Encounters on the Lands of the White Lion
On the mythical lands of Timbavati, in search of the legendary white lions of the private reserve.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,590/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Explore the wonders of Timbavati, a private nature reserve that shares an unfenced border with the legendary Kruger National Park and is located between the Klaserie, Manyeleti and Sabie Sands reserves.
Timbavati was created in the 1950s to form a pristine wilderness reserve.
Stay at Umlani Bushcamp, enjoy this authentic bush eco-camp in the heart of unspoiled African wilderness and experience intense and unique moments.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, set out on safari to encounter the famous Big Five, as well as giraffes, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippopotamuses and an incredible diversity of birds. Between 4x4 safaris, bush walks and evenings around the fire under a starlit sky, every moment brings you closer to nature. Renowned for observing its rare white lions, the Timbavati reserve offers a privileged immersion in one of the most beautiful wilderness regions of Afrique du Sud. A journey marked by authenticity, encounters and emotion.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to South Africa!
Johannesburg → Hoedspruit
Reception and assistance at Johannesburg international airport by our English-speaking representative and handing over of our travel documents. We then take our flight directly to Hoedspruit, northeast of Johannesburg and close to many national parks and reserves.
Hoedspruit → Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Upon our arrival in Hoedspruit we collect our rental car.
Without further ado, we set off to our accommodation, the Blyde River Canyon Lodge, where we settle in for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Blyde River Canyon Discovery
Today after our breakfast, a beautiful day awaits discovering this unique place, the Blyde River Canyon. Our accommodation is close to the panoramic route, an ideal starting point to discover its main sites, near God's Window (7 km), Bourke's Luck Potholes (34 km), Blyde River Canyon (58 km) and the spectacular waterfalls that give the province its reputation - the Mac Mac Falls, Berlin and Lisbon being the closest.
Activity suggestion: Scenic hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon.
The Magic of Africa in Timbavati
Blyde River Canyon Lodge → Timbavati
After breakfast, we head towards the Timbavati Reserve, where our adventure in the heart of the bush begins. Stay for 3 nights in rondavels at Umlani Bushcamp with full board and 2 safaris per day.
The African atmosphere, the sounds of the bush, the wild animals and our Eco-Lodge nestled in the reserve known for its white lions will transport us and enchant us at every moment. Our passionate and professional rangers accompany us for our first safari in the late afternoon. Intense moments up close with the Big 5!
Safaris on the Lands of the White Lion
Early morning wake-up, tea or coffee accompanied by dry pastries and we set off on safari. Sure, it's very early, but we don't regret it, you don't see a white lion every day!
Upon our return a hearty breakfast awaits us to recover from your emotions. Then, if we still have the energy, we set off with our rangers for a Bush Walk.
A good lunch is then welcome after so much effort. It's time for a well-deserved nap or a swim in the pool… where elephants like to come and drink from time to time!
Then, as the end of the day approaches, we set off again for a sunset safari. Animals less overwhelmed by the heat reappear in search of prey.
After a good day in the bush, returning to the lodge is welcome. The aperitif by the Boma, stories about the animals we encountered and other unforgettable scenes will make this moment a friendly gathering, under a starry sky that will remain etched in our memories for a long time.
With dinner served, we still have so much to tell about this memorable day before dreaming of our adventure tomorrow.
Second full day at Timbavati
Second full day in the Timbavati reserve, following the same program as the previous day.
The typical day follows these schedules:
Morning wake-up: 5:00 AM (summer) 5:15 AM (winter) - Coffee and biscuits are served before departure for safari.
Morning safari: Departure 5:30 AM (summer) 6:00 AM (winter)
Breakfast: 9:00 AM - Breakfast is served upon our return from the morning safari.
Lunch (self-service): 2:00 PM
Afternoon/evening safari: 4:00 PM (summer) 3:00 PM (winter) - Departure from the lodge reception.
Dinner (main course self-service): 7:30 PM / 8:00 PM - Aperitif drinks are served before dinner until all guests return from the safari, followed by dinner.
Safari at sunrise and return to Johannesburg
Timbavati → Hoedspruit
Today at sunrise we set off for a final safari, to observe once more these majestic creatures, feel the scent of the bush and enjoy the heart of the African savanna. Experiences and strong emotions that will stay with us for a long time!
After brunch we vacate our rondavelle, bid farewell and thank our rangers, trackers and the lodge's dedicated staff once more, then take the road to Hoedspruit where we return our vehicle.
Hoedspruit → Johannesburg
We then take our flight to Johannesburg.
Accommodation for the night at Pablo House Johannesburg. We can take advantage of the end of the day for a free visit to the vibrant Melville District.
Discovery of Johannesburg and Departure
Today, after our breakfast, we check out of our room and say goodbye to the dedicated staff who wish us a safe return home. Our driver picks us up at our guest house and transfers us to OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg for our return flight to France.
Guided tour suggestions
If the flight is late in the day, we can explore the Apartheid Museum and the trendy neighborhoods of Maboneng and 44 Stanley.
Then we are transferred to OR Tambo International airport.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Airport taxes & visas
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- The Entrances of the Blyde River Canyon Sites
- The possible hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything that is not indicated in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking welcome and handover of travel documents on day 1 at Johannesburg airport
- A typical rental car SUV Renault Duster from day 1 to day 6 (inclusive: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS)
- The accommodations
- Meals mentioned in the day-by-day description
- 6 safaris per person at Safari-Camp
- Full board at Safari-Camp, including tea, coffee, wine and local beverages
- Vehicle & park fee at Timbavati
- A driver for airport-accommodation transfer in Johannesburg on day 7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to South Africa for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Africa, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after your planned end date of stay and must have at least two consecutive blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in South Africa.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. This stay cannot be extended beyond this period without specific administrative procedures with the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a private individual).
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter South Africa, except if you are arriving from a country at risk for yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at entry.
It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
malaria prophylaxis, recommended for certain regions (Kruger, areas in the north-east and north of the country),
updating your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, etc.).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
South Africa applies strict rules concerning travel by minors. Any child traveling with both parents or alone with one of them must present their full birth certificate (original or certified copy). When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization letter accompanied by the identity documents of the absent parents is generally required.
In certain European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of South Africa in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim notification procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
It is possible to stay in South Africa without a visa, provided you present a valid passport that remains valid for at least 30 days after your return and has at least two blank pages. Specific conditions may apply to children, particularly regarding required documents. We recommend that you verify with the South African consular authorities the entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €180 and €320 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, car rental and activities. International flights (€800–1,300 return) are additional. High-end lodge safaris will significantly increase your budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mpumalanga
South African Faces Explorer, based in Cape Town
South Africa constantly transforms as you travel through it. It's a country where you can move from a safari to the stillness of a vineyard or the energy of a bustling city all in the same day.
— Patricia
