Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve

Tailor-made safaris that include Timbavati Game Reserve

7 Day Sumptuous Timbavati And Sabi Sand Safari Most requested

7 Day Sumptuous Timbavati And Sabi Sand Safari

South Africa

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 3 nights at Kings Camp in Timbavati, then 3 at Leopard Hills in Sabi Sand
  • Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with ranger and tracker
  • Big Five viewing with chance of Timbavati's famous white lions
  • Optional walking safaris with an armed ranger in both reserves

From

R 148 220

per person, complete package

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10-Day Kruger to Cape Luxury Safari Most requested Special

10-Day Kruger to Cape Luxury Safari

South Africa

  • Most meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 3 nights at Kings Camp in Timbavati, then 2 at Leopard Hills in Sabi Sand
  • Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives with optional walking safaris
  • Big Five viewing including Sabi Sand's renowned leopard sightings
  • Ultimate Elephant Experience at Elephant Whispers with bush picnic

From

R 143 430 R 151 830

per person, complete package

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5 Day All-Inclusive Greater Kruger with Simbavati Most requested Special

5 Day All-Inclusive Greater Kruger with Simbavati

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights at Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve
  • Twice-daily game drives at dawn and dusk with expert rangers
  • Big Five viewing with a chance of sighting the rare white lions
  • Sundowners in the bush and spotlit night drives for nocturnal wildlife

From

R 51 390 R 64 510

per person, complete package

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5-Day MalaMala and Timbavati Luxury Safari

5-Day MalaMala and Timbavati Luxury Safari

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 2 nights at Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Reserve
  • 2 nights at MalaMala Camp in the renowned MalaMala Game Reserve
  • Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert rangers
  • Big Five tracking across two of South Africa's top private reserves

From

R 97 870

per person, complete package

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3-Day Fly-In All-Inclusive &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

3-Day Fly-In All-Inclusive &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 2 nights at &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge in a private Kruger concession
  • Game drives across 14,700 hectares with Big Five viewing
  • Guided bush walks and night drives on an unfenced reserve
  • Sundowners at the rim-flow pool overlooking the lodge waterhole

From

R 47 610

per person, complete package

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5 Day Fly-in Safari to Timbavati Game Reserve

5 Day Fly-in Safari to Timbavati Game Reserve

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights at Motswari Private Game Lodge in Timbavati
  • Twice-daily game drives in a Big Five reserve
  • Chance to track Timbavati's famed white lions and leopards
  • All meals, house wines, local spirits and beers included

From

R 54 170

per person, complete package

View itinerary
11 Day Premier Cape Town & Kruger Safari Special

11 Day Premier Cape Town & Kruger Safari

South Africa

  • Most meals
  • Most activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights at One&Only Cape Town on the V&A Waterfront
  • Optional add-ons: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, Cape Winelands
  • 3 nights at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp in the Big Five Sabi Sand
  • 3 nights at andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp in Timbavati, home of the white lions

From

R 195 820 R 207 190

per person, complete package

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5 Day Timbavati Bush Adventure - All Inclusive Promotion Special

5 Day Timbavati Bush Adventure - All Inclusive Promotion

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights at Kambaku Safari Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
  • Two daily game drives tracking the Big Five across Greater Kruger
  • Optional morning bush walk after breakfast
  • All meals and local-brand drinks included throughout the stay

From

R 36 260 R 44 960

per person, complete package

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5-Day All Inclusive Timbavati Fly-In Safari

5-Day All Inclusive Timbavati Fly-In Safari

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights at Rockfig Safari Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
  • Open-vehicle game drives across 50,000 hectares bordering Kruger
  • Big Five tracking with skilled trackers and rangers
  • Chance to see Timbavati's indigenous white lions

From

R 96 000

per person, complete package

View itinerary
5-Day Ultra Luxurious Timbavati Fly-In Safari

5-Day Ultra Luxurious Timbavati Fly-In Safari

South Africa

  • All meals
  • All activities
  • All flights & transfers
  • 4 nights in a luxury pool suite at Makanyi Private Game Lodge
  • Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles with tracker and guide
  • Big Five viewing across Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
  • Bush walks, reserve picnics, stargazing and dinner under the stars

From

R 135 170

per person, complete package

View itinerary
6-Day Bush & Beach Safari

6-Day Bush & Beach Safari

South Africa

  • Most meals
  • Most activities
  • 3 nights at Walkers Plains Camp in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
  • Twice-daily game drives with experienced rangers in Big Five territory
  • All meals and house beverages included at the bush camp
  • 2 nights at Walkers Beach on the Plettenberg Bay shoreline

From

R 60 080

per person, complete package

View itinerary
Southern African Safaris Guide preview

Brochure

Southern Africa Guide

Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.

Where to stay

Lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve .

18 lodges across this destination, ordered by what guests pick most. Rates per person sharing, per night.

  1. Simbavati River Lodge
    Live availability
    01 Premium

    Simbavati River Lodge

    Simbavati River Lodge is situated along the Nhlaralumi River within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park. One of its standout features is the popular waterhole located just below the dining deck, a favorite gathering spot for elephants. Between game drives, you can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing right from the deck as animals come to the waterhole.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 13 500

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    Limited-Time Offer: Stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2. This offer is valid for stays until 31 March 2026 OR Stay 4 nights and pay for only 3 - Valid from 5 Jan to 31 Mar 2026 and 1 Nov to 20 Dec 2026

    Honeymoon

    One partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate (40% discount on one partner's stay); complimentary bottle of wine on arrival/in room.

    Combo

    8% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 4 nights | 10% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 5 nights | 12% discount: Combine 2-3 Simbavati lodges for a total of 6-7 nights | 15% discount: Combine any Simbavati lodges for a total of more than 8 nights

  2. AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
    Live availability
    02 andBeyond Premium

    AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge

    Ngala Private Game Reserve shares unfenced borders with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five. At Ngala Safari Lodge, you’ll experience an adventurous yet intimate safari, perfectly set in this exquisite landscape.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 14 180 R 18 900

    Current offers

    Honeymoon

    Save 50% on one partner's accommodation — one partner pays full rate, the other pays 50% of accommodation rate for the whole stay

    Combo

    Long stay discounted rates: Stay for 6+ nights and save up to 20%: May be applied for a combination of &Beyond lodges in Africa (subject to seasonal availability of the offer), for the same guests on a single itinerary.

    Family

    Kids aged 0 - 2 years, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, stay FREE of charge | Kids aged 3- 5 years, sharing with 1 or 2 adults, stay FREE of charge. | Kids aged 6 - 16 years, sharing with 1 or 2 adults: 1st child stay on adult rate, 2nd & 3rd child: 50% of adult rate.

  3. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
    Live availability
    03 Lux

    Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

    Simbavati Hilltop Lodge has one of the finest settings in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, an unfenced but private part of the Kruger Park. It’s perched on the hillside with wide-angle views over the bush and views to the distant mountains of the Drakensberg escarpment. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers an exclusive, authentic, and unforgettable African safari experience.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 20 400

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    Limited-Time Offer: Stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2. This offer is valid for stays until 31 March 2026 OR Stay 4 nights and pay for only 3 - Valid from 5 Jan to 31 Mar 2026 and 1 Nov to 20 Dec 2026

    Honeymoon

    One partner pays only 60% of the accommodation rate; complimentary bottle of wine on arrival/in room

    Combo

    8% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 4 nights | 10% discount: Combine 2 Simbavati lodges for a total of 5 nights | 12% discount: Combine 2-3 Simbavati lodges for a total of 6-7 nights | 15% discount: Combine any Simbavati lodges for a total of more than 8 nights | Minimum 2 Night stay at 1 lodge

  4. Motswari Private Game Reserve
    Live availability
    04 Affordable

    Motswari Private Game Reserve

    Motswari Private Game Reserve, a family-owned and operated luxury safari lodge. Here, majestic creatures, including the Big Five, offer incredible viewing opportunities as they bask in their natural habitat.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 9 900

  5. Kings Camp
    Live availability
    05 Premium

    Kings Camp

    Kings Camp is nestled within the private 53,392-hectare Timbavati Game Reserve, situated to the north and west of the renowned Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands. The Timbavati Game Reserve is famous for its stunning white lions, as well as the other members of the Big Five.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 18 500

  6. Rockfig Safari Lodge
    Live availability
    06 Lux

    Rockfig Safari Lodge

    RockFig Safari Lodge located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, features just six chalet-type suites, making it ideal for exclusive-use bookings for families or groups of friends.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 21 000

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    PAY 3 & STAY FOR 4: Standard Terms and Conditions Apply. These rates can not be combined with other specials. Special is only applicable for 12 Jan-1 April & 1 Nov-19 Dec 2026

    Honeymoon

    25% OFF PER COUPLE Valid for a minimum 3-night stay within six months of the wedding. Wedding certificate required. Standard terms apply. Not combinable with other offers.

  7. Kambaku River Sands
    Live availability
    07 Premium

    Kambaku River Sands

    Kambaku River Sands has received international acclaim for being one of the most frequented safari lodges in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 13 120 R 17 500

    Current offers

    Stay & Pay

    Stay 4 Pay 3 - Valid: 1 -30 June 2026 and 1 - 30 November 2026

    Honeymoon

    50% off bride's rate (25% total discount); complimentary bottle of bubbly and private dinner included

    Combo

    Book 2 nights at Safari Lodge and 2 nights at River Sands and receive 10% off the River Sands rate

    Bush & beach

    Book a 6 night stay with 3 nights at Kambaku River Sands & 3 nights at Kambaku at Sea and receive 10% discount off the Kambaku River Sands rate

  8. Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
    Live availability
    08 Premium

    Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp

    The small, intimate Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is situated within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.

    Per person sharing, per night, from

    R 11 040 R 11 620

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!"
March 2026 · Canada · with Sara Van Coillie · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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