Timbavati private nature reserve greater kruger

Overview–southafrica

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Timbavati is a private nature reserve with open borders to the famous Kruger National Park. It is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, which offers an authentic wildlife experience. All of the Big Five animals are easily spotted including the elusive leopard. The park is famed for its rare white lion.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months of May through September are the best time for a trip to Timbavati. Wildlife viewing is superb as rivers and waterholes become gathering places for animals. The wildlife viewing improves as the Dry season wears on. This fact, coupled with warmer weather, makes September an excellent time to visit.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife viewing is slightly better
Rain is rare, and the skies are sunny
Days are mild with little humidity
Malaria risk is low
The bush is very dry
Warm clothing is needed for early morning and evening game drives

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

The landscape is fresh and green
Newborn animals can be seen while adults are in healthy condition
Birding is excellent, and migratory birds are present
Wildlife viewing is not quite as good as during the Dry season
The heat and humidity can be unbearable
Antimalarial medication is recommended

Scenery

The main habitats in the parks are grassy plains and mixed woodland. The vegetation tends to be quite thick in the rainy season, but this doesn't interfere much with wildlife viewing because of the off-road driving permits.

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: October to March (It rarely gets crowded)

Size

From: 534km² / 206mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Timbavati is part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, where animals roam throughout the bordering parks and reserves. This means all main safari animals can be seen. Timbavati is the closest competition to the better-known Sabi Sand Game Reserve, but it is a bit quieter and wilder. All of the Big Five can be spotted, and sightings are of the highest quality.

Wildlife Highlights

Timbavati is known for its large herds of buffalo, while lions and elephants are found in good numbers as well. The reserve's claim to fame is its white lions, but pure white lions haven't been seen for a long time. You might be able to see some very pale individuals that carry the gene. Cheetahs and leopards are seen less often than in nearby Sabi Sands.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry months of June to September are the peak wildlife viewing time in Timbavati. August to September is a desirable time to visit, as the temperature warms up and sightings are made even easier because animals gather around predictable water sources.

General Wheather

Timbavati Nature Reserve's winter and summer are opposite to the seasons in Europe and North America. The Wet season occurs during the summer months (October to April), while the Dry season occurs during the winter (May to September). The summer is hot and humid. Winter is dry and mild, with it cooling off substantially during the night. Warm clothing is essential for early morning game drives.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

Humidity is low, and there is virtually no rainfall during the winter months. Permanent water sources attract animals as there is little water in the bush.

May – This is a month of transition marking the end of summer. Temperatures typically cool off to 12°C/54°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Game drives in open vehicles will be cold in the morning, as it averages around 11°C/52°F. It would be wise to bring warm clothing. The afternoons are clear and pleasant with an average temperature of 25°C/77°F.
September – The first rains bring relief to the drought-like conditions, and the temperature builds to an average of 27°C/81°F in the afternoon. Mornings become warmer with an average of 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Humidity can make the heat unbearable during the summer months. Though daytime temperatures average 31°C/88°F, it is not unusual for peaks to reach well over 40°C/104°F. Afternoon thunderstorms occur but seldom last all day.

October & November – Rain frequency increases, primarily in the afternoon. Temperatures between 17°C/63°F in the morning and 30°C/86°F in the afternoon are normal.
December, January & February – Torrential rains during the afternoon are common, making humidity very high. These months are the hottest and the wettest of all. Afternoon temperatures average 33°C/91°F, but temperatures as high as 40°C/104°F are not unusual.
March & April – Rainfall subsides as cooler weather sets in. The month of April has pleasant, clear weather with very little humidity. Nights cool to around 15°C/59°F but are still temperate. The daytime average is 32°C/90°F.

Prons

Good wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
Day and night drives and walking safaris are available
Off-road driving in open vehicles
Part of a very large ecosystem
Several lodges and self-catering camps to choose from
Less busy than Sabi Sands

Cons

Emphasis on ticking off the Big Five species
Big cat sightings are not quite as good as in Sabi Sands

How To Get There

Visitors from abroad usually fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. From here, Federal Airlines flies twice daily to Timbavati Nature Reserve.

Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS). The reserve is only about 15km/9mi from the airport, and your accommodation will organize a transfer.

Renting a car in Johannesburg and driving to Timbavati is another option. The reserve can be found on the R40 near Hoedspruit, west of Kruger National Park. The 450km/280mi drive takes nearly 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.