Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Holidays
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve encompasses an area of wilderness over 20,000 square kilometres, and shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. It is home to some of Africa’s largest populations of wild animals, including the ‘Big 5’.
Within the reserve, there is a range of accommodation to choose from, so you can tailor your safari experience, whether you’d prefer a luxury lodge, or a rustic camp.
What wildlife can you see in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve?
There are over 850 animal species that can be found within Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, including all of the ‘Big 5’ safari animals. Keep an eye out for lions, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah and hyena. There is even a small population of rare white lions. For bird lovers, there are over 350 species to be spotted.
Is Timbavati part of Kruger National Park?
Timbavati is a private reserve, located within the Greater Kruger. This means it is not part of Kruger National Park, however it does share an unfenced boundary with Kruger, so wildlife can pass freely between the reserves. Staying in a private Greater Kruger Reserve, you are allowed to game drive within Kruger National Park, as well as in Timbavati Nature Reserve.
Ngala Private Game Reserve
Although Ngala Private Game Reserve is technically a distinct private reserve, it is situated within Timbavati, and there are unfenced boundaries between them, so wildlife travels freely. Ngala was actually the first private safari reserve to be incorporated into Kruger National Park, and it is known for its conservation efforts and its luxury lodges. Staying within Ngala Private Game Reserve offers a more premium experience.
Can you self drive in Timbavati?
Although you are allowed to self drive to your chosen lodge, game drives must be led by an expert ranger. If you are driving to your accommodation, make sure you stay on marked roads and keep an eye out for wildlife!
What is the best time of year to visit Timbavati?
The Greater Kruger area has a subtropical climate with two main seasons. Deciding the best time to visit really depends on personal preference.
May to September – These are the dry winter months in Timbavati Nature Reserve. Wildlife therefore gather around waterholes, making for some magical sightings of large groups of a variety of animals. As the vegetation is more sparse, this also helps to make for some great wildlife sightings.
October to April – The summer rains begin to fall in October, bringing new life to the dry landscapes. The foliage begins to flourish making for some incredible views. December, January and February are the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 40°C. You can often get a better deal on lodges at this time of year.
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