Timbavati & Manyeleti Reserves, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa

The Timbavati Game Reserve and Manyeleti Game Reserve both lie just to the north of the Sabi Sands and also are open to the Kruger National Park. Both offer excellent Big Five game-viewing with large herds of elephant and buffalo often seen. To experience two different safari areas you may like to spend a couple of nights in the Sabi Sands and a couple of nights in the Timbavati.

What are the differences between Timbavati safaris and safaris in the more famous Sabi Sands?
This is difficult to pinpoint as the game-viewing is excellent in all three reserves but I would say that the safari lodges in the Timbavati and Manyeleti pride themselves on their relaxed atmosphere and a holistic approach to game-viewing. The safari emphasis is placed on an overall quality bush experience rather than ticking off the game seen.

The superb Timbavati Private Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the north-east. The Timbavati was originally famous for its rare white lions, the product of a recessive gene, which have recently been re-introduced. However, now you are also likely to see large herds of elephant, who love the mopani forest, and a good chance of spotting the Big 5 - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino, though the latter are rarer in the Timbavati - as well a variety of smaller mammals as the spotted hyena, zebra and plenty of general game. Safaris in the Timbavati range over wide areas of bush and vehicle density is low leading to an exclusive safari experience. The Timbavati Game Reserve is collectively owned and managed by a score of private safari lodges such as the well-priced Simbavati River Lodge, the stylish Kings Camp, and the family friendly Ngala Safari Lodge.

 
The Manyeleti Game Reserve lies just north of the Sabi Sands and also borders the Kruger National Park. So diverse is its habitat and wildlife that you have an good chance of spotting many of the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. (The Big Five is so-called because these were the five species which were the most difficult to hunt!). Leopard are less frequently seen at close range in the Manyeleti but the Manyeleti is unusual in that it only has two private safari concessions, including Honeyguide Tented Camps and Tintswalo Safari Lodge as well as the exclusive use Tintswalo Manor House, allowing for a very exclusive and private game-viewing experience.

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