Do you dream of the ultimate safari experience? Escaping to one of the most natural locations in the world whilst viewing zebras galloping across the plains, troupes of Monkeys grooming and playing and hearing the roar of the Lion is one of the most exquisite ways to spend a holiday. Kruger National Park Each year approximately half a million domestic and international tourists visit South Africas premier game reserve. The Kruger National Park is a 2 million hectare park that was established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife and is today an unrivalled leader in biodiversity and environmental management. Most chose to visit the game park in the dry, winter season as the quality of game viewing is heightened. The grass at this time of year is low and the bushes and trees have lost their leaves this provides game viewers with an unobstructed view of the kings of Africa. Because it doesnt rain in winter the animals tend to congregate round the waterholes to drink in the mornings and evenings, a site which is can be viewed closely in the safety of a vehicle. Beyond Borders Surrounding the Kruger National park are several smaller game reserves such as Timbavati and Sabi Sabi. There are no fences between any of these reserves allowing the animals to roam free they way they were intended to. On a visit to the Kruger and its surrounding reserves you will see and astounding array of flora and fauna. The reserves are home to 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The area is most celebrated due to the fact that it is Big 5 country, during your stay you will have the opportunity to observe every one of the members of the Big Five: the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Timbavati Game Reserve Timbavati Private Game Reserve lies on the western boundary of the Kruger Park and forms part of the Kruger's lowveld ecosystem. The lack of borders with the Kruger facilitates excellent game viewing and the accommodation offerings range from luxury to roughing it. The Timbavati was established in 1956 but really only made its name in the 1970s with the discovery of the parks rare White Lions. In the winter months (April-September) game viewing is excellent as the vegetation is less dense. In summer (October-March) the park is lush and green and whilst game viewing is not at its best bird watching is excellent. Of all of the reserves wildlife you should easily be able to spot Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Hippo, Impala, Kudu, Wildebeest, Klipspringer, Genet, Vultures, Owls, Eagles, Hornbills and Shrikes. Slightly harder to spot are the Leopard, Wild Dog, Cheetah, Fox, Rhino, Porcupine and Caracal. Timbavati Activities A range of safari options to suite all tastes are available at this magnificent reserve. Whether you prefer a walking, fly-in, guided, sunrise or sunset safari or whether you prefer to view the reserve in the comfort of your own vehicle in your own time the Timbavati can accommodate you. Apart from all of the excellent game watching activities why not indulge in some pampering spa treatments and massages or an alfresco dining experience under the vast star filled African sky. Traditional singing and dancing are firm favourites amongst visitors to this reserve as are the guided environmental hikes. During your stay at the Timbavati you can spend your days game viewing and your nights singing, dancing, eating traditional meals and sipping on fabulous sunset cocktails. Timbavati Accommodation Accommodation within Timbavati includes colonial style game lodges, traditional thatched bush lodges, and luxury tented safari camps, providing a range of styles to suit your dream safari holiday. Timbavati accommodation offers an extremely child friendly atmosphere and provides facilities for children of all ages. From sheer luxury to roughing it the Timbavati Private Game Park offers it all. |
