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Born to be wild
Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Elephant at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
With about 360 species of birds, Timbavati is an exceptional destination for twitchers.
There are some places in the world that vigorously resist human development. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is 1 of these.
Pressed up against the belly of the Kruger National Park, it has experienced almost nothing in the way of farming or other encroachment, even before being conserved.
In fact, when parts of the land that would become the Timbavati were cleared for crops and cattle in the 1950s, it became apparent (and this in a decade that wasn't particularly conservation-minded) that farming here was a serious mistake. So a few dozen forward-thinking people worked together, bought up the land and dedicated it back to wildlife.
And so it has remained ever since.
Timbavati’s 53 000 hectares were named after the river that flows through them. A riverine forest that lines it attracts elephants, as it has done for centuries.
Timbavati was in the news in the 1970s, when the 1st white lions were spotted on the reserve. Suddenly Timbavati became a household name around the world and the lions in question (along with their discoverer, Chris McBride) became famous.
Every now and then white lions are still born here or on neighbouring reserves. The most recent was seen in 2006. Every white lion in the world owes its genes to something mysterious and recessive in the DNA of Timbavati big cats. White lions are extremely rare.
In 1993, the fence dividing Timbavati from the Kruger National Park was dropped, allowing the free flow of wild animals.
It affords visitors to the park’s 12 famous luxury game lodges – including Tanda Tula, King’s Camp, Ngala, Motswari, Umlani and Leadwood – an incredible wildlife experience.
The owners of Timbavati are about to take another step that will further protect its wilderness: there are plans to proclaim Timbavati as part of the Kruger National Park.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
The Warden
Tel: +27 (0)15 793 2436
Fax: +27 (0)15 793 2394
Email: warden@timbavati.co.za
How to get here
There are 3 regional airports in proximity to the Timbavati.
Hoedspruit’s airport is closest, only 30 minutes away. Phalaborwa is 90 minutes away, while Nelspruit is about 3 hours’ drive. The lodge that you book at will usually organise transfers; some of the lodges have their own airfields.
If you’re driving from Johannesburg or Pretoria, it will take roughly 6 hours. The roads are smooth except for the last few kilometres. Individual lodges will supply detailed directions.
Get around
Once at your bush lodge, you’ll be transported in game-viewing vehicles.
Length of stay
2 nights would be minimum to see most or all of the Big 5. Squeeze in another night if you can.
What to pack
If you’re travelling in the South African winter, don’t forget to bring warm clothes for night-time, when temperatures can drop suddenly.
What to eat
The lodges often include traditional South African food and venison in their offerings – including biltong (cured meat), sosaties and boerewors (South African sausages).
What's happening
Activities include game viewing, birding and game walks.