Top 18 Places to stay in Timbavati
TOP TIMBAVATI SAFARI LODGES
The Timbavati is well known for offering a luxury safari experience, showcasing the beautiful natural scenery and the high density of wildlife. This is where the white lions can be found. Safari lodges and camps are available for that luxury getaway, that romantic trip, a family safari and even a walking safari.
Located near the town of Hoedspruit with a local airport, there are landing strips in the reserve should you wish to fly straight into your lodge from Johannesburg, or from another lodge in the Greater Kruger.
The Timbavati Private Game Reserve was formed by land powers in 1956 to preserve the natural integrity of the area. Forming part of the Greater Kruger Park eco-sphere the Timbavati has dropped all fenced to the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Umbabt Nature Reserve and the Balule Nature Reserve. This massive Greater Kruger Park area is home to a plethora of wildlife, some of who have rediscovered ancient migratory paths. Recently the fences were dropped to neighbours Thornybush Reserve.
Top Timbavati Safari Lodges
Below are the top luxury safari lodges in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. From beautiful cottages to eco huts, tented luxury camps and more, there is a safari experience for you. many of these lodges can combine beautifully with a lodge in the Sabi Sand, creating a longer Kruger Park safari.
Makanyi Safari Lodge
Makanyi Safari Lodge is a truly lovely lodge in Timbavati. Attention to detail, gorgeous suites, delicious meals and excellent game drives await. Each of the expansive suites at Makanyi Safari Lodge overlooks the bush and the active dam. Game viewing starts in your room! Professional wildlife photographer guides can be booked to hone your photography skills while out on a game drive. Each suite has a sitting area with a fireplace and an outside lounge area that overlooks the dam and spacious bathrooms with an outdoor shower.
Kings Camp
Enjoy old-world colonial charm at the luxury Kings Camp. Overlooking an open plain and active waterhole, there is a plethora of wildlife that can be seen from the lodge. Kings Camp is an intimate safari lodge with a spacious dining area and viewing deck overlooking the waterhole. A boma area is perfect for an alfresco dinner. Each thatched suite is decorated with a colonial influence, with a ball and claw bath and an outdoor shower. The rooms have a private deck with a hammock. For groups, consider the Waterbuck Private Camp, a 4-bedroom private villa with a private guide.
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Sister camp to Shindzela, Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp is a beautiful and thoughtful luxurious safari camp. An eco-friendly camp that uses solar and gas power only, Thabamati offers game drives in open 4×4 and nature walks after breakfast. The camp overlooks a beautiful dam that attracts a steady stream of visitors. Each of the 4 spacious safari tents overlooks the dam and the surrounding bush. The luxury tents have a sitting area inside and a private deck outside, a gorgeous ensuite bathroom, with both an inside and outside shower and an inviting tub.
Simbavati River Lodge
On the banks of the seasonal Nhlaralumi River lies the lovely family-friendly Simbavati Safari Lodge. Accommodation includes luxury safari tents and 2 or 3-bedroom chalets, perfect for those travelling with smaller children. Children of all ages are welcome. This contemporary lodge has various communal sitting and lounge areas and a boma area for dinner under the stars. Each luxury tent has an outdoor shower and a private deck.
Simbavati Hilltop
Located on a small hill, Simbavati Hilltop commands amazing views over the Nhlaralumi River below, the Timbavati bush surrounding the lodge and, in the distance, the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Modern and contemporary spaces embrace the views and the infinity pool is the place to be. Each pavilion-style tent is luxurious and spacious and built on decks spread out on the hillside with both indoor and outdoor shower areas. Each suite has a relaxing wrap-around deck with a sala or day bed.
Simbavati Trails Camp
Offering a back to basics walking trails, Simbavati Trails Camp retains the luxurious touches you expect from the Simbavati group. Walking safaris are the star, with morning and late afternoon walks in the Timbavati, lead by experienced trails guides. Just 4 Meru style safari tents are available, each with modern touches and an ensuite bathroom with authentic bucket showers. The main areas are comfortable and inclusive, with meals cooked over an open fire in front of you. Simbavati Trails is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Offering one of the best Big Five wildlife safari experiences, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge is a luxurious family-friendly safari lodge on a large private tract of land in the Timbavati. Expert guide and tracker teams ensure you get to see the abundant game of the area. The main area has a pool and sundeck with lovely views, various lounge and outdoor sitting areas, a spa and a gym. Each of the 20 cottages is thatched, with classic luxury décor. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that the tranquil bush is always front and centre. Private verandas are perfect to relax on or enjoy a private romantic dinner. A dedicated WildChild program will keep children entertained and educated for hours.
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp is a contemporary and chic tented safari lodge that offers daily game drives, bush walks and more. Overlooking the seasonal Timbavati River, Ngala Tented Camp has created spots to enjoy the views, like the pool, deck and lounge areas. The 9 safari tents overlook the river bed and are on raised decks that blend into the tree line. The tents have en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and a private deck area. Spend a night out in the wilds at the beautiful Ngala Treehouse.
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Located in the Umbabat area of the Timbavati, Motswari Private Game Reserve is an understated traditional and luxurious safari lodge. Expect an authentic safari experience, boma dinners under the stars and an indulgent spa. Spend a night in the Giraffe’s Nest, an intense bush experience not to be missed. The 15 luxurious bungalows overlooking the surrounding bush are ensuite. There is a relaxing pool area, a well-stocked library, an art gallery and a spacious lounge for guests to enjoy.
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Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Completely reimagined, Tanda Tula Safari Camp is now a modern African safari lodge. Each of the stunning suites has a lounge area, a large bedroom and a private plunge pool and deck with a sunken sitting area. Large glass-fronted walls ensure the bush is never far from your eye line.
Tanda Tula Field Camp
Reminiscent of early explorer camps, Tanda Tula Field Camp is a tented eco-camp. Activities focus on walking safaris with experienced trail guides. With just 4 safari tents, this camp is only open for exclusive bookings and during the cooler months from March to October. Walking safaris take place daily with a morning walk of around 4 hours. Your guide and tracker team will uncover the secrets of the bush, that you do not see on the back of a 4×4. Late afternoon sees you back on foot for a few hours, where a 4×4 will meet you and bring you back to camp.
Kambaku River Sands
The exclusive Kambaku River Sands has a wonderful outlook over a dry riverbed, with a large elevated lounge and deck area with an infinity pool. Each of the suites has large windows, a spa bath and a private sitting area. Spend time in the raised bird hide or at the indulgent spa. Guests can enjoy tasting a variety of South African wines in the sunken wine cellar which has a large window to the riverbed.
Kambaku Safari Lodge
Owner run Kambaku Safari Lodge is a traditional safari lodge perfect for families travelling with younger children. This luxury lodge has a lovely communal area complete with a pool and bar area as well as a dedicated children’s area and program. A Kids program entertains and educates children while in camp. There is a waterhole that the camp overlooks with animals wandering past regularly. The thatched suites include triple rooms and interleading family units. For budding photographers, you can book a professional photographic guide.
Shindzela Tented Camp
Shindzela Tented Camp is a small and eco-friendly tented safari camp in the Timbavati. Enjoy an affordable safari with Shindzela, where experienced guides will take you on both game drives and immersive walking trails. Each tent is on a deck and nestled under thatch with a small deck area where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. A semi-open en suite area adds to the authentic safari experience. Dine under the stars in the boma or relax at the pool or in one of the lounge areas.
Rockfig Safari Lodge
Intimate, romantic and exclusive, Rockfig Safari Lodge has just 6 beautiful suites. Each suite has an indoor and outdoor shower and a bathtub with a view Rockfig has been beautifully designed and features many local artists works. The lodge compliments the surrounding bush creating a relaxing environment. Game drives through the Timbavati are conducted by experienced guides. Enjoy delectable meals and various dining options in the lodge or even out in the wilds.
Bateleur Safari Camp
Creating an eco-friendly authentic wildlife safari experience, Bateleur Safari Camp overlooks a dry riverbed and seasonal waterhole. Relax in the common areas and the pool and enjoy dinners in the boma under the stars. Each of the rooms at Bateleur Safari Camp has canvas walls and large windows, with a thatch roof. Rooms have solar lighting and fans, with spacious en-suite bathrooms as well as a sitting area inside and on the private deck. Enjoy twice-daily game drives with top guide and tracking teams or a 3-4 hour guided bush walk with armed guides.
Umlani Bush Camp
Creating an eco-friendly, off the grid safari experience, Umlani Bush Camp offers a thrilling wildlife safari experience. Twice daily game drives, an exclusive treehouse for sleepouts, a bush bar overlooking the waterhole and a welcoming pool are available to enjoy at Umlani Bush Camp. Bushwalks are available with an experienced ranger. Enjoy the African evenings in the boma beside a roaring fire. The unique traditional Africa reed and thatch huts are ensuite with open-air showers.
Geigers Camp
At Motswari Private Game Reserve you will find the private Geigers Camp, a traditional luxury safari house. Boasting panoramic views over the Timbavati, Geigers has a lovely rim-flow pool and communal areas. The walls are adorned with stunning artwork by owner Marion Geiger-Orengo. The stone villa has 4 spacious and luxurious bedrooms, all ensuite and with a private deck.