This 4-day Timbavati Bush Adventure promises intimate and thrilling wildlife encounters, award-winning meals and a chance to reconnect with nature in one of Africa's world-renowned, unspoiled wilderness reserves. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park which means wild animals roam freely in the wider wilderness. This big five territory gives guests the chance to look for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino on safe, expertly-guided game drives and bush walks. The reserve is also home to more than 40 mammal species and 350 bird species.
Timbavati's Umlani Bushcamp will house you in traditional African reed-and-thatch rondavels, blending naturally with the environment and providing pure comfort. All accommodation options have en-suite facilities including open-air bush showers. They also offer comfortable beds, crisp white linen, soft towels, mosquito netting, insect repellent and standard bathroom amenities. There is also complimentary bottled water, although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Operating off the grid, each rondavel is discreetly lit by a combination of solar and oil lanterns. The Umlani philosophy of simple luxury will help you get back to nature while the romantic candlelight and oil lamps generate a warm and magical nighttime camp atmosphere.
This tour is best suited to solo travelers, couples, friends traveling together, and families.
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome. Children are allowed on game drives as long as accompanied by a parent. Babysitting services and baby cots can be organized if prior notice is given. Supervision at the swimming pool must be pre-arranged as there is no fencing around the swimming pool. Children under
the age of 12 are not allowed on bushwalks for safety reasons.
Children under 12 years sharing with parents pay 50% of the adult rate.
Itinerary
Day 1 -3: Johannesburg to Timbavati Game Reserve
Accommodation: Umlani Bushcamp
Day 1: This morning you depart on a flight from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Hoedspruit Airport, for your transfer to Umlani Bushcamps in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. This classic safari camp is your home for the next three nights and four days. Wonderful bush accommodation, excellent facilities, and exceptional service ensure that you have a superb stay at Umlani. This afternoon you venture out on your first safari in the African bush in search of wildlife including the Big 5. After 3 and a half to four hours, you return back to camp for a scrumptious dinner.
Day 2 -3: The mornings begin with an early wake-up call, followed by a nice cup of brewed coffee or tea. You venture out at dawn on a game drive in hope of seeing an abundance of wildlife who are looking to drink from the water holes and rivers. You return to camp to enjoy a warm breakfast and have the rest of the morning to yourself to enjoy the camp facilities or alternatively set off on an optional morning bush walk.
Late in the afternoons, you will set off on another exhilarating afternoon game drive with the hope of seeing some of the nocturnal wildlife in the reserve. You return to camp after witnessing the majestic African sunset and end the day with a perfectly prepared dinner under the African Sky, whilst recapping on the days' events.
Day 4: Depart Timbavati Game Reserve
Accommodation: Own Arrangements
Today you venture out on one last morning game drive for some wonderful wildlife spotting. After you return to camp breakfast is served and you have some time to freshen up and pack your belongings before transferring to either Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga Airport or Hoedspruit Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Rates
4 Day Timbavati Bush Adventure
From $ 839
- Single: $ 839
Includes:
3 nights accommodation, 3 meals per day, 2 x game drives, optional bush walks, all local brand drinks and a return shuttle bus transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo airport or Hoedspruit Airport.
Excludes:
Conservation levy of R368 per adult or R184 per child per night.
| Dates | Rates (PPS) | Rates (SINGLE) |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Nov 2019 — 14 Dec 2019 | $ 839 | $ 839 |
| 15 Dec 2019 — 07 Jan 2020 | $ 971 | $ 1,313 |
| 08 Jan 2020 — 29 Feb 2020 | $ 839 | $ 839 |
| 01 Mar 2020 — 30 Apr 2020 | $ 971 | $ 1,313 |
| 01 May 2020 — 30 Jun 2020 | $ 839 | $ 839 |
| 01 Jul 2020 — 31 Oct 2020 | $ 971 | $ 1,313 |
Reviews
"A nice way to finish my African journey, Umlani is a bush camp but its definitely not camping, the food was delicious and plentiful and the staff where awesome. Ranger Elvis and his enormous knowledge of birds was impressive. The game drives where good I think we knocked over the big 5 in about two hours one day. Would recommend staying in the tree house if you get the opportunity, its basic but being woken up to five rhinos drinking from the waterhole is an once in a lifetime experience."
- Mario
"This lodge was he first part of a three reserve trip, and my second experience of South Africa. The lodge was excellent, and I loved not having electricity for a few days, no mobile phones constantly going off!! The food was really good home cooked and wholesome. The staff and hosts were fantastic. I was fortunate to have some truly awesome wildlife sightings."
- Claire H
"A nice way to finish my African journey, Umlani is a bushcamp but its definitely not camping, the food was delicious and plentiful and the staff where awesome. Ranger Elvis and his enormous knowledge of birds was impressive. The game drives where good I think we knocked over the big 5 in about two hours one day. Would recommend staying in the tree house if you get the opportunity, its basic but being woken up to fives rhinos drinking from the waterhole is an once in a lifetime experience."
- Shad Merio
"Our 3 nights at Umlani exceeded all expectations. The rooms were delightful, the food tasty, and the lantern-light magical. Getting close to the animals--leopards, lions, and elephants--was amazing. There is a nice "rule" in this area that restricts the number of vehicles at a sighting to one or sometimes two. The camp is very well run and being able to eat with the staff was a big plus. Being on a tight budget and not seeking luxury (just comfort and authenticity) Umlani was the perfect choice for us---and morning footprints showed that lions walked through the camp at night!!"
- Joy F
"Umlani Bushcamp was one of the most amazing experiences. From the time we arrived to the time we left, the staff were so friendly, helpful and so extremely hard working. The meals were outstanding. The game drives were awesome (seeing leopard with 2 cubs was so exhilarating). All in all, a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to any bush lover."
- Corina A
"Our 3 nights at Umlani exceeded all expectations. The rooms were delightful, the food tasty, and the lantern-light magical. Getting close to the animals (leopards, lions, and elephants) was amazing. There is a nice "rule" in this area that restricts the number of vehicles at a sighting to one or sometimes two. The camp is very well run and being able to eat with the staff was a big plus. Being on a tight budget and not seeking luxury (just comfort and authenticity) Umlani was the perfect choice for us, and morning footprints showed that lions walked through the camp at night!"
- Joy
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