Timbavati Sabi Sand Safari Getaway – 4 nights Timbavati | 3 nights Sabi Sand
Overview
After our great visit to South Africa last year assisted by Pembury Tours, we didn’t waste time to check on our calendars in order to ask them to plan our second trip.
And let me tell you something, Heidi surpassed herself! When she organized our tour last year, she tailored an amazing itinerary, making sure that all our requirements and wishes were met and the result was fantastic.
This year, and noting that the trip was to celebrate my birthday and that we wanted a specific Safari programme, she went out to find the best options possible, even if our favorite Lodge was full. Not only did she manage a seamless itinerary, including suitable flight and transportation connections, but she found the way to accommodate our expectations, giving us another wonderful time in South Africa – including some thoughtful surprises along the way!
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will back your way to the domestic terminal where you will connect with your flight to Hoedspruit. Upon arrival in Hoedspruit you are met and transferred to your lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. You have time to settle into your lodge before embarking on your afternoon game drive.
The Timbavati forms part of the 2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park. It was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and is part of one of Africa’s most innovative conservation partnership agreements. The Timbavati is 14 700 hectares (36 300 acres) and shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park.
Track the Big Five, as well as a rich variety of other game such as antelope, zebra, warthog, giraffe and hippo, in the company of an armed ranger and local Shangaan tracker. Bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, buzzards, herons, egrets, owls, weavers. The Timbavati is also home to the world-famous “White Lions of Timbavati”.
This morning after your morning game drive and breakfast you check out of your lodge. You are met and transferred Southwards to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger Park. You have time to settle into your new lodge before embarking on our afternoon game drive.
Forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to cross freely between the Sabi Sands and the rest of the Greater Kruger National Park. The safari experience in the Sabi Sand is highly personalised because game drive vehicles have exclusive traversing rights in their area.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is a remarkable natural sanctuary known for its exceptionally high concentration of animal and bird life. Close contact encounters are guaranteed as the animals are not threatened by the presence of vehicles thanks to sound conservation management policies. Safaris are led by experienced rangers coupled with local Shangaan trackers. With exceptional sightings of leopard (usually the most elusive of cats), lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo during game drives – visitors are never lacking in exciting photographic content.
You will head out on dawn and late afternoon game drives in the company of dedicated and highly knowledgeable rangers and trackers. The fact that the Sabi Sand is a private Kruger reserve means that guests can enjoy activities not normally permitted in the Kruger Park itself. Your ranger will go off road for close-up views of special sightings and once darkness falls, you’ll be treated to thrilling spot-lit night drives in search of rare nocturnal creatures and big cats on the move. Guided nature walks complete the spectrum of safari activities.
This morning after your morning game drive and breakfast you will check out of your lodge. You bid farewell to this African Wonderland as you are transferred to Nelspruit Airport.