Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of South Africa's prime, undiscovered safari destinations, home to Africa's Big 5 and part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR) comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park.   Since 1962, the Timbavati Association, a non profit organisation, has been dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species which would have continued to exist had man never encountered the land.  Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big Five of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of bird life.

The Timbavati is a leader in conservation and research and is committed to the upliftment of local communities.  A unique feature of the Timbavati is the low density of commercialisation and its offers leading game lodges plus eco lodges and experiences.

Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. This allows the animals free range and ensures guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that South Africa has to offer.

Timbavati is a "Big Five" safari Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely plus many more species of predator and antelopes.

The Timbavati comprises various smaller private game reserves, including Motswari Game Reserve, Ngala Game Reserve, Tanda Tula Game Reserve and Umlani Game Reserve.

The Famous White Lions
When the White Lions of the Timbavati were discovered in the mid-1970s they became the subject of much interest and debate. The story of the “White Lions of the Timbavati” has been told by several people, most notable of whom was Mr. Chris McBride, who published two books about the phenomenon: The White Lions  of the Timbavati and Operation White Lion. Chris was the son of Timbavati member Cyril McBride who at the time, together with his brother Robert - owned the farm Vlakgezicht. The famous white lions of the Timbavati were first sighted by Cyril McBride’s daughter Lanice van den Heever in October of 1975.

There have been various “spiritual” powers attributed to the White lions and many people were and still are of the opinion that the lions are a different species. The truth is that this is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to “leucism”.

The Timbavati is approximately 5 or 6 hours by car from Johannesburg. Normal passenger vehicles can reach all lodges within the reserve.
Regularly scheduled, daily flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town to local airports.


The Timbavati's climate is subtropical, and features two seasons:
Summer (October - March)
Winter (April - September)

Summer is the rainy season, and features temperatures that are moderately high to very high, with some humidity and occasional cloudy conditions.
Winter, the dry season, is cool to warm, with clear and sunny skies.

Is the accommodation fenced?
The lodges are generally not fenced although most have a two strand electric fence in place to deter elephants. All guests are escorted to their chalets by an armed ranger.

Is it safe for children?
As long as all visitors to the park follow the rules, stay in vehicles during drives and respect the animals, a visit to the bush is no more dangerous than any other vacation. Some lodges may have age restrictions in place, please check when you make a booking.

Is it a malaria area?
Since malaria does occur in the region (particularly prevalent in summer months) visitors are advised to take prophylactics. However, a few simple precautions can protect you from the irritation of being bitten:

• Use a mosquito repellant – As soon as the golden light of dusk starts to cast its spell and thoughts turn to sundowners on the deck – STOP. Now is the time to apply your mosquito repellant, especially to your feet and ankles. Repellants are available at most supermarkets, chemists and camp shops and come in sprays, roll ons, moist wipes and in a variety of scents. Choose the one that works for you.
• Use mosquito mats in your sleeping area – Mosquitoes are mostly active at night. Use an electricity based mosquito repellant or slow burning coils to keep mosquitoes out of your sleeping area.
• Use your fan – Mosquitoes find it difficult to settle in a breeze. Leaving your ceiling fan on at night keeps them away.
• Cover your arms and ankles in high risk areas –in a game reserve this is good advice generally. Keep socks and shoes on in the evening and keep a light cotton shirt on over your arms.

Book your Timbavati safari now.