A timeless escape within the Kruger
Explore the Kruger region and its private reserves with their unparalleled wildlife.
Duration
8 days (flexible)
Places
Timbavati Reserve
Olifants West Reserve
Price
From €3,600* per person* (price based on 8 people)
South Africa - 8 days
Safari description
A timeless stay in the heart of two private reserves offering safaris rich in unforgettable wildlife sightings. You will have the privilege of staying in two sublime lodges, isolated from all human activity, where the wildlife and surrounding landscapes will amaze you. During your safari excursions, whether by vehicle or on foot, every moment will bring you closer to the very essence of African wilderness.
South Africa - 8 days
Your safari day by day
itineraire
South Africa Safari
The Timbavati and Olifants West reserves each offer a unique immersion, combining exceptional wildlife and diverse landscapes. In Timbavati, discover a legendary reserve harboring remarkable biodiversity, including rare white lions, in a preserved and enchanting natural setting. In Olifants West, be captivated by an intimate atmosphere where the vast plains and proximity to the Olifants River reveal a rich and captivating wildlife.
Day 1: Johannesburg Airport / Hoedspruit - Timbavati Reserve
Welcome to South Africa!
You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg or Hoedspruit airport (depending on your flight) by a private shuttle that will take you to the Timbavati Reserve. The journey takes approximately 5 hours by road from Johannesburg or 1 hour from Hoedspruit.
Installation au lodge.
This 53,000-hectare reserve is completely open to Kruger National Park, so the animals are free to roam wherever they please. Wildlife is extremely abundant, and the chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as cheetahs and African wild dogs are very high. The eco-friendly lodge is located deep in the bush and remains very intimate: it can only accommodate a maximum of 16 people and overlooks a beautiful dry riverbed where herds of elephants regularly cross to feed on the opposite bank.
Departure in the late afternoon for a first safari in search of our first animals.
Days 2/3/4: Timbavati Reserve
You will go on 2 safaris per day in an open vehicle: one in the morning at sunrise and one in the afternoon.
We will return to the lodge at nightfall, allowing you to experience night safaris in search of nocturnal animals under one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world!
You can also go on walking safaris if you wish, for a very different approach to the fauna and flora.
Please note that other people may join us in our vehicle during our safaris. The lodge can potentially accommodate additional guests.
Day 5: Timbavati Reserve - Olifants West Reserve
After a final morning safari in the Timbavati reserve, we will head towards the Olifants West reserve. The journey time between the two reserves is one and a half hours.
This 7,500-hectare private reserve, open to the Kruger National Park, is home to the Big 5 and is renowned for its numerous herds of elephants, its large concentration of lions, but also its significant population of black rhinos, which remain very rare to observe elsewhere.
The lodge, very intimate, can only accommodate a maximum of 10 people and you will stay in magnificent luxury tents with views of the surrounding savannah.
Departure in the late afternoon for a first safari in the Olifants West reserve.
Day 6/7: Olifants West Reserve
We will conduct 2 safaris per day in an open vehicle: one in the morning at sunrise and one in the afternoon.
We will return to the lodge at nightfall, allowing you to experience night safaris in search of nocturnal animals under one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world!
Please note that other people may join us in our vehicle during our safaris. The lodge can potentially accommodate additional guests.
However, it is possible to fully privatize a safari vehicle from €350 per day if you wish.
Day 8: Olifants West Reserve - Johannesburg Airport / Hoedspruit
Unfortunately, this is your last day in South Africa.
We will conduct an early morning safari to observe our last wild animals before taking a private shuttle to Hoedspruit or Johannesburg airport depending on your flight.
Back in France, and hoping you will keep wonderful memories of your stay!
What's included in your safari
This safari includes:
- 7 nights' accommodation in carefully selected lodges.
- Three meals a day.
- Travel in a private 4x4 vehicle, offering comfort and flexibility throughout the stay.
- Permits and activities included, covering all safaris.
- Accompaniment by a French safari guide, for total immersion and personalized support.
And what if we imagined your next adventure with Fundis'Africa?
Book a time to chat with us to discuss your desires, ask your questions and imagine together a safari that suits you.
Timbavati and Olifants West: two exceptional reserves in the heart of Greater Kruger
This 8-day itinerary explores two of the wildest private reserves in Greater Kruger: Timbavati and Olifants West. Two territories adjacent to Kruger National Park, renowned for their white lions and exceptional predator sightings.
Timbavati: the territory of the white lions
Timbavati is the private reserve that gives rise to South Africa's white lions, a rare genetic mutation that produces individuals with cream or white coats. These lions, while not albino, are extremely rare in the wild. Their presence in Timbavati makes it a unique reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park. Beyond the white lions, Timbavati offers remarkable predator densities and off-the-beaten-track drives teeming with wildlife.
Olifants West: the river as a wildlife corridor
Olifants West follows the Olifants River, one of the most important permanent rivers in the Lowveld. During the dry season, the riverbanks become a meeting point for all the local wildlife: elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and leopards frequent these areas regularly and predictably for a guide familiar with the territory. Early morning drives on the Olifants River produce some of the strongest wildlife sightings in the entire Greater Kruger.
Why combine these two reserves?
The 8-day Timbavati-Olifants West combination offers a diversity of ecosystems and predator areas, maximizing the chances of varied wildlife sightings. Both reserves allow for night drives and off-trail approaches, guaranteeing an immersive experience impossible in the public national park.
This safari is led by Alexis Frangoulis, a certified FGASA NQF2 guide, with full airport transfers included. Contact Fundis'Africa to arrange your departure.
