Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South

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Timbavati Private Nature Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 72 hours

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, straddling the border between Limpopo and Mpumalanga, offers an exceptional wildlife haven integral to the Western Kruger National Park ecosystem. Established in 1956, this expansive reserve covers 53,392 hectares and plays a pivotal role in the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) network. Its open boundaries with Kruger and neighboring reserves facilitate unhindered wildlife migration, supporting a diverse array of species including lions, cheetahs, and elephants, while fostering rich biodiversity and ecological balance. Timbavati is renowned for its enchanting white lions, which reappeared in 2006 after a long absence. Unlike albinos, these rare lions exhibit leucism, a genetic condition giving them their striking white coats. This unique feature, combined with their sacred lore, adds a mystical allure to the reserve. Beyond its captivating wildlife, Timbavati features a varied landscape of acacia woodlands, mopane forests, and mixed veld, which sustain a rich tapestry of life.

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Reviews of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Hanno van Dyk

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-06

The experience and accommodation at Eagle Owl Camp was excellent.
Jay Bee

5
Reviewed: 2023-04-06

Was always my dream to come to Kruger. Now that I’m here it’s not something that you can imagine or even watch You have to actually come here to see it. So many interesting things. Incredible
Dewald Reinke

5
Reviewed: 2022-02-09

There are several private concessions that form part of the Greater Kruger National Park, one being the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. During our visit we stayed at the Motswari Private Game Reserve (reviewed separately) which I can highly recommend. It is good to note that you need to stay at one of the lodges within the Timbavati/Klaserie/Umbabat to be able to enter the park. We had an amazing array of sightings, as all the animals found within the Kurger National Park can be found here, including an up-close sighting of a leopard within a river bed. The Timbavati also has a large range if bio-diverse regions to explore depending on the lodge you are staying at and the staff at the Enkhulu gate, where we entered, were very friendly and took nature conservation extremely seriously.
Simeon du Preez

4
Reviewed: 2020-09-10

The reserve is nice. Very similar to the Kruger just with a few more private lodges. The animals weren't too skittish. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly.
pearls of africa

5
Reviewed: 2019-02-20

Relaxed atmosphere, nice rondawals with bath on suite. Good food. Book extra activities like a sunset drive. They have their own guides and game drive vehicles. Friendly and competent staff.