TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE
In Timbavati the landscape is quite open, generally more so than in Sand Sands, and there are fewer properties on only a slightly smaller area. Timbavati has 15 lodges and camps, Sabi Sands 43. As a result you are likely to encounter less vehicles on game drives, and the animals are a little less habituated.
Timbavati borders the Kruger National Park and is unfenced, so animal sightings are excellent. It's a great reserve for plains game, and as such makes plains game predators more likely. You have good chances of seeing African painted dogs (aka Cape hunting dogs, Wild dogs), we have come across them on the main track on an number of occasions, just when driving between lodge inspections.
Of course it is possible to combine reserves: Timbavati, Sabi Sand, Klaserie, Balule, and Lukimbi have different landscapes. combination itineraries with two or three nights in one reserve, then two or three in another are the best way of getting a variety of experiences and habitats. It also makes it easier to spend some time in the higher-priced Sabi Sands lodges without blowing all your budget in three-nights. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve lodges start at 3,200 ZAR per person per night and go up to 13,000 ZAR per person per night.
Timbavati borders the Kruger National Park and is unfenced, so animal sightings are excellent. It's a great reserve for plains game, and as such makes plains game predators more likely. You have good chances of seeing African painted dogs (aka Cape hunting dogs, Wild dogs), we have come across them on the main track on an number of occasions, just when driving between lodge inspections.
Of course it is possible to combine reserves: Timbavati, Sabi Sand, Klaserie, Balule, and Lukimbi have different landscapes. combination itineraries with two or three nights in one reserve, then two or three in another are the best way of getting a variety of experiences and habitats. It also makes it easier to spend some time in the higher-priced Sabi Sands lodges without blowing all your budget in three-nights. Timbavati Private Nature Reserve lodges start at 3,200 ZAR per person per night and go up to 13,000 ZAR per person per night.
where to stay...
From our many visits to Timbavati, we have first-hand knowledge of the accommodation and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller properties with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
TIMBAVATI ITINERARIES
Below you can find Timbavati itineraries in 3 different price ranges with images of the different lodges in them, but these lists are by no means exhaustive. At the bottom of the page you will also find a button leading to some reserve combination itineraries and for for bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
