12 Of The Best Timbavati Safari Lodges
A Guide With Rates & Reviews
Where is Timbavati located?
The Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park to its East, and private reserves in every other direction, making this area extremely vast and wild (over 20 000 square kilometres). The safari experience as a whole here is a very authentic one and it’s known for its big cat sightings especially. The Timbavati Game Reserve is 53 000 hectares in size.
How do you get to Timbavati Game Reserve?
It is easily accessible from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (1 hour drive) or a 6 ½ hour drive from Johannesburg.
What is Timbavati famous for?
White lions of course! Well, lions in general here are very prolific, the highest concentration in South Africa! So, if you’re a fan of these gorgeous cats like we are then the Timbavati Game Reserve is the perfect place for your safari. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is in all probability the only reserve in the world where wild white lions occur regularly and naturally. They are also sometimes seen in The Kruger National Park which borders the Timbavati.
Lodges in The Timbavati Game Reserve
It is home to many phenomenal lodges (18 all inclusive, private lodges to be exact) that boast world class hospitality along with ethical wildlife conservation principals.
This is South Africa’s premier safari destination!
How does one choose the right lodge?
We have compiled a list of 12 of the best Timbavati Safari Lodges to make your choice a bit easier. And we’ve even priced them from lowest to highest for your convenience. These per person per night prices include accommodation, all meals, selected drinks, and 2 game drives per day.
Please note that these are 2024 rates and are subject to change.
These are amongst the best all inclusive game lodges South Africa has to offer!
We have added each lodges’ website for your perusal, but if you’d like a bespoke and truly special experience, please contact us to help you plan your safari:
Enquire here: Enquiries
Timbavati Safari Lodge Rates & Reviews:
Budget-friendly Lodges:
Umlani Bush Camp
R5390 pp/pn
A rustic, yet extremely authentic and atmospheric camp in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve. Hospitality is very warm and welcoming here and wildlife sightings are exhilarating! Great value for money for this incredible location! Accommodation is in traditional reed and thatch huts and is very cosy and comfortable.
PS. They have a stunning treehouse where guests can sleep overnight.
Umlani Bush Camp
2. Bateleur Safari Camp
R6910 pp/pn
An eco-friendly camp with beautiful finishes and style. Suites have canvas walls allowing all the sounds of nature in, and the hospitality and service is very warm and welcoming. Wildlife is often seen right in front of camp as well as on the incredible game drives. Ideal for couples, singles, or small groups.
Bateleur Safari Camp
3. Motswari Game Lodge
R8180 pp/pn
A traditionally styled camp with great African atmosphere and brilliant game viewing. Motswari is priced very well for the experience it offers. It’s located in the far north of the reserve and leopard sightings here are particularly prolific. The warm hospitality of the staff must also be mentioned as a stand out feature of Motswari.
https://newmarkhotels.com/accommodation/motswari-private-game-reserve
Motswari Game Lodge
Mid-Range Lodges:
4. Simbavati River Lodge
R9850 pp/pn
Perfect for families and couples alike, Simbavati River lodge offers luxury at a very competitive price point. The Simbavati Collection is also very well-known for their fantastic hospitality. The location of the lodge is stunning too and the gorgeous suite options should suit most safari goers’ preferences. We love the luxury tented suites with views over the riverbed and these will be getting their own private plunge pools in 2025. The lodge also has many facilities to keep you endlessly entertained. The wildlife is top notch here too both in camp and on drive.
Simbavati River Lodge
5. Geiger’s Camp
R11 965 pp/pn
This used to be a private home, and with only 4 suites it is a very intimate and homely camp. It’s charming and characterful style is luxury mixed with traditional stone, wood and thatch and will be sure to draw you in to your most relaxing state. Being such a small lodge it is a good option for groups to book it as exclusive use and enjoy the whole place to themselves. It goes without saying that the game viewing in this area is exceptional.
https://newmarkhotels.com/accommodation/geigers-camp-at-motswari-private-game-reser
Geiger's Camp
Luxury Lodges:
6. Rockfig Lodge
R15 400 pp/pn
At this price range we start seeing benefits such as only 6 guests per game viewing vehicle which improves the comfort on drives and entire game viewing experience. The lodge itself is stylish, open and airy, which we love, and this theme continues from the main areas to the stunning suites. Although the camp allows all ages, there is a feeling of romance at Rockfig as the camp atmosphere is magic! With only 6 suites it’s quite a small camp which makes the experience that much more intimate and personal.
Rockfig Lodge
7. Kings Camp
R16 000 pp/pn
Really spectacular, colonial styled suites that are elegant and luxurious! Kings Camp is located close to a very active waterhole on an open plain where wildlife abounds. The luxury suites have private plunge pools along with a comfortable sunken outdoor lounge with firepit. As you can imagine it is a very romantic setting. There is also a lovely underground hide to view wildlife from a different perspective at the waterhole in front of camp. Children 6 and up are welcome at Kings Camp.
Kings Camp
8. Ngala Safari Lodge
R16 500 pp/pn
Ngala means lion in Shangaan and is aptly named with the white lions of the Timbavati area being the most famous and sought after by guests. The lodge itself is beautifully decorated in a colonial style and welcomes all ages. It is quite a large lodge at 21 rooms and is located in a bushveld setting with numerous decks and areas to relax in and enjoy the wildlife that frequents the lodge itself. The And Beyond collection are known for their fantastic hospitality. Exclusive traversing rights over 14 700 hectares is a huge advantage too!
Ngala Safari Lodge
9. Makanyi Game Lodge
R17 000 pp/pn
Makanyi could be in the ultra-lux category to be honest, so at this price point it is great value for money! It’s a very luxurious and stylish lodge with world class, warm hospitality. Located near an active waterhole in a bushveld setting, this lodge also gets loads of wildlife visitors. The game drives are brilliant too in this specific area which has a lower vehicle density. Large windows and sliding doors invite the outdoors in, and the contemporary style is balanced with natural thatch, stone and wood elements. A gorgeous lodge!
Makanyi Game Lodge
10. Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
R17 500 pp/pn (luxury suite)
R19 000 pp/pn (luxury pool suite)
A more stylish and luxurious version of their incredible sister lodge Simbavati River Lodge, plus with stunning views! It has a romantic and airy atmosphere and the 8 luxury tented suites have their own private plunge pools and decks with views. There is also a stunning infinity pool in the main area if you’d prefer to be social. The waterhole and river below create the perfect environment for animals to congregate which you can watch all day long from your vantage point. If that’s not enough each tent also offers a sala pavilion with double day bed for an afternoon read or snooze. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than this! The game viewing is brilliant too as we can expect from this area.
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
Ultra-Lux Lodges:
11. Ngala Tented Camp
R22 500 pp/pn
Sophisticated, chic, and contemporary, Ngala Tented Camp has 9 luxury tented suites and the whole camp is draped under romantic canvas. It is surely one of the most attractive lodges in South Africa and the location over-looking a riverbed is divine. Some dinners are even held in the dry riverbed, and with fires and lanterns flickering the atmosphere is pulpable. The 9 beautifully appointed tented suites have an outdoor bath and shower with all the amenities you could ever need. Children over 12 are welcome, making this more suitable for couples looking for a bit of romance. As with Ngala Safari Lodge the exclusive traversing rights over 14 700 hectares makes for outstanding wildlife viewing!
Ngala Tented Camp
12. Tanda Tula Safari Camp
R25 000 pp/pn
Our most expensive Timbavati Safari Lodge on the list but don’t think you’re still not getting value for money. Tanda Tula used to be a more intimate and rustic camp and after a massive upgrade and rebuild has still retained its warm and welcoming atmosphere along with an ultra-lux and contemporary design. The hybrid canvas and glass wall design is absolutely stunning as well as practical with the front of the suites being able to open up completely. Private heated plunge pools are the cherry on top of the expansive suites. Tanda Tula came 2nd in the best safari cuisine in Africa in 2024 and the meals will not disappoint! Located on a riverbed and with views of a very active waterhole, this superb lodge really does tick all the boxes for an ultra-lux safari experience.
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Special Mentions:
Simbavati Trails Camp
A budget-friendly camp offering walking safaris.
Kambaku River Sands
A mid-range camp with great hospitality.
Kambaku Safari Lodge
A budget-friendly camp that’s great for families.
Conclusion
The above are some of the best private lodges South Africa has to offer and you can be rest assured that whatever your budget allows, you will not be disappointed with your decision. Of course, we are always happy to help and share further recommendations about Timbavati safari lodges and other game lodges in South Africa with you so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
If you'd like help with making a booking at any private game lodge in the Greater Kruger or elsewhere in South Africa, we'd be honoured to help plan your dream safari.
Email: info@nalaafrica.com
Website: www.nalaafrica.com
FAQ about lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve
What are the Timbavati Game Reserve conservation levies for 2024?
R575 per person per day.
Is Timbavati safari good?
The Timbavati Game Reserve is one of the best reserves in South Africa (in our opinion top 3) and has world class game reserve lodges to choose from to ensure your safari experience is of top quality. It is a large game reserve with outstanding wildlife and ethical safari practices.
How much is the Timbavati gate fee 2024?
Light Motor Vehicle: R300.00 per vehicle.
Heavy Motor Vehicle: R1 100.00 per vehicle
*Heavy vehicle is exceeding 3500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM)
How much does it cost to stay in a safari lodge?
All-inclusive, per person per night rates in Timbavati safari lodges range from about $300 pp/pn to $1400 pp/pn.
Do lions hunt at night?
Lions hunt predominantly at night as it gives them the advantage of stalking closer to their prey and using the element of surprise to hunt and catch them. It is also cooler at night which saves them much needed energy. They do, however, hunt during the day on occasion and more so in the Winter months.
What is a safari tour?
A safari tour is a holiday in which guests are accommodated in a safari lodge in the wilderness and venture out each day in search of the wildlife that inhabits the area. This can either be done on foot or in a vehicle.
