Overview:
Desiring to observe the Big Five of Africa in Kruger Park without encountering large crowds of other tourists? This is your safari!
At a competitive price, you will get the opportunity to discover Greater Kruger’s Timbavati Reserve, a Big Five Game Park that shares unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park, yet remains devoid of tourists. Accommodation for this authentic wilderness expedition is provided at a cozy and intimate safari lodge located in the exclusive Timbavati Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger, yet distanced from the distractions of everyday life.
This affordable Kruger Park Lodge Safari includes numerous game watching drives, include sunset drives with refreshments and nocturnal game drives returning to the lodge.
Embark on an authentic African bush expedition at an exceptional value!
Detailailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park (South Africa)
The 4-day Kruger Park Lodge Safari commences with pickup from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
The shuttle departs from Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa, to Kruger National Park, the country’s premier wildlife reserve. We travel to a rural tavern adjacent to Greater Kruger, pausing to stretch and appreciate the landscape en route. You are then moved from the bush pub to the lodge situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park. This budget-friendly safari lodge in Greater Kruger Park provides a private and unique African bush experience in a cozy and appealing environment.
Upon arrival, lunch is served, followed by leisure time to unwind and acclimate at the resort. In the afternoon, we commence our inaugural game drive in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, renowned for its exceptional wildlife observation. During our game drive, we pause for sundowners in the exclusive Big Five game reserve.
Following our gratifying wildlife drive, we return to the safari lodge for dinner, served in the lantern-lit boma around an open fire, contingent upon weather conditions. In the evening, we relax at the charming lodge within Timbavati Reserve, attuned to the sounds of nature and observing the stars.
Repasts: Luncheon and Supper
Day 2: Timbavati Game Reserve – Greater Kruger National Park
This morning, we arose before dawn and consumed tea or coffee accompanied by fruit and rusks. Subsequently, we proceed into Greater Kruger Park for a morning game drive or bush walk.
During the Kruger Park Safari, bush walks may be organized as an extension of the morning drives, contingent upon favorable circumstances. Bush walks provide an opportunity to acquire knowledge about the flora, fauna, and intricate nuances of this Big Five wilderness region.
We dedicate almost three hours to game viewing in the expansive Timbavati Reserve of Greater Kruger, examining several habitats and witnessing a variety of wildlife. Upon returning to the lodge following our morning game drive or walk, we indulge in a substantial breakfast accompanied by cereals, drinks, and fresh fruit. The warmest portion of the day is enjoyed in the cozy lodge, where one can refresh in the pool, rest, or engage in board games and billiards on the top deck while observing wildlife at the watering hole.
Following high tea at the lodge, we return to the wildlife-abundant bush in pursuit of further fauna present in Timbavati Game Reserve. In the evening, we pause for sundowners in this secluded area of Greater Kruger Park. The second day of this economical Kruger Lodge Safari concludes with an exhilarating nocturnal game drive returning to the lodge for food and rest.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Timbavati Game Reserve – Greater Kruger National Park
The third day is dedicated to more game observation in this premier South African game reserve. The day’s agenda closely resembles that of day two in Greater Kruger. Our welcoming and exclusive safari lodge provides access to the Timbavati Game Reserve, which is exclusively available to guests at private lodges inside this section of Greater Kruger Park. Privileged entry to the privately owned wildlife reserve guarantees a tranquil and uncrowded game viewing experience—a true African safari escapade, removed from the distractions of everyday life.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: From Greater Kruger Park to Johannesburg, South Africa
On the final day of this budget Kruger Park Lodge Safari, we embark on a morning game drive to seek wildlife activity, remaining vigilant for any animals and birds we have yet to observe.
Following our last excursion in the Greater Kruger Private Reserve, breakfast is provided, succeeded by a period for packing. We bid farewell to the hospitable lodge and depart from Timbavati, returning to the bush pub, where the shuttle awaits us. We return to Johannesburg city from the pub, marking the conclusion of this economical Kruger Lodge Safari. You will be taken off at OR Tambo Airport, concluding this exceptional Kruger Lodge Tour.
Repast: Breakfast
Collection and drop-off occur at the OR Tambo Bus Terminal Building. Transportation to and from this specified location 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
Greater Kruger Safari Lodge Exposition
The safari resort is situated in the center of Timbavati Private Game Reserve within Greater Kruger Park, enveloped by the untamed African wilderness. This secluded lodge hosts a maximum of 16 guests, offering a unique wilderness experience. The lodge is inviting and elegantly adorned, providing understated elegance in a congenial and laid-back environment. This economical and family-oriented lodge has been meticulously crafted to harmonize with the natural setting and minimize the ecological footprint of the buildings. The resort utilizes solar energy and functions sustainably.
Exclusive access to the Timbavati guarantees a relaxed and uncrowded wildlife viewing experience—a true African safari devoid of modern life’s worries. The seasoned, qualified guides excel at locating the Big Five of Africa and other species during game drives in Greater Kruger.
Concerning Timbavati Game Reserve
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to more than 40 mammalian species, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant. Timbavati is renowned globally for its distinctive white lions. The White Lions of Timbavati are regarded as the progenitors of global white lion populations.
The Timbavati Reserve has 53,392 hectares of bushveld, housing almost 360 avian species, nearly 80 reptilian species, more than 80 arboreal species, and almost 50 aquatic species. The private Timbavati Reserve is integrated into the Greater Kruger Park, sharing unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park and adjacent private reserves, including Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The absence of gated boundaries with Kruger Park and adjacent reserves facilitates the unrestricted movement of a diverse range of species among these places.
Alongside the Big Five, Timbavati Reserve is home to cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, impala, waterbuck, and warthog, in addition to hyena and the critically endangered African wild dogs. Timbavati Reserve is ideally situated between Kruger National Park on the east, Klaserie Private Reserve and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves to the north, Sabi Sands to the south and Thornybush Private Reserve on the west.
A significant advantage of wildlife viewing in Timbavati Reserve is its lower density of visitors compared to numerous other parks, hosting only a limited number of lodges. The restricted access results in a reduced number of safari vehicles in this section of Greater Kruger Park. Since 1962, the non-profit Timbavati Association has preserved biological variety in this wilderness area, ensuring Timbavati remains nearly untouched.