Timbavati Game Reserve
The Timbavati Game Reserve lies north of Sabi Sand on the western edge of the Kruger National Park and lies between Umbabat and Manyeleti reserves. The Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger national Park. The Timbavati is a “Big Five” Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, elephant and Buffalo roam freely and many more species of predator and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area; this together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land ensures an adventure to be remembered. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.
The Timbavati is famous for its white lions, which were discovered in the early 1970s. Although there are currently no white lions in the Reserve, the recessive gene causing this unusual phenomenon is still carried by the local prides, which are substantially paler than most other lions by comparison.
The Timbavati, one of the oldest private nature reserves, was formed in the 1950’s when Mr Peter Mostert urged his neighbours to pool their resources for a mutual benefit and to conserve the wildlife in the area.
The idea of forming such a reserve was first mooted as early as 1948, and for several years a handful of far-sighted men met frequently to discuss ways and means to create a nature reserve of a meaningful size in the area. Today the Timbavati is privately owned by 38 individual members and is governed by an elected committee and a constitution. Commercial development is restricted to 16 commercial beds per title deed as not to destroy the intrinsic wilderness experience that is offered to the visitors.
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