Overview:
It is time to set aside your mobile device, power off your computer, and venture into the wilderness for an authentic African bush experience!
Retreat to a cozy eco-camp nestled in pristine nature, a quiet sanctuary within the Big Five Timbavati Private Nature Reserve of Greater Kruger Park. This premium Kruger Bush Camp Safari provides exceptional game watching with exemplary guides, complemented by exquisite cuisine, luxurious rondavel lodging, and superior service.
An ideal location devoid of crowds to immerse oneself in the untamed splendor of Africa!
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Timbavati Bush Camp
The Kruger Bush Camp Safari commences with pickup from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The shuttle departs from Johannesburg, the economic center of South Africa, to Greater Kruger Park in Limpopo Province.
We go to the premier safari region of the country, pausing to appreciate the vistas on our way to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The shuttle transports us to a renowned bush tavern, where a team member from the bush camp retrieves us and conveys us to the exclusive game park.
A sumptuous lunch awaits us at the secluded bush camp within the private game reserve. You may then unwind, acclimate, and recuperate before to our inaugural twilight game drive in Greater Kruger Park.
Repasts: Luncheon & Supper
Day 2: Bush Camp & Timbavati – Greater Kruger National Park
This morning, we awaken early to have coffee or tea accompanied by light foods such as muffins or pancakes. At 5:30 AM (6:00 AM in winter), we embark into the wilderness during the cold morning hours when the animals commence their activity. The morning wildlife drive occurs in a 4×4 safari vehicle, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and tracker. A game walk may be organized, contingent upon weather circumstances and a collective choice to walk rather than drive. The rangers and trackers at the bush camp possess outstanding expertise in locating animal and avian species, guaranteeing an optimal experience during your visit to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Upon returning to the bush camp at approximately 9:00 (9:30 during winter), we partake in a delectable breakfast. Subsequently, there is spare time to relish the natural surroundings and repose at the cozy campsite within Greater Kruger Park. Recede to your rondavel or immerse yourself in the delightful pool while seated on the veranda that overlooks a proximate waterhole. Lunch is served in the dining area at approximately 13:30, followed by a period of rest and leisure. It is time for a nap or to indulge in daydreaming on a hammock, perhaps accompanied by a cool beverage at the bar.
Rejuvenated and at ease, we embark on a pristine bush twilight wildlife drive at approximately 16:00 during summer (15:30 in winter). The ranger and tracker guide you in pursuit of the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino) as well as various animals, avifauna, and wonders of this uncrowded wilderness region. During the afternoon wildlife drive, we pause for sundowners and observe the shifting hues of the sky. As daylight diminishes, new sounds arise, and nocturnal creatures commence their activity in the encroaching darkness.
At the eco-friendly camp, we enjoy a substantial dinner in the open-air boma beneath the starry sky. You can gather around the campfire exchanging stories of adventure or relax in the bar. Relish the sensation of isolation, attuned to the vocalizations of hyenas and other nocturnal fauna and avifauna in proximity. The camp is illuminated by lanterns, solar lamps, and candles, fostering an intimate atmosphere conducive to experiencing the enchantment of the African wild.
The itinerary may experience minor alterations according to weather conditions and any exceptional wildlife observations that necessitate additional time.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Transition from Bush Camp to Johannesburg
Awakening to the sights, aromas, and sounds of a pristine day in the wilderness is a truly exceptional experience. We commence day three with an early cup of coffee or tea and snacks, before to undertaking our morning game drive in Timbavati Game Reserve.
The guides employ their acute senses and refined talents to seek out wildlife, particularly those animals that may have previously evaded us. Following our exhilarating game drive in the exclusive Timbavati Reserve, we return to camp for a sumptuous breakfast. Following breakfast, we depart from Greater Kruger and head to the bush pub to board our shuttle back to the city.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the shuttle transports you to OR Tambo International Airport, marking the conclusion of our authentic African bush expedition.
Repast: Breakfast
Concerning the Bush Camp in Timbavati
The sustainable bush camp is situated deep within the Timbavati Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger region. Residing at the eco-camp offers a unique African bush experience for anyone seeking solitude and an escape from the masses. The camp utilizes renewable and alternative energy sources, such as solar electricity and wood fires, for hot showers. It is an optimal location to escape the omnipresent modern technology and relish tranquility, as there is no television, no cellular signal, and no electrical outlets in the rooms. WiFi is accessible during the day, and there is a facility to charge phones and cameras at the gift shop.
The bush camp is dedicated to responsible tourism and holds Fair Trade certification, promoting ethical methods in local social enhancement and animal protection.
This genuine bush resort located in a remote area of Greater Kruger boasts a high reputation for its exceptional wildlife rangers, service, and cuisine. The game viewing excursions are led by proficient rangers and trackers in 4×4 safari vehicles. The guides possess expertise in locating and identifying game, while also providing extensive knowledge on the region’s ecology, fauna, and cultural legacy. Game walks may be organized, contingent upon favorable weather conditions and group consensus. The extended nature walks substitute for a game drive, while the shorter walks involve retracing part of the route from one of the morning game drives. Rangers are equipped to guarantee your protection, as Timbavati is inhabited by wild predators and certain potentially hazardous huge herbivores.
Accommodation consists of twin or family-sized reed rondavels, modeled after traditional African huts or eco-huts. The rondavels provide en-suite facilities, complete with open-air showers for invigorating stargazing. The accommodations have bug nets, comfortable beds, fresh linen and towels, as well as complementary bottled water, insect repellent, and toiletries. The interiors are serene, minimalist, and welcoming, using natural hues and materials complemented by vivid accents of color. A private treehouse is available for pre booking. The treehouse is a genuine nature retreat, located around 2.5 kilometers from the camp, in a tranquil area overlooking a dam. At night, oil lanterns, candles, and solar lamps illuminate the camp and the rondavels, fostering a cozy ambiance. A campfire is ignited in the outside boma at night, accompanied by a thatch-roofed dining room and bar. The camp includes a pool, and the bar opens onto a deck that overlooks a neighboring waterhole.
Concerning Timbavati Game Reserve
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve has unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park, allowing species to traverse freely between the two regions. Timbavati is among the oldest and most esteemed private game reserves in Greater Kruger, providing exceptional game viewing in the pristine African wilderness. The reserve has around 53,392 hectares (534 km²) of open landscape, predominantly consisting of grasslands, riverine vegetation, and forests. Timbavati is home to about 40 mammal species, 360 bird species, and a diverse assortment of other fauna and flora.
Timbavati hosts Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo, with herds of elephants and buffalo frequently observed. Timbavati is renowned globally for the uncommon subspecies of white lions that originated in this region. Timbavati Game Reserve hosts several predators, including cheetahs, jackals, caracals, wild cats, spotted hyenas, and endangered African wild dogs. Numerous antelope species can be observed on the herbivorous end of the spectrum, including kudu, sable, roan, nyala, eland, reedbuck, klipspringer, waterbuck, wildebeest, and impala. Various herbivores include giraffes, zebras, and hippos, alongside peculiar species such as the bushbaby, pangolin, aardwolf, porcupine, and honey badger.
Access to Timbavati is limited to visitors residing at a select few esteemed lodges located around the game reserve. This limited access reduces visitor numbers, ensuring a unique and more private game viewing experience. Game drives are led by experienced guides from the private lodges, guaranteeing exemplary safari etiquette and reverence for wildlife are standard in Timbavati.
Kindly be advised that pick-up and drop-off occur at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Please inquire for additional details and timings. Transportation to and from this site is excluded from the tour cost.
Collection schedules on the inaugural day:
06:45 OR Tambo Bus Terminal Structure
Final day drop-off times:
17:00 – 18:00 OR Tambo Bus Terminal Structure