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Timbavati Traverse Wrap Up 2022

By Kings Camp Team on August 2, 2022

During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020, just a few staff remained at the lodge to ensure the lodge was kept and maintained. Head guide Grant Murphy decided to take on an incredible challenge to make a difference at a time when the future seemed unclear. Grant decided to run a gruelling 92 km through the Timbavati African bush on dirt tracks to raise money for the protection and security of our wildlife. What a day it was, and it all showed us that anything is possible!

Two years on, and that run of Grants has seen the birth of an exclusive annual ultra-marathon event here in the Timbavati, The Timbavati Traverse. An event dedicated to raise much needed funds for the protection of rhino and socio-economic upliftment of impoverished communities in the region of the Greater Kruger.

On a fresh winter’s morning on the 9th of July 2022, 27 runners and 20 walkers lined up at the starting line just before sunrise. Lions roaring in the distance and a cloud of mist blanketing the dew drenched bush, the athletes headed out into the pristine bush for a day to be remembered. This year’s event was divided into a 21km power walk and a 45km ultra marathon.

No where in the world can you partake in such an event where you can run amongst Africa’s icon wildlife. The runners were blessed to see not only an array of wildlife including giraffe, impala, hippo, warthog, and zebras but they also got to see the big ones including rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard while out on their journey! 4 out of the Big 5 – WOW!

As one of the runners posted on his social media page after the event,

“Timbavati Traverse – 45 km trail run through the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo spotted on the run. The best experience of my life supporting a good cause. I will be back next year)”

The completion of the run was followed up a wonderful afternoon in the sun at the Timbavati Head Quarters enjoying each other’s company while supporting an incredible selection of food and beverage vendors that had so kindly offered their support to this special cause. Live music and displays by the elite conservation K-9 units topped off a memorable event!

It’s not even a month past and we are already getting enquiries for the 2023 event! Our hearts are ecstatic as not only are we offering people the most unique opportunity but most importantly we are making a difference to both people and animals’ lives.

Bring on Timbavati Traverse 2023 and hopefully we see you there!


Written by: Warren Moore

Photos by: Chad Cocking

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