Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
User Reviews (29)
South Africa Parks
US
Email DianeB | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Small private
SG
Email Ben Johnson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Timbavati was fantastic from an accommodation and guest experience, however the animal population felt much more sparse than at Sabi Sand. Overall still a great experience and I would love to go back.
Email Mary | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The River Lodge which we stayed in was very good, but overall we were surprised that there weren't more animals in the Reserve, yet we did see all the Big 5. At the Lodge, we had elephants walking by our tented suite and one even drank from our plunge pool. Also had hyenas and monkeys close by.
Email guybaxendale | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Honeymoon in Timbavati
My wife and I stayed at Tanda Tula Safari camp in Timbavati nature reserve for our honeymoon last April.
To give you some background as to what I benchmark Timbavati against i worked in a Safari lodge in Kenya in the past and have been on Safari in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The abundance of wildlife in Timbavati is exceptional and we saw the 'Big Five' twice over during our four day stay and plenty of plains game and birdlife. The food at Tanda Tula was excellent, particularly the bush breakfast. Our guide spoke perfect English and was extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.
For safari first timers that want to see the 'big five' this is without a doubt the best area I have ever been to. However, for people who have seen a bit of Africa you may feel that you are slightly part of a 'machine' and that the guides feel an obligation who need to 'tick off' the big five for each and every guest. The guides radio to each other constantly when they find game which means that you absolutely will get to see the animals. They have a 'queuing system' to see them as they maintain a policy of only two jeeps viewing at any one time to minimise stress on the animals (an excellent policy). This is not true true African wilderness and so i suppose the bush vibe cannot be expected to be 100% authentic but it was the only slight negative for me. My wife had been on safari once before and i think felt it slightly less than me.
Large variety of birds and animals, pretty scenery, high level of hospitality.
We were on a nightdrive, but saw only a few animals. The guide stopped at a fence where we could see the famous white lions.
NL
35-50 years of age
I would recommend everyone to start your visit with a trip of a few days to a private gamepark. It is more expensive then Kruger, but the bush feeling is much higher as there are very few other tourists, no asfalt roads and lots of game to spot.
Email Barb | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Stayed at Kambaku Safari Lodge. Enjoyed all aspects of the lodge, excellent guide and tracker. Lovely accommodation, food and staff. Great wildlife viewing. Our last morning we spent about 20 minutes watching a pride of lions with 3 small cubs being playful, was a wonderful sighting.
AR
Email Fernando Arbach | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was a dry season for us, so the bush was very interesting and little flowered, this made it possible for us to see the big 7!
Email Dominic | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Winter safari, so the bush is dry and water levels are low. The bush is not beautiful but the animals and the setting is brilliant. Being a private game reserve means fewer vehicles who can go off track so you get a better safari experience. We saw pretty much everything on our wish list and so much more besides, combined with a brilliant guide and tracker in fantastic bush accommodation
Safari Tours to Timbavati NR
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5-Day Private Parks Kruger - Two Different Game Lodges
$1,660 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 23 Reviews
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![4-Day Greater Kruger Safari at Simbavati River Lodge]()
4-Day Greater Kruger Safari at Simbavati River Lodge
$1,734 to $2,354 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.6/5 – 143 Reviews
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![7-Day South Africa Luxury Tour]()
7-Day South Africa Luxury Tour
$3,342 to $3,676 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Franschhoek (Winelands), Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger), Hoedspruit Airport (Hoedspruit), Hoedspruit (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 172 Reviews
