A little bit about Timbavati

The Timbavati Nature Reserve lays nestled between two private safari game reserves and the world famous Kruger National Park, which it shares a fifty kilometer unfenced border with.

If you are planning a safari with a lot of high-quality game viewing (and let’s face it, you probably are) stop looking and take off to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Known for its natural splendor, wide swathe of bush and high density of wildlife - including the Big Five, over 350 bird species and the rare white lion. You will find remote, friendly abodes providing the perfect safari home for a family getaway, romantic honeymoon, group trip or whatever else you are seeking. Accommodations come in every price range – starry night skies are complimentary.

Going on safari in Timbavati Reserve

There are some things you need to know before setting off to Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa.

Can everyone travel there? How long does it take to get to the Timbavati? Why is this place so unique? And what should you pack? These and all your other questions will be anwered in the sections below. Find a question unanswered? Make use of the contact form below and we will be happy to assist you!

About Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park, in South Africa is one of those very special places in the world and is home to the elusive white lion.

Timbavati Reserve special offers

Searching for that one special offer that makes all your safari dreams come through? Our Timbavati special deals offer excellent value for money. We hope to see you soon!

Getting to Timbavati Reserve

The Timbavati is one of South Africa's best accessible game reserves. We have multiple daily flights, are very close to Kruger and have a lot of world-class roads leading right to us.

There are no guarantees, but both times we've been here we did see all the Big Five "extremely" close up.
rsceracy about Kings Camp on Tripadvisor
The tents were amazing. Large and comfortably appointed, extremely large bathrooms with amazing outdoor showers, porch, and a really comfy bed.
Dana G about Tanda Tula on Tripadvisor
Delicious food and served in different places. One night was a surprise drinks evening under the stars followed by dinner in an outside courtyard filled with lanterns.
RubyCapeTown about Ngala Safari Lodge on Tripadvisor

Timbavati Nature Reserve lodges

Find yourself a soft, crisp bed to slide yourself into at night: a safari in the Timbavati is mind-blowing but also takes a lot of energy from your body.

Whether you’d rather sleep in a traditional tent or a vintage Victorian room: we have the right safari home for you and love to help you find it. Whatever your choice, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need some recommendations. For now, it is time to browse and start anticipating.

Rockfig Safari Lodge

lodge style Family friendly lodge

Family friendly safari lodge set in the heart of the Timbavati. Enjoy exhilarating and private game drives: when booking with four or more you will be allocated a private vehicle.

from ZAR 13,765 per person per night

Bateleur Safari Camp

lodge style Eco-friendly lodge

Intimate, small and eco-friendly: welcome to Bateleur in Timbavati. Let this be your affordable bush retreat. Enjoy the wild under a thatched roof and rooms with canvas sides.

from ZAR 6,244 per person per night

Kambaku Safari Lodge

lodge style Serenity in the wild

Experienced rangers, child friendly game drives, wildlife sipping from the waterhole in front of you, delish food and all this is in a warm, tucked away setting. Need we say more?

from ZAR 6,710 per person per night

Shindzela Tented Camp

lodge style Eco-friendly and relaxing

Take a deep breath and point your ears: what do you hear? It is the sound of a true African safari. You won’t find any silver platters or crystal wineglasses here; you will find a soulful place and a deep connection to the African bush.

from ZAR 4,259 per person per night

Simbavati River Lodge

lodge style Family affair on a riverbank

If you are seeking a perfect bush family getaway: don’t look any further. At Simbavati River Lodge the staff will do everything possible to give the whole family a heart-warming and everlasting impression of Africa.

from ZAR 8,454 per person per night

Kambaku River Sands

lodge style authentic Timbavati safari

At Kambaku River Sands, owners Bryce and Nicola made it their mission to deliver excellent service so that not only you, but also the true residents of Timbavati Game Reserve, feel at home. You will never get closer to the wildlife.

from ZAR 10,520 per person per night

Walkers Plains Camp

lodge style Delight in the wild

Immerse in Africa's wild heart at Walker's Plains Camp. Discover luxurious tents, personalized safari experiences, and wildlife encounters amidst the majestic Timbavati Reserve. Unveil Africa, unscripted and unforgettable.

from ZAR 10,324 per person per night

Simbavati Trails Camp

lodge style Walk on the wild side

Discover Simbavati Trails Camp in Timbavati Nature Reserve. Relish in the luxury Meru tents, lose yourself in nature's wonder, and experience the thrill of walking safaris - a unique way to embrace Africa's wilderness.

from ZAR 6,714 per person per night

Thabamati Tented Camp

lodge style A tented affair

Thabamati Camp in Timbavati offers a unique African escape. Embrace the wilderness with luxurious tents, unforgettable safaris, and unparalleled views for an intimate retreat in the heart of South Africa.

from ZAR 8,664 per person per night

View Ngala Safari Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

lodge style Warm family ambiance

Ngala Safari Lodge is designed to give families and wildlife enthusiasts a thrilling safari experience in a gorgeous, welcoming setting. Timbavati's Ngala Safari Lodge is a nostalgic haven for families to rewind and recharge.

from ZAR 14,244 per person per night

&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

lodge style Canvas masterpiece

Come to the place where a classic, timeless, rustic safari experience meets contemporary luxury. The Ngala Tented Camp offers best of both worlds. It is a spectacular hideout in the Timbavati Game Reserve.

from ZAR 18,664 per person per night

Makanyi Safari
Lodge

lodge style Dazzling safari haven

Who says perfect doesn't exist? It does here, at the Makanyi Lodge. A modern African lodge where owner Jessica Gold and her staff of bush-enthusiasts will make sure you leave with a deep commitment to this African land.

from ZAR 14,259 per person per night

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

lodge style Luxury hideaway with a view

Step out of the day-to-day life treadmill, take a breath and expand your horizons. At Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, it is Africa as far as you can see. A beautiful four-star lodge; destine to be the peak of your travel memories.

from ZAR 10,794 per person per night

Motswari Game Lodge

lodge style A small paradise in the bush

Deep in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve lies the family owned and operated Motswari Private Game Reserve. Here, the warm atmosphere of this small lodge and thick surrounding bush fields will embrace you, forever.

from ZAR 5,204 per person per night

Umlani Bush Camp

lodge style Sustainable & down to earth

Disconnect from our fast paced, high-tech world, and reconnect with a deeply rooted sense of tranquillity. Come to Umlani Bush Camp for a basic, but genuine bush ambiance. This is pure safari elegance – for a reasonable price.

from ZAR 4,819 per person per night

Tanda Tula

lodge style Consciousness meets luxury

Bush cuisine with local fresh produce, a dedicated staff that welcomes you as family and incredible luxurious safari suites with views over the riverbed. This is frivolous elegance with firm African roots.

from ZAR 19,419 per person per night

Kings Camp

lodge style Classic vintage hideaway

Prepare for a little piece of earthly African paradise: at Kings Camp in Timbavati Private Game Reserve you will find the perfect balance between vintage luxury, de-stressing and safari adventures.

from ZAR 14,452 per person per night

Geiger's Camp

lodge style Your stylish safari story

It’s is time to write your own African safari story, in a tasteful and stylish background setting. With only four suites, this family owned safari lodge is a personal retreat, where your mind and body will reboot.

from ZAR 7,299 per person per night

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Timbavati video

The best way of getting an idea what the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is about is by seeing some incredible footage from the area. View this video of Kambaku Safari Lodge to experience one of the lodges and wildlfe in the game reserve.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to South Africa. Today.

The game drives were out of this world and we even saw a White Lion mating.
rebeccapattullo about Umlani Buscamp on Tripadvisor
The staff were most gracious and welcoming - not just as we arrived, but with each return from our game drive - moist towels and sherry.
Craig677 about Kambaku River Sands on Tripadvisor
Our guide Chad was a source of endless knowledge of the animals, the terrain, and even the vast African sky and stars.
DougKfromHouston about Motswari Lodge on Tripadvisor

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Timbavati Nature Reserve is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about one of the topics on this page? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

Timbavati Nature Reserve
Mpumalanga, South Africa
info@visittimbavati.com