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The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of South
Africa's prime, undiscovered wilderness jewels, and home to Africa's Big
Five in an area of wide biodiversity ranging from savannah woodlands to
grasslands and riverine glades.
The reserve was established in 1956 by likeminded landowners. Today it forms
part of one of the largest game reserves in the world, the Kruger National
Park. A unique feature of the Timbavati is the low density of
commercialisation. The game lodges are dedicated to preserving the sense of
true wilderness. The Timbavati is a leader in conservation initiatives and
research and is committed to the upliftment of local communities.
The White Lions of the Timbavati were first discovered by Chris McBride on
the Hugo property in the late 1970s. While he was studying the White Lions,
Chris and his wife Charlotte helped build and set up Tanda Tula in its
initial phase of development. The first pride to produce White Lion cubs was
the Machaton Pride, a pride that still exists today and their core territory
continues to be based on the Tanda Tula property.
White Lions are still being born to various prides throughout the Timabavati.
However, due to their conspicuous white colour their survival rate is very
low.
Tanda Tula is proud
to be the first in the Timbavati to offer a remarkable
once-in-a-lifetime experience: the overnight walking safari.
WALKING SAFARI IN THE TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE ITINERARY EXAMPLE
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The Overnight Walking Safari provides an opportunity for
nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the
beautiful African wildlife on foot and up close and to sleep
under the stars, exactly as the early explorers did.
Each Walking Safari itinerary is individually tailored to
suit guests' requirements. A four-night walking safari
package is generally recommended, with two nights spent at
the base Tanda Tula Safari Camp and two nights in the bush
at the remote Machaton Hide.
Every safari expedition is led by one of the most highly
qualified ranger/tracker teams in South Africa, ranger Dale
Jackson and veteran tracker Jack Ngomane. Guests kick-start
the day with an early-morning outdoor shower, steaming hot
coffee and homemade rusks, before venturing out on a game
walk. The group walks for between ten and twelve kilometers
per day, tracking wildlife and bird watching and stopping to
take in the magnificent scenery and biodiversity of the
reserve.
After a day spent exploring the great outdoors, guests
return to the secluded Machaton Hide located high up on a
platform on the banks of the Machaton River and overlooking
a popular watering hole. Here they are treated to a hearty
dinner cooked over a fire in the traditional 'bush kitchen'
style. The Hide is rustic yet fully equipped with all the
necessary creature comforts of camp beds, linen, mosquito
nets, oil lanterns, bush showers and a loo. Memories are
made and stories are shared around the campfire before
guests retire with nothing but a mosquito net between them,
the wilderness and the big night sky.
An intimate group of a minimum of two and a maximum of six
people per walking safari can be accommodated, making the
experience ideal for families, friends and couples
travelling together.
The all inclusive 'stay
for four nights, pay only for three nights' package includes:
- First and last night accommodation at Tanda Tula Safari
Camp
- Second and third night accommodation at Machaton Hide
- All meals and all drinks
- All private guided walking and vehicle safaris
- Note: Machaton Hide only accommodates a maximum of six
people (regrettably no children under fourteen years).
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