- South Africa
- 53,311 hectares (533 km²)
- 1956 (By local landowners)
- Limpopo & Mpumalanga
- Famous for naturally occurring White Lions; ±147 mammal and 350+ bird species.
- Low risk; prophylaxis recommended.
- ~24°21′S 31°15′E
- Unfenced border with Kruger National Park.
- Mixed woodland savannah and open plains.
- May–September for dry-season game viewing and walking safaris; November–March for migratory birds and newborn plains game.
Timbavati is Sabi Sand’s larger, more rugged neighbor to the north. It offers a "wilder" feel with fewer lodges and vast open spaces. It is famous for its conservation efforts and the legendary white lions that carry a unique recessive gene.
- Enkhulu Gate
- Hoedspruit Eastgate (HDS) – ~30–50 minutes from the reserve gate
- Private Airstrips – Many lodges utilize Rockfig or lodge-specific bush strips
- ~6 hours from Johannesburg; easily combined with the Panorama Route
- Rugged gravel tracks suitable for 4x4 lodge vehicles only
- Dominated by Mopane and Acacia trees.
- Large plains that support high densities of plains game.
- The Timbavati River provides vital underground water for massive trees and elephants.
- The recessive gene still exists in the local prides, with occasional sightings of these rare cats.
- Abundant, though tracking requires more "work" than in Sabi Sand, adding to the sense of adventure.
- Strong populations of Ground Hornbill and African Wild Dog.
Animals congregate at pumped waterholes; visibility is high through the thinned bush.
Hot, humid, emerald green
Best for photography and birding; many migratory raptors and young antelopes present.
The dry winter is best for those prioritizing Big Five sightings, whereas the summer "Green Season" is a paradise for birders and photographers.
- Ranges from ultra-luxury to mid-range "eco-camps."
- Strong focus on tracking on foot and understanding the smaller nuances of the bush.
- Strict rules on vehicle numbers at sightings ensure a quiet, private experience.
The Timbavati is for the safari purist. It offers a massive, uncrowded landscape where the focus is on the thrill of the find and the majesty of a truly wild, unfenced African ecosystem.