Big 5 Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Mpumalanga, Luxury South African Safari

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park to the west. Timbavati Game Reserve is situated on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park and lies between the Klaserie, Umbabat, Manyeleti and Sabie Sands Game Reserves. In recent years, the fences separating the big 5 Timbavati Private Game Reserve from the Kruger National Park were dropped, thus forming a pristine wilderness area of approximately four million hectares.
The Timbavati offers luxury lodge accommodation and excellent game viewing tours and safaris. Here one can experience really close viewing of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard as well as abundant South African general wildlife on guided twice daily game drives.

Open safari vehicles, seating between 4 and 10 visitors each, head out into the wild under the expert guidance of experienced rangers and trackers. Guests are able to get in close contact with the wildlife species and are presented with unparalleled photographic opportunities. Early morning safaris head out as the sun rises and as the bush stirs to life. The rangers search for animals by tracking their spoor, and by listening for the tell-tale signs of activity. The bush has its own language, and it is fascinating to watch those who possess the tools to encode it. Late afternoon safaris commence as the sun burns its way towards the horizon. The animals are now getting more active, many preparing for the great hunt after dark. After sundowners, the drive continues with the aid of powerful spotlights that reveal nocturnal species in another world. On average, approximately six hours a day or more are spent out in the bush on safari. Game drives traverse a large area and strict vehicle limits at sighting ensure the exclusivity of your safari activities and game viewing experience. Off-road driving ensures that you have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.

These lodges follow the wildlife safari format, which is to arrive for lunch on the first day. It is then check in, orientation and introduction to the bush. After afternoon tea it is out on a game drive from about 15h30 or 16h00. During the drive, sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, where after you return to the lodge for dinner after a period of night driving where the nocturnal species are searched for by spotlight. These drives are in open Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles. The driver is an experienced guide who will make the drive more interesting. Early next morning you are awakened at dawn, tea/coffee and rusks are served and out on a game drive again, returning to breakfast. After breakfast there is an opportunity to go on a guided walk in the bush with an armed ranger. This usually focuses on the tracks, insects, birds and the smaller animals. (Many of these lodges make use of every opportunity to experience a bush walk, even when out on a drive). Alternatively you may choose to relax at the lodge. Many lodges have a lovely outlook into the bush and possibly a water hole at which a variety of animals visit during the day. Lunch is then served and then the cycle repeats itself with the afternoon safari game drive. On your last day there would be the early game drive, followed by breakfast after which you would depart.

We have included all our preferred venues in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. The accommodation in this domain is independently marketed by Far and Wild Safaris cc. We are an independent accommodation booking agency and Tour Operator marketing the Timbavati and the Greater Kruger Park Areas.