Timbavati Game Reserve

Tailor-made safaris that include Timbavati Game Reserve .

Where to stay

Lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve .

Three price bands, the most-requested in each. 19 lodges across this destination.

The most requested in Affordable.

Top 3

The most requested in Premium.

Top 3

The most requested in Lux.

Top 3

The basics

Why, when, and where.

Why

Timbavati Private Game Reserve is famous for being the home of the world’s last wild white lions, of which only a handful remain. In addition to these incredibly rare, majestic cats, the reserve boasts more than 40 mammal species, including the Big Five, and the highest density of giraffe in Africa. Birding enthusiasts will be well catered for with over 350 species recorded, most notably an impressive number of ostriches, owls and other birds of prey. With only twelve lodges in this exclusive reserve, guests are guaranteed an intimate safari in an unspoilt wilderness.

Must see: Don’t miss the opportunity to spot one of the world-famous, and exceptionally rare, Timbavati white lions.

When

The Kruger National Park experiences two distinct seasons: a dry winter from May to October and a wet summer from November to April. As the area is a year-round destination, when you choose to go largely depends on the type of experience you wish to have.

We rate the dry winter season as ideal for game viewing and safari walks. During this period, the vegetation thins out significantly and animals congregate around permanent waterholes, making them easier to spot. This is also a pleasant time to visit as there are relatively few mosquitoes and little to no rain. Day-time temperatures during winter are warm but not stiflingly hot. Visitors will need warm clothing for the chilly evenings and early-morning game drives.

At the end of the winter season, from around September to October, conditions can become very hot and humid. Concentrations of animals around water sources are at their peak, resulting in exceptional game viewing.

The summer rainfall period typically begins in November and continues until about April. The park is at its most beautiful as the vegetation becomes lush and green, providing an ideal backdrop for wildlife photography. This is also the calving season, when baby animals abound, and bird watching is at its best with the arrival of summer migrants. If you’re keen on combining your Kruger safari with a classic South African beach holiday, this is the time to visit.

Travellers looking to avoid the crowds should avoid Kruger during the peak tourist seasons from July to August and during the December/January South African school holidays.

Photos from our guests

A traveller's view.

Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Timbavati Game Reserve . No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.

Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Our guests from the UK enjoying a family safari holiday in Timbavati Game Reserve at andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Our guests from the UK enjoying a family safari holiday in Timbavati Game Reserve at andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Photos shared by our American guests during their stay at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Area, capturing intimate moments with Africa's iconic wildlife and the timeless beauty of the bush
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
Our consultant Mel arranged this 5-star safari for our guest Emily and her Mom from the US who spent 4 nights in Simbavati Hilltop and took fabulous photos
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.
USA guests enjoyed a luxury journey through South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, from Cape Town’s The Marly Boutique Hotel to Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Victoria Falls’ Royal Livingstone Hotel, and Malori Mashuma Camp.

Imagery

Timbavati Game Reserve , in pictures.

Recent travellers

Word from people who have just been to Timbavati Game Reserve .

Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Timbavati Game Reserve , those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.

"Sara Van Coillie was an absolute pleasure to work with. Our trip to Hoedspruit and Timbavati was fantastic and everything she organized went seamlessly. I would 💯 recommend her and the company. Thank you Sara!"
CA · with Sara Van Coillie

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