Greater Kruger Lodge Safari to Timbavati Game Reserve – 4-Day Itinerary
Overview of Your Greater Kruger Lodge Safari
Experience the ultimate Greater Kruger Lodge Safari with an unforgettable journey into the pristine wilderness of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. This exclusive safari offers more than just incredible wildlife encounters—it delivers intimate bush walks, exceptional service, and comfortable en-suite accommodation in the heart of nature.
What makes this safari truly unique is the opportunity for extended walking safaris led by expert guides and trackers, combined with traditional open-vehicle game drives in the game-rich region of Greater Kruger Park.
Your base at Bateleur Main Camp offers flexibility in game viewing activities, allowing your safari experience to adapt to animal movements and guest preferences. From tracking the Big Five on foot to relaxing around a campfire under the stars, every detail of your stay is crafted to provide an extraordinary African adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & First Game Drive in Timbavati
Your Greater Kruger Lodge Safari begins with a scenic transfer from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Upon arrival at the Bush Pub near the reserve, a Bateleur Camp representative escorts you into the wilderness.
Enjoy a warm welcome and a delicious lunch before settling into your thatched, en-suite safari tent nestled in the bush. In the late afternoon, your first game viewing activity kicks off with either a guided bush walk or an open 4×4 game drive.
Afterwards, return to camp for a hearty dinner and drinks around the campfire, with possible sightings of nocturnal animals visiting the nearby riverbed.
- Included: Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Game drive or guided bush walk
- Travel: Johannesburg to Timbavati (7–8 hours)
- Accommodation: Safari tented unit with en-suite bathroom
Days 2 & 3: Immersive Game Viewing in Greater Kruger
Spend the next two days fully immersed in nature, exploring Timbavati on both game drives and extended bush walks. Your experienced ranger and tracker team tailor each activity based on wildlife sightings, weather, and guest preferences.
Each morning begins with coffee or tea and a light snack, followed by a sunrise safari on foot or by vehicle. Keep your eyes open for Africa’s iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as rare species like African wild dogs and white lions.
Between safaris, relax by the chemical-free pool, watch wildlife from the deck, or take a nap in your comfortable safari tent. Enjoy a fascinating bushcraft and survival skills demo on one of these days.
- Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, bushcraft demo
- Accommodation: Safari tented unit with en-suite bathroom
Day 4: Final Safari & Return to Johannesburg
Your final morning on this Greater Kruger Lodge Safari begins with a last chance to explore the African bush. Choose between a final guided walk or a game drive before breakfast at the lodge.
After breakfast, transfer back to the Bush Pub for your return shuttle to Johannesburg, arriving in the early evening with unforgettable safari memories.
- Included: Breakfast & Lunch
- Activities: Morning game walk or drive
- Travel: Timbavati to Johannesburg (7–8 hours)
The Safari Experience
With both game drives and walking safaris offered daily, your safari can be tailored to your interests and fitness levels. Experienced guides and trackers ensure your safety while sharing in-depth knowledge of the bush.
Bateleur is especially renowned for its walking safaris, offering rare access to the African wilderness on foot—an immersive and thrilling way to explore Greater Kruger.
Accommodation at Bateleur Main Camp
Bateleur Main Camp features 16 eco-friendly, en-suite safari tents with thatched A-frame structures. Each unit includes mosquito screens, private patios, and solar-powered lighting and fans. The camp offers a lounge, dining deck, swimming pool, and boma area overlooking a seasonal waterhole and riverbed.
About Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Part of the Greater Kruger Park, Timbavati spans over 60,000 hectares of wild terrain. With no fences separating it from Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands, animals roam freely, offering exceptional game viewing. The area is famed for its white lions and is home to the Big Five and over 350 bird species.
Additional Options
Pre & Post Safari Lodge Stay: Add a 4-star lodge stay near OR Tambo International Airport before or after your safari.
Child Policy: Children aged 6+ are welcome. Minimum age for bush walks is 12 years.