from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary
TYPICAL DAY IN THE TIMBAVATI
Situated in the heart of the Greater Kruger region, your experience in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve immerses you in the wild beauty of the reserve. Throughout the year, this vibrant landscape teems with life, where the daily dramas of resident species like lions, hyenas, leopards, and jackals unfold alongside herds of elephants, zebras, gazelles, and giraffes. Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a haven for large herds of elephants and buffalo, along with a substantial lion population. Notably, it is home to the rare white lions, first spotted here in the mid-1970s.
Your safari includes early morning and late afternoon excursions to witness wildlife as they emerge. Spend leisurely afternoons enjoying sunset bush-drinks and dining under a sky filled with stars. You will also have the opportunity to connect with local communities, learning about their culture in meaningful ways. In the evening, savor gourmet meals and gather around the campfire to share stories with fellow travelers.
GAME DRIVES
Set out on twice-daily game drives-one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon-timed to coincide with the hours when wildlife is most active. This region is especially rich in animal life, with regular sightings of lions and leopards among the many highlights. While rhino and wild dogs are more elusive, each drive offers the chance to witness powerful moments and an impressive variety of species in their natural habitat.
BUSH WALKS
Venture into the bush alongside a highly skilled ranger, who will guide you in tracking animals, identifying fascinating plants, and spotting some of the region's smaller, often hidden wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may even find yourself quietly observing a rhino at close range. Walking safaris are available during the winter months only.
STARGAZING
Makanyi Lodge offers its guests the opportunity to learn a little more about the night sky with the use of an amazing telescope. The lack of light pollution in this wonderfully remote region allows one to see the beautiful constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and have an unspoilt view of the Milky Way, often with the odd passing satellite.
New animals that we saw that I was able to photograph included white rhinos, waterbucks, hippos, the nose of a crocodile, an African hare, wart hogs and steenboks. We also saw a grey duiker, a drawf mogoose and some vervet monkeys. Midway through the drive, we passed through the large herd of cape buffalo that we saw last night. I am hopeful that we will see some lions in the next two days! Apparently, in the area, lions are exclusively feeding on cape buffalo.
Back at the lodge, we had breakfast. I had an omelet.
After breakfast, I worked on my blog for the previous day. I appreciate having some down time to sort through photos and organize some thoughts. I am enjoying the Wifi. We weren't sure that it would be available. Additionally, there is pretty good cell coverage in different spots.
Still feeling under the weather, I took a half hour nap.
They served lunch at 1:30 pm. There is way too much food. I had part of a salmon salad.
After lunch, Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I sat by the pool for a while. We then relaxed in the room.
The evening safari took off at 4 pm. While we saw lots of animals, the only new photograph was a seven foot highly venomous black mamba. In the dark, we also saw a white tailed mongoose. I think that the guide and the tracker were trying to find the leopards. While we covered a lot of ground, we didn't see them. One of the other groups from the lodge caught a glimpse of one female leopards as they were coming bacxk to the lodge in the dark.
Back from the evening safari, the guests and the guides sat around a fire pit with a cocktail. We finished the day with a late barbecue buffet dinner that included lamb chops and ox tail.
Sharon and I crashed about 9:50 pm. With the early morning stats, I really to get to sleep earlier!
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