Kings Camp Timbavati: A Luxurious Safari Experience in South Africa

Arriving at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Reserve feels like you’re coming home. From the moment you walk into the lodge, you are treated like royalty.

Giraffe at Kings Camp

Kings Camp presents the attractiveness of Timbavati's colonial past, with the comfort of first class accommodation, and the ever present, crackling excitement of the encompassing bushveld. Kings camp is situated in the Timbavati Private Reserve in South Africa and is designed to provide an immersive bush experience, allowing guests to connect with nature and enjoy the pristine wilderness.

Location and Setting

Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife both day and night. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Conservation Area, located in Limpopo Province in South Africa. The reserve lies west of the Kruger National Park Boundary and north-east of Johannesburg.

LOCATION: Timbavati Game Reserve, 53 392 unfenced hectares of gorgeous nature reserve, is located to the north and west of the famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, respectively. Decades old, this reserve is a much treasured getaway destination.

Read also: Contemporary African Photography

Map of Timbavati Game Reserve

As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which covers an area of 2.2 million hectares, this Timbavati safari lodge is a wildlife haven boasting a diversity of animal life including the Big 5, cheetah, African wild dog and hyena. Timbavati Game Reserve is the proud home to the indigenous white lions which were reintegrated into the area in 2006.

Accommodation and Amenities

The camp features eleven graceful suites in a colonial style, offering luxurious amenities and facilities for the guests.

The accommodation at Kings Camp is so stylish and luxurious; Ralph Lauren meets African safari! Complete with mosquito nets that are dropped down around your bed in the evening and a Nespresso machine for your coffee fix at all times of the day or night.

Key features include:

Read also: Experience Kings Camp

  • Luxury colonial suites
  • Victorian ball-and-claw bath
  • Well-equipped gym
  • Health and beauty spa
  • Viewing deck overlooking a waterhole

Activities and Experiences

You can enjoy a number of exciting activities under the supervision of rangers who delightfully guide you about the Flora and Fauna of the bushveld. Morning bush walks are followed by bush breakfasts and the guests also enjoy rejuvenating massages in the evening after tiring game drives at the Therapy Lapa. The main area of the lodge has another private deck that acts as a great space to enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent bushveld.

We sat down for lunch and were treated to a 3 course meal out on the patio, and I guess the elephants go the memo too as they were right on time; a massive herd strolled up to the waterhole in front of us to have their mid-afternoon drink. (There is a low electric fence around the camp for guests safety).

KINGS CAMP (SOUTH AFRICA): Kings Camp - Discover this iconic Luxury Timbavati Safari Lodge

Wildlife Encounters

We spotted the Big Five (namely Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo) within our first day on safari, but the highlight had to be the pack of wild dog, who were being tailed by 3 hyena and still attempted to take on a few straggler buffalo. African wild dogs are remarkable predators known for their hunting efficiency, cooperation and adaptability. However, they face significant threats in the wild, including habitat loss and diseases, which have led to declining populations.

African Wild Dogs

Exceptional Service

What sets a really great safari apart from an average experience is the Ranger and Guide, and we were privileged to have Grant as our highly skilled and informed ranger.

Read also: Read about Kings Prism Tower

How to get there

Take the N4 to Witbank, Take the Belfast off ramp (R33/R540). Once in Belfast town, turn right into Voortrekker Street and continue straight to Dullstroom on R540, drive straight through Dullstroom town and continue to Lydenburg. Once in Lydenburg turn left into Potgieter Street and continue straight to Ohrighstad on the R36, drive straight through Ohrighstad and continue on R36 until it turns left to Tzaneen. DO NOT turn, but continue straight on R531 to Hoedspruit. In Hoedspruit, continue straight over the bridge crossing the train line to a four-way stop.

At the stop turn right and continue towards Bosbokrand / Bushbuckridge along the R40, 6/7km from Hoedspruit, note the Eastgate Airport sign on your left, at the sign, turn left to Kings Camp. Drive ±15km until you reach Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Control Gate, At the entrance gate, you will be required to pay an entrance fee of R120, 00 for the vehicle. (Fees subject to change). Continue on for ±18 km, until you see a Kings Camp sign to your left. Turn right at the sign.

GPS Coordinates: S -24° 16’ 33.8664” | E 31° 18’ 26.748”

Suitability for Children

Unfortunately we do not allow children under the age of 6 unless the whole camp is booked.

A Safari for Every Occasion

From romantic honeymoons and photographic expeditions to yoga in the heart of the bushveld and intimate weddings, there is a safari for every occasion. If you’re looking for a luxury African safari, then Kings Camp offers this and more, and I guarantee you won’t go hungry. Treat your family to a safari experience like no other.

Are you ready for an african safari? Love love love! ❤️

Popular articles:

tags: #Africa