger & Mozambique
14 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiativeHighlights
Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
Destinations visited
Bazaruto Archipelago Cape Town Kruger National Park Mozambique South Africa
From KSh2,269,255 to KSh2,522,405 pps
Highlights
Luxury apartment in trendy city neighbourhood. A full-day tour of Cape Point and surrounds.
Destinations visited
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From KSh1,540,965 to KSh1,899,265 pps
Click to save to your wishlistFamily Cape Town, Kruger & Mozambique
Ready-To-Book 14 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiativeHighlights
Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
Destinations visited
Bazaruto Archipelago Cape Town Johannesburg Kruger National Park Mozambique
From KSh1,540,965 to KSh1,899,265 pps
Highlights
Explore Cape Town & Table Mountain. Visit the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
Destinations visited
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From KSh1,854,480 to KSh2,013,510 pps
Click to save to your wishlistRomantic Cape, Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal
Ready-To-Book 13 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiativeHighlights
Explore the many wonders of Cape Town. Discover splendid art at a top wine estate.
Destinations visited
Cape Town Cape Winelands KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Timbavati Game Reserve
From KSh1,854,480 to KSh2,013,510 pps
Highlights
Explore the many wonders of Cape Town. Discover splendid art at a top wine estate.
Destinations visited
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Popular tours and safaris in Timbavati
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
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A visit with a local community.
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Cape Town | South Africa
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Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
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Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
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Train Journey to Vic Falls
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Morning and afternoon game drives.
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Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
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Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
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Cape Town | South Africa
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Train Journey to Vic Falls
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Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
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5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
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Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
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Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
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Morning and afternoon game drives.
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Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
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Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
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Morning and afternoon game drives.
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Where to Stay in Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Accommodation in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve ranges from luxury safari lodges to colonial-style tented camps – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. If you’re looking for a classic private reserve safari experience on the border of the Kruger, our selection of Timbavati accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Kruger safari so much simpler.
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Travellers
CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo
Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving
Food & Drink
Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons
Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
Water activities
Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving
Sport & Wellness
HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding
Accommodation Types
Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing
Meal plan
Bed and BreakfastFull boardFull inclusiveHalf board
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Timbavati stays
2 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa
From KSh925,759 pps
Rockfig Safari Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Bush dining | Wine tasting | Spa treatments
Costs
Timbavati sits in the private-Kruger price band, below the busiest Sabi Sands weeks and far above a rest camp.
International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.