Timbavati and Klaserie Reserve

Limpopo Province, South Africa

The Timbavati and Klaserie Game Reserves are neighbouring conservancies open to each other and situated on the border of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces open adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park. The 53 392 hectare Timbavati was formed in 1956 and is a wildlife rich region consisting of a mixture of productive open woodland and species unique mopane bushveld. The Timbavati, which was once land used for cattle and crop farming, is made up of a conservancy of private land owners, all of whom have a common conservation aim and there are twelve luxury tourist lodges found on the reserve.

A major benefit of experiencing a safari in this area is that the density of lodges and vehicles is less than most other reserves in the Lowveld region thus providing one with a more exclusive and intimate bush experience. The Timbavati is home to a large number of wildlife species including the Big Five, excellent general game and other fauna and flora. Large herds of elephant and buffalo frequent the area fairly regularly whilst the leopard viewing is some of the best in the country after its southern and better known cousin - the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The reserve is particularly famous for its ‘White Lions’ of which many books have been written and documentaries made. Chris McBrides ‘White Lions of Timbavati’ book is the most well known. These rare and unique lions are purely white, caused by specific evolutionary pigmentation, known as leucism, which is not a form of albinism. However these lions are extremely rare and only recently were white lion cubs born after an absence of over a decade.

The 60 000 hectare Klaserie Game Reserve is generally flatter than the Timbavati and is made up of rugged bushveld terrain dominated by mopane bush as well as its flagship marula and leadwood trees. The Klaserie River is the life blood to the area and attracts good concentrations of game to its banks – especially in the dryer months. As with the Timbavati this area has a small vehicle and lodge density and has very few commercial lodges operating within its borders.

The Timbavati and Klaserie reserves are home to:

• 63 species of large mammal
• 264 bird species
• 85 trees
• And 55 species of reptile.

There are a number of lodges and camps in both the Timbavati and Klaserie including many private properties. Commercial operations in the area range from very basic tented walking safaris to one of the most luxurious camps in South Africa. There is something for all budgets in this area.

Lodges and camps include:

Timbavati:

• Kings Camp
• Tanda Tula
• Umlani

Klaserie:

• Africa on Foot
• Transfrontier Walking Safaris

Both the Timbavati and Klaserie Game Reserve are easily accessible by road and air. Private charters can be flown directly into certain properties within the Timbavati and Klaserie whilst there is also the East Gate Airport outside of Hoedspruit which is approximately thirty minutes drive from the main gates of the reserves. Other airports which can be used are Phalaborwa which is 90 minutes away and Kruger Mpumalanga International which is three hours away. Transfers between the airport and the lodges and camps can be arranged usually at additional cost. Driving time between Johannesburg and these reserves takes approximately six hours. The Timbavati and Klaserie reserves are located in a Malaria area and visitors should follow precautions and recommendations given by their GP’s.