Timbavati Safaris

Authentic Timbavati Safari Tours

Experience Timbavati, Beyond Your Imagination

We curate unforgettable nature-based African safaris, shaped by over 25 years of experience and deep local connections. With every adventure designed to leave a lasting impact – on our travellers, the land, and the local communities who call Timbavati home.

25+ years of expertise in 15 Africa Countries

1000+ thoughtfully selected travel partners

200,000+ travellers, many of whom return year after year

Years Crafting Personalised African Safaris

Client Reviews at 5 Stars on Feefo

Globally Recognised Travel Awards Won Last Year

Travellers, Many Returning Year After Year

Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Exodussafaris Big 5 Guarantee

Why Travel With Exodussafaris?

25 Years of Safari Expertise

For over 25 years, we've been crafting personalised safari experiences in Timbavati, guided by our first-hand knowledge and strong relationships with local partners. Each adventure is designed to immerse travellers in the reserve’s natural beauty while supporting the people and places that make it so special.

We Know Because We Go

Our deep connection with Timbavati gives us unmatched insight into every reserve, every lodge, every activity, and every hidden wilderness we suggest.

24/7 Support

From your very first enquiry to the moment you return home, we are with you every step of the way, managing every detail with round-the-clock care. Thanks to the strong relationships we’ve built with trusted partners in Timbavati, we know they’ll exceed expectations for you, just as we always strive to do.

Every Adventure Makes a Difference

As part of the Nawiri Group, every journey contributes to safeguarding Timbavati's pristine wilderness and empowering local communities, helping both nature and people to flourish in harmony.

Complete Financial Protection

Our deep roots in the Timbavati region mean we have exceptional knowledge of every reserve, every lodge, every unique safari experience, and every hidden wonder that we suggest in this wildlife paradise.

World-Class Recognition, Trusted by Travellers

Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, we are proud to be counted among the finest in the world. Yet beyond the awards, it's the genuine feedback from our Timbavati travellers that matters most – Feefo.

Timbavati Gallery

Where To Go In Timbavati

Discover the best of Timbavati, from the sweeping savannas of Klaserie to the dense riverine forests along the Timbavati River and beyond.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

A cornerstone of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional wildlife sightings. This vast reserve offers an authentic safari experience, with sweeping savannas, dense riverine forests, and the chance to spot the rare white lion.

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Adjacent to Timbavati, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is a haven for biodiversity, with vast open plains and ancient leadwood trees. Its untouched landscapes provide a tranquil setting for unforgettable game drives and walking safaris.

Umbabat Private Nature Reserve

Sharing unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park, Umbabat is a hidden gem known for its large elephant herds and prolific birdlife. The reserve’s diverse habitats make it a prime destination for immersive wildlife encounters.

Balule Private Nature Reserve

A key part of the Greater Kruger, Balule offers rugged bushveld terrain and excellent predator sightings. Its intimate lodges and unfenced borders with Kruger ensure a wild and undisturbed safari experience.

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Famed for its luxury lodges and high-density wildlife, Thornybush delivers exceptional Big Five sightings. The reserve’s carefully managed ecosystems create a perfect balance between conservation and high-end tourism.

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Meaning "Place of Stars" in Shangaan, Manyeleti is a lesser-known reserve with exclusive safari experiences. Its remote location guarantees uncrowded game viewing and pristine wilderness.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

One of Africa’s most prestigious reserves, Sabi Sand is synonymous with leopard sightings and luxury safaris. Its private concessions and expert guides ensure a world-class wildlife experience.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Home to the iconic Kapama River, this reserve blends Big Five safaris with conservation efforts. Its varied landscapes support an abundance of wildlife, from buffalo herds to rare antelope species.

MalaMala Game Reserve

A pioneer in sustainable tourism, MalaMala offers some of the finest game viewing in Africa. Its vast traversing rights and skilled trackers make every safari an adventure.

Djuma Private Game Reserve

Known for its waterhole cameras and intimate lodges, Djuma provides a unique blend of technology and tradition. Its dense bushveld is a hotspot for lion prides and elusive leopards.

Buffalo Ridge Private Reserve

Perched on an ancient granite outcrop, Buffalo Ridge offers panoramic views and exceptional rhino tracking. Its rugged terrain and secluded lodges create a truly wild escape.

Gowrie Private Reserve

A historic safari destination, Gowrie is celebrated for its ancient trees and rich biodiversity. The reserve’s timeless landscapes evoke the golden age of African exploration.

Motswari Private Game Reserve

Named after the Tswana word for "to conserve," Motswari focuses on sustainable safaris and rare species like wild dogs. Its pristine wilderness is a sanctuary for both wildlife and travelers.

Kruger National Park

While not privately owned, the Timbavati-adjacent sectors of Kruger offer vast, untamed wilderness. These areas are ideal for self-drive safaris and connecting with Africa’s raw, unfiltered beauty.

Best Time To Visit Timbavati

Discover the best destinations in Timbavati, from the golden grasslands of Klaserie to the ancient riverine forests along the Nhlaralumi River and beyond.

Timbavati Safari in January

Timbavati, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, offers rewarding safari experiences year-round. January falls within the rainy season, bringing lush vegetation that transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise. While wildlife spotting can be more challenging as animals disperse across water-rich terrain, this month offers exceptional birdwatching with migratory species present. The dramatic summer thunderstorms create breathtaking skies, and newborn animals begin appearing. Temperatures are warm with afternoon rains providing relief.

Timbavati Safari in February

February continues the green season in Timbavati, with landscapes at their most vibrant. This is peak birthing season for impalas and other antelope, attracting predators to easy hunting opportunities. While dense foliage can make game viewing trickier, patient observers are rewarded with intimate wildlife moments. Afternoon showers are common but brief, and the region teems with insect life, making this an excellent time for photographers seeking dramatic skies and lush backdrops.

Timbavati Safari in March

As summer transitions to autumn, March offers a sweet spot for Timbavati safaris. Rainfall decreases while landscapes remain green, and animals begin congregating at reliable water sources as seasonal pans dry up. Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists make this an ideal month for those seeking solitude. The changing vegetation patterns create excellent opportunities to spot predators taking advantage of the thinning cover to hunt.

Timbavati Safari in April

April marks the beginning of prime safari season in Timbavati. The rains have subsided, leaving behind nutrient-rich vegetation while water sources become more concentrated. Wildlife viewing improves dramatically as animals gather around remaining waterholes. Mild daytime temperatures and cool evenings create perfect safari conditions, with the bush not yet too dry or dusty. This transitional month offers the best of both green and dry season characteristics.

Timbavati Safari in May

May heralds the start of the dry winter season, one of the best times for wildlife viewing in Timbavati. With vegetation thinning and water scarce, animals congregate at perennial rivers and waterholes. Cool morning game drives require warm layers, while days remain pleasantly warm. The reduced foliage makes spotting wildlife easier, and the famous white lions of Timbavati are often more visible during this period.

Timbavati Safari in June

June brings ideal safari conditions to Timbavati, with minimal rainfall and excellent game viewing. Crisp mornings give way to sunny days, and the lack of mosquitoes makes this a comfortable time for bush walks. Animals follow predictable patterns to limited water sources, and the sparse vegetation provides outstanding visibility. This is peak season, offering some of the year's best predator action as lions and leopards take advantage of concentrated prey.

Timbavati Safari in July

July is prime safari time in Timbavati, with cool, dry weather and exceptional wildlife encounters. The Nhlaralumi River becomes a lifeline, drawing large herds of elephants and buffalo. Morning game drives can be chilly but reward visitors with active predator behavior before the day warms up. Clear skies and minimal vegetation make this an excellent month for photography, with golden light accentuating the winter landscapes.

Timbavati Safari in August

August continues the dry season's excellent game viewing, with animals increasingly dependent on permanent water sources. The bush is at its most open, making it easier to spot even well-camouflaged species like leopards. Daytime temperatures rise while nights remain cool, and dust in the air creates spectacular sunsets. This is an ideal time for those prioritizing wildlife sightings over lush scenery.

Timbavati Safari in September

September offers perhaps the year's best game viewing in Timbavati, with parched landscapes concentrating wildlife. The famous white lions are often spotted more frequently as prides follow thirsty prey to waterholes. Intense midday heat means early morning and late afternoon game drives are most productive. While vegetation appears dry, this is offset by incredible visibility and frequent predator-prey interactions.

Timbavati Safari in October

October brings scorching temperatures to Timbavati, testing both animals and visitors. The upside is phenomenal wildlife viewing as desperate creatures gather at remaining water sources. Dusty conditions and leafless trees create perfect spotting conditions, with dramatic predator action common. This is the last month of peak dry season before the rains arrive, offering some of the most intense safari experiences.

Timbavati Safari in November

November signals change in Timbavati as the first summer rains arrive, bringing relief to the parched landscape. While game viewing remains good early in the month, animals begin dispersing as water becomes more available. The bush transforms almost overnight, with fresh green growth and the arrival of migratory birds. This transitional month offers a mix of dry season concentrations and emerging new life.

Timbavati Safari in December

December brings the full green season to Timbavati, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms nourishing the land. While wildlife spotting becomes more challenging as animals spread out, the rewards include stunning landscapes, newborn animals, and exceptional birdlife. Lush vegetation provides beautiful backdrops for photography, and the summer atmosphere creates a vibrant, energetic bush experience different from dry season safaris.

Our Recommended Activities In Timbavati

Discover your perfect way to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Timbavati’s wilderness, where golden savannas, ancient riverine forests, and thriving wildlife create an unforgettable African adventure.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Umbabat Private Nature Reserve

Balule Private Nature Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Safari Lodges, Tented Camps and Villas
in Timbavati

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What You Need To Know About Timbavati Safaris

Find everything you need to know for an unforgettable wilderness experience, from expert travel tips to essential insights that will bring you closer to the heart of Africa’s untamed beauty.

Timbavati Food and Tipping Practices

Safari lodges in Timbavati serve a mix of international cuisine and South African specialties like braai (barbecue) and potjiekos (stew). Tipping is customary—expect to tip guides (ZAR 150–300 per day), trackers (ZAR 100–200), and lodge staff (ZAR 50–100 per day). Many lodges have communal tipping boxes.

Timbavati Food and Tipping Practices

Cost of a Timbavati Safari

Prices range from $400–$1,500+ per person per night. Budget options include self-catering camps, while luxury lodges offer all-inclusive packages with private guides. Peak season (May–October) is pricier. Fees often cover game drives, meals, and conservation levies.

Cost of a Timbavati Safari

Packing List for Timbavati

Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors for safari, along with sturdy walking shoes. Essentials include a sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent (malaria area), and binoculars. A fleece jacket for chilly mornings and a reusable water bottle are wise additions.

Packing List for Timbavati

Languages in Timbavati

English is widely spoken at lodges. Staff often speak Afrikaans or local languages like Shangaan. Learning basic greetings (e.g., "Xewani" for hello in Shangaan) is appreciated but not required.

Languages in Timbavati

Climate in Timbavati

Winter (May–August): Dry, sunny days (25°C) and cold nights (5°C). Summer (November–March): Hot (35°C+) with afternoon thunderstorms. Best game viewing is in the dry winter months.

Climate in Timbavati

Is Timbavati Safe?

Yes—lodges are secure, and guides are trained for wildlife encounters. Malaria is a low risk (prophylaxis recommended). Crime is rare in private reserves, but follow lodge safety protocols.

Is Timbavati Safe?

Testimonials