The 53 000 hectare Timbavati Private Game Reserve lies in the western region of the Kruger National Park, North of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, the borders between all of them unfenced allowing greater freedom of access to wild life.
Timbavati Game Reserve was formed in the 1950s, when a group of conservation-minded private game park owners on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park decided to pool their resources for their mutual benefit as well as that of the wildlife in the area. The individual farms were consequently joined to form a wilderness area that is today privately owned by 48 individual members. In the 1990’s, in recognition of the importance of the area, the fences between Timbavati Reserve and the Kruger National Park were removed to encourage natural species migration. A vast stretch of wild land was opened up for the free movement of wildlife through what is now effectively, a single conservation area also known as The Greater Kruger Park. This arrangement is beneficial for both wildlife and tourists. Wildlife have access to more resources to meet their permanent, seasonal, and episodic needs, and tourists are offered a wider range of eco-tourism facilities.
The other famous fact about the Timbavati is its association with the white lions, known as the ‘white lions of Timbavati’. Timbavati in ancient Shangaan means ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens’ and refers to these genetically rare specimens that are not albino lions but are actually listed as a sub species of lion.
The number of lodges within the Timbavati remain few in a bid to keep the level of game drive vehicles low and the number of visitors to a minimum, thus sustaining the amount of game in the park, which is one of the best. This pristine, game-rich, Big Five Wilderness boasts with over 360 bird species, 69 reptile species and over 80 species of trees.
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King’s camp reflects the charm and romance of a bygone era in a pristine corner of unspoilt Africa. Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife both day and night. Seven generously spacious Luxury and Family Suites and two exquisite Honeymoon Suites are luxuriously equipped with air-conditioning, Victorian ball-and-claw bath, indoor and outdoor double shower, fully stocked mini-bar and private verandah.
Makanyi is located in the southern sector of the Timbavati, a place that has been dubbed as “The Place Where Something Sacred Came Down to Earth”. Each one of Makanyi’s seven luxury suites overlooks the magnificent dam and comes with an extra-large bed, a relaxing sitting area with its own fireplace, a beautiful bathroom with a spacious shower and separate bathtub, a private deck with loungers and an outdoor shower. Indeed, Makanyi Lodge itself is a heavenly place and, what’s more, it couldn’t be better located.
The magic and mystery of Africa come alive in the colonial ambiance of elegant Ngala Safari Lodge. A timeless, unhurried atmosphere, combined with the quaint traditions of a bygone era, creates an aura of romance and nostalgia. This old-world haven in the midst of the African bush charms with its colonial antiques, silver cutlery and crystal glassware. Tucked under a canopy of mopane and tamboti trees, Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 21 classic thatched cottages, including a spacious family suite.
While Ngala Tented Camp never lets you forget that you are in the wild, there is nothing primitive about this chic and contemporary camp. The romance of canvas, with big night sounds and flickering lanterns lighting the camp grounds, mingles with the simple sophistication of polished wooden decks, textured fabrics and clean lines. It comprises nine luxurious tented suites set on raised platforms with outdoor showers, baths mounted on rough-hewn wooden bases, swirling overhead fans, air-conditioning, electric blankets for winter and private wooden decks.
Unquestionably, Tanda Tula Field Camp is the most authentic “glamorous camping” experience in South Africa. The atmosphere of the camp is that of a bygone era. Featuring four explorer tents, with a maximum of 8 guests, the camp’s philosophy and practices are similar to those of the early explorer camps of Africa. With a private guide, chef, camp host and dedicated camp staff, activities can be arranged on a whim, and game walks and drives may be as long or as short as you choose. Intimate experiences await.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp is positioned amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Nhlaralumi Riverbed, in the heart of Big Five country. Visitors are welcomed into this picturesque camp which exudes “elegance with African roots”. The camp is completely unfenced merging luxury with the natural environment. The tented camp consists of just 12 secluded, luxury tents, each with a breathtaking view over the riverbed. The East African styled tents are the epitome of simple luxury, comfort and style mirroring the early tented camps of Africa.
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