Timbavati Game Reserve

The Timbavat Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, the Timbavati Game Reserve is one of the country’s premier wildlife conservation areas. Famous for its rich biodiversity and exclusive safari experiences, the Timbavati offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature in an unspoiled environment.

Location & Accessibility

The Timbavati Game Reserve is located in the northeastern part of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, bordering the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo region. It is situated in the Lowveld area, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) northeast of Johannesburg. The reserve spans approximately 66,000 hectares (over 160,000 acres) of pristine wilderness, offering visitors access to a vast array of landscapes including savannahs, riverine forests, and scrubland.

There are several options for getting to the Timbavati Game Reserve, depending on your travel preferences and starting point.

• By Air: The closest major airport to Timbavati is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), located just 30 minutes from the reserve. From there, you can arrange a charter flight to the reserve’s private airstrips or use a road transfer to reach the lodges. Alternatively, you can fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) near Nelspruit, which is about a 4-hour drive from Timbavati.
• By Road: If you prefer to drive, the Timbavati Game Reserve is accessible by car from Johannesburg, about a 5-6 hour drive. Road access is through the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park or directly through the reserve’s own gates.

Timbavati Lodges and Accommodation

The Timbavati Game Reserve in South Africa offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Within the reserve, there are 12 all-inclusive lodges and 3 self-catering camps, each providing unique experiences for guests.

Types of Lodges in the Timbavati.

1. Luxury Safari Lodges: These lodges offer opulent accommodations with private suites, gourmet dining, and personalized services. Some of the lodges include…
   • Bateleur Safari Camp
   • Kambaku River Sands
   • Kambaku Safari Lodge
   • Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
   • Simbavati River Lodge
   • Simbavati Trails Camp
   • Simbavati Amani
   • Simbavati Camp George
   • Simbavati River Lodge
   • Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
   • Tanda Tula Safari Camp
   • Tangala Safari Camp
   • Umlani Bushcamp
2. Self-Catering Camps: For those seeking a more independent experience, these camps provide the flexibility to prepare your own meals while still enjoying the natural beauty of the reserve. Examples include:
   • Simbavati Mvubu Cottage
   • Simbavati Trails Camp
   • Simbavati Amani

Each lodge and camp is designed to offer guests an authentic and immersive safari experience, with opportunities for game drives, bush walks, and other activities that showcase the rich biodiversity of the Timbavati Game Reserve.

Experience Timbavati Safari Lodges

The reserve is a prime destination for wildlife lovers, offering unparalleled game-viewing opportunities, especially for sightings of the Big Five. With a focus on sustainable tourism, the Timbavati Game Reserve combines conservation with luxury, making it a remarkable place to experience South Africa’s rich natural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, the Timbavati Game Reserve promises an unforgettable encounter with Africa’s wild beauty.