Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

The home of ghost-like white lions, Timbavati – extending over Mpumalanga and Limpopo – has a special place in the world of South African safari destinations. This nature reserve shares an unfenced border with the iconic Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to freely roam back and forth. Add to this refined safari lodges, and Timbavati is a safari holiday par excellence.

Must-Visit Areas in Timbavati Nature Reserve

For a more natural experience for the wildlife of the reserve and intimate encounters for safari-goers, only two safari vehicles are allowed at a sighting at any time. While on safari at Timbavati, you can explore:

Timbavati River: Diversity of Wildlife in One Spot

The Timbavati River runs through the Greater Kruger National Park, including Timbavati Nature Reserve. During a safari in Africa, one of the best places to see wildlife – especially during the dry season – is water sources. You’re able to see a diverse range of animals together in one spot; for example, a visit to a watering hole could include a sighting of elephants and hyenas in one area. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with the number of bird species around the river.

Open Savannahs: Predator and Prey Interactions

One of the main habitats of Timbavati Nature Reserve is open grassy plains, offering a typical safari experience. Large herds of antelope species, which serve as prey for the region’s predators, can be spotted here; keep a watch out for big cats lurking on the edges of these herds. Safari vehicles in Timbavati are able to go off-road for closer sightings, so you’re able to go deeper into the savannah during your safari here.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Timbavati Nature Reserve?

The best time of the year for a Timbavati safari is between May and September due to the dry weather. Clear skies and lack of rain create the ideal conditions for wildlife viewing – animals gather around the remaining waterholes in the reserve and can be seen through thin vegetation.

During the wet summer season (October to April) the grassy plains flourish, providing cover for the influx of baby animals. You’ll have the opportunity to see wobbly-legged wildebeest take their first shaky steps and the cutest baby zebras cantering after their moms. This is the perfect time of the year for birdwatching safaris, as migratory birds fly into the reserve.

Wildlife Found in Timbavati Nature Reserve

Timbavati wildlife includes the Big Five, so you’ll have the chance to see elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards while on game drives. While lions are always incredible to see, Timbavati is the only reserve where wild white lions occur naturally. The Timbavati white lions are rare and are born here due to a recessive gene that sometimes shows up in a litter of cubs. Cheetahs and hyenas are other predators to be on the lookout for.

Wildlife conservation is a cornerstone of Timbavati’s ethos – the reserve protects populations of endangered species such as black and white rhinos, pangolins, saddlebilled storks, and southern ground hornbills. The Timbavati Leopard Project studies and protects leopards (a near-threatened species on the IUCN Red List) in collaboration with Panthera through non-invasive camera traps.

In terms of birdlife, there are over 350 species, making Timbavati an excellent safari destination for birders. Birding expeditions – either during drives or walks – can include sightings of migrants such as the Diederik cuckoo and southern carmine bee-eater. Other species to spot include the African spoonbill, grey-headed kingfisher, and plain-backed sunbird.

How to Get to Timbavati Nature Reserve

After landing at either OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Hoedspruit Airport, you can get a shuttle flight to one of Timbavati’s airstrips with FedAir.