Greater Kruger · South African resident rates

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Open to the Kruger, home of the white lions and a short drive from Hoedspruit, with South African resident rates you can book now.

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Live in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve right now

All specials

Rates as at 12 October 2026: 9 South African resident specials live in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, from R4,288 pppns (Simbavati Trails Camp), an average saving of 43% on the usual rate, up to 53% off. Conservation and park fees are extra unless stated.

Simbavati Trails Camp, Timbavati: R4,288 pppns, usually R8,575, save 50%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 30 November 2026. Our take: “More than half off in the Timbavati. Just 4 rooms.”
Simbavati River Lodge, Timbavati: R6,750 pppns, usually R13,500, save 50%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 20 December 2026. Our take: “More than half off in the Timbavati. Children of all ages welcome.”
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Timbavati: R8,945 pppns, usually R18,900, save 53%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 20 December 2026. Our take: “Unfenced into Kruger, and a proper classic.”
Kings Camp, Timbavati: R9,600 pppns, usually R18,500, save 48%. 21 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Our take: “Nearly half off in the Timbavati. Children from 6 years.”
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, Timbavati: R10,200 pppns, usually R20,400, save 50%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 20 December 2026. Our take: “More than half off in the Timbavati. Just 8 rooms.”
Walkers Plains Camp, Timbavati: R10,320 pppns, usually R17,200, save 40%. Min 3 Nights 21 Day Rate, valid until 15 October 2026. Our take: “A third off in the Timbavati. Just 8 rooms.”
RockFig Safari Lodge, Timbavati: R15,750 pppns, usually R21,000, save 25%. Min 4 nights, valid until 19 December 2026. Our take: “A quarter off in the Timbavati. Children of all ages welcome.”
Makanyi Private Game Lodge, Timbavati: R23,250 pppns, usually R31,000, save 25%. Minimum / Maximum stay 4-nights, valid until 19 December 2026. Our take: “A quarter off in the Timbavati. Just 8 rooms.”
&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, Timbavati: R26,000 pppns. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 10 January 2027. Our take: “Resident rate in the Timbavati.”

The short answer. The Timbavati gives you the Kruger's wildlife with private reserve guiding, and it is easy to reach through Hoedspruit. It is known for its rare white lions, it has lodges for every age group, and it is a malaria area.

What makes it different

The Timbavati is a private reserve on the western side of the Kruger, with no fences between them, so the animals move freely across. It is famous for white lions, a rare colour variation that has been seen here for generations.

It is also a good place for walking safaris. Some lodges here are built around walking trails, while others are family lodges with swimming pools and children's programmes.

Who it suits

Families. Several lodges welcome children of all ages.
Walkers. Trails lodges take guests from 12 or 16 for walking safaris.
Couples. Hilltop and tented lodges with a minimum age of 12.
Longer stays. Some of the best rates here need 3 or 4 nights.

Getting there

The Timbavati is about 6 hours by road from Johannesburg, through Hoedspruit. Flying is easy: scheduled flights land at Hoedspruit, and most lodges are a transfer of about an hour from the airport. We live in Hoedspruit, so ask us anything about the road in.

When to go

Dry winter months, May to September, give the easiest game viewing and cool evenings. Summer, from November to March, is green and hot, with baby animals and afternoon thunderstorms. The quieter months are when resident rates are at their best.

Good to know

It is a malaria area. Speak to your doctor before you travel.
A reserve levy is usually charged per person per night, extra unless the special says otherwise.
White lions are rare and move over a large area, so a sighting is never guaranteed.

Questions we are asked

Can you see white lions in the Timbavati?

Sometimes. White lions have been seen here for generations, but they are rare and wide ranging, so no lodge can promise a sighting.

Is the Timbavati part of the Kruger?

It is a private reserve that borders the Kruger with no fences between them, so it shares the Kruger's wildlife.

Which Timbavati lodges take children?

Several welcome all ages, and others take children from 6 or 8. Each rate on this page shows its age limit.