Geography
The luxurious 40 000ha Timbavati Game Reserve lies immediately to the west of Orpen, bordering the Kruger National Park.
History
Established in 1956 by conservation-minded game farmers, Timbavati Game Reserve is most famous for its white lions, first sighted in 1976.
Art and Culture
Travellers to Timbavati will appreciate the stylish and luxurious lodges and camps, and can soak up the atmosphere of the area around the boma, with one of the many experienced guides relating wild and dangerous stories of the bushveld.
Science and Nature
Visitors to Timbavati can still see the original and famous pair of white lions. The animals have a recessive gene that makes their fur white, and there is now an ambitious project to breed the white lions.
Timbavati has no fences and borders the Kruger National Park and, as such, the animals are able to roam as they please. It is a Big Five area, and visitors will delight in spotting many other animals including predators, antelopes and many species of birds. The bushveld will impress nature lovers.
Entertainment
Timbivati, with its excellent and luxurious lodges, is regarded as one of the best game viewing areas in the Lowveld. Visitors can do exciting night drives and night safaris, while taking a guided walk through the day will prove to be insightful and exciting.
Did you know?
White lions are extinct in the wild, and there are only 25 in existence in captivity. It is not an albino of the species and the animals are white owing to a rare recessive gene.
Run a search to find accommodation in the Timbavati Game Reserve or make a book order for the AA's complete range of travel guides.
