Guide To The Timbavati Safari Area
If you’re on the hunt for Timbavati lodges, Kings Camp Private Game Reserve might be the perfect option for you. Take a look at our guide to The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve below to find out more.

Where is The Timbavati?
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area, located in Limpopo Province in South Africa. The reserve lies west of the Kruger National Park Boundary and north-east of Johannesburg. There are no fences between the Timbavati and Kruger – meaning the game moves freely between the two reserves. This great wilderness is often referred to as the Greater Kruger Conservancy.
Kings Camp is located in a part of the reserve characterised by mopane woodlands, overlooking a waterhole frequented by a wide variety of wildlife. In terms of Timbavati lodges, Kings Camp was established in 1995 as a premier ecotourism destination.
THE FACTS
GPS Co-ordinates: 24°16’33.9″S 31°18’26.8″E
53,392 hectares, forming part of the Greater Kruger Park.
Over 100 km² of traversing.
6 hr drive from Johannesburg.
1 hr 30 min scheduled flight direct from Johannesburg.
Private runway and helipad.
No fences between the Timbavati and the Kruger Park.
Characterised as ‘savanna bushveld’ with 6 different landscape types.
Breeding ground of the endangered wild dog.


Game Viewing in the Timbavati
Due to considerate game viewing practices, Kings Camp’s guiding team is able to offer exceptional game viewing of a wide variety of game species, including the Big 5.
Wildlife including leopard, elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species, may be closely observed on game drives and walking safaris.
This greater area is home to 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species. Many of the animals are likely to have never encountered a fence as they exist, free ranging, in this pristine, protected corner of Africa.
Leopards are one of the main attractions in the Timbavati, and especially at Kings Camp. The leopard here are accustomed to vehicles and do not take much notice of them. Even when hunting, a leopard in the Timbavati will not pay much attention to the vehicle following it.


Getting to Kings Camp
SELF DRIVE
Driving Distance from Johannesburg to Kings Camp ± 6 hours (± 500 km).
Driving Distrance from Nelspruit to Kings Camp ± 2 hours (± 150 km).
FLIGHT TRANSFER OR PRIVATE CHARTER
Flights to Hoedspruit
SA EXPRESS: Johannesburg to Hoedspruit – 2 flights daily
SA EXPRESS: Cape Town to Hoedspruit – 1 flight daily
CEMAIR: Cape Town to Hoedspruit – 1 flight daily
Hoedspruit Airport is a ± 40 minute road transfer to the lodge.
Private charter, flight transfer, or helicopter transfers directly into Kings Camp are also an option.
Should any flights not be available for your travel time, please contact reservations who can assist in other flight options.
Private Aircrafts
Private Landing Strip at Kings Camp
- Co-Ordinates: S -24° 17’ 59.9058” E 31° 17’ 20.6262”
- Length: 900 meters
- Elevation: 1500 feet
- Heading: 33/15
- Surface: Tar

Timbavati Lodges
If you’re looking for the best Timbavati lodges, then you’ve come to exactly the right place. Kings Camp boasts 6 Luxury Suites, 1 Luxury Family Suite and 2 Honeymoon Suites.
The lodge is positioned on the edge of a savanna plain and the grounds are dappled with the shade of Acacia trees. A vast array of wildlife frequent the watering hole and the camp grounds both day and night, allowing for spectacular game viewing from the doorstep of this lodge.
Book your ideal Timbavati Trip
Use Kings Camp’s website to book your ideal holiday and relax on safari in the Timbavati. We offer a selection of packages to make your stay the best it can be.
Take a look here and make use of the quick and seamless online booking process and start imagining your ideal vacation today. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reservations team directly at book@kingscamp.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Timbavati.
Image credits
Cathan Moore
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