WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Discover the Big-5 and more at one of Africa’s best game reserves, the fenceless Manyeleti Game Reserve where the wildlife roam freely. Enjoy leisurely game drives, game walks and more during your three-day stay, providing the perfect setting for a glorious photo safari.
When it comes to observing and encountering wildlife, Timbavati Game Reserve stands out as unparalleled. Housing the renowned ‘Magnificent 7,’ consisting of the lion, leopard (with a substantial population in the Timbavati Reserve), elephant, rhino, African wild dog, buffalo, and cheetah, Timbavati Game Reserve has firmly positioned itself as a premier destination for African wildlife and Big 5 safaris. It is highly coveted by both local and international wildlife enthusiasts, solidifying its status as a top-choice safari destination in Africa and South Africa.
Highlights include:
MAP
DAILY
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | South Africa
Johannesburg arrival
◽️ DAY 2-4 | South Africa
Welgevonden G/Reserve
◽️ DAY 5-8 | South Africa
Cape Town & surrounds
◽️ DAY 9-10 | Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
◽️ DAY 11-12 | Botswana
Chobe houseboat
◽️ DAY 13 | Return
Departure
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 0
DEPARTURE
Travel
DEPARTURE
Your adventure starts now!
Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.
* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
DAY 1-3
MANYELETI GAME RESERVE
Safari days
📍 Manthobeni Camp
MANYELETI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
Discover the ultimate safari experience at Manyeleti Nature Reserve, a wilderness area bordering the Kruger National Park in South Africa. With high densities of herbivores comes predators aplenty. As such, you can be absolutely sure to only experience the best game viewing possible. As there are no fences between the national park and the private game reserves, wildlife is able to roam freely!
Manyeleti means “Place of the stars” in the local language. It truly is a unique safari destination well off the beaten path. You can be certain not to encounter big tour groups traveling around in busses, but rather expect a pristine bush experience in one of the world's most beautiful places.
Manyeleti is prime Big-5 territory, offering exceptional possibilities for viewing the elusive leopard. Other Big-5 animals (lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant) are also often spotted on a very regular basis. Furthermore, with more than 300 bird species present in the area.The Manyeleti is renowned for its lion, leopard and cheetah as well as great sightings of the endangered painted wolf (African wild dog). Also serval and caracal, dwarf mongoose and genet.
ACTIVITIES
A great safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.
Game drives are interpretive drives in the bush specially adapted 4-wheel drive vehicles, with the purpose of finding wildlife in a natural habitat. On a game drive you will be accompanied by ranger / guide (sometimes armed) with a comprehensive knowledge of all flora and fauna found in Manyeleti. Besides the ranger normally a "tracker" joins the ranger, who is being seated on the front of the car and scans the environment for (big) game. These are all very passionate people, who have a special ability to teach you about nature.
Just as with a game drive you will go out with a ranger / guide on a game walk. On foot you get a completely different experience: it is sometimes even possible to approach wildlife to a very short distance. It indeed is a very thrilling experience observing wildlife without the protection of a car. We do encourage participating in a game walk as it really is a very different experience. The minimum age for participating in a game drive is usually eight years, for a game walk this is fourteen.
Game drives or game walks coming up!
Game drives are interpretive drives in the bush specially adapted four wheel drive vehicles, with the purpose of finding wildlife in a natural habitat. On a game drive you will be accompanied by ranger / guide (sometimes armed) with a comprehensive knowledge of all flora and fauna found in Manyeleti. Besides the ranger normally a "tracker" joins the ranger, who is being seated on the front of the car in a small seat and scans the environment for (big) game. These are all very passionate people, who have a special ability to teach you about nature. As you are residing in a natural environment you might get a bit unlucky and only see small numbers of game, the rangers will then pay more attention smaller things in the bush (such as plants and insects). Just as with a game drive you will go out with a ranger / guide on a game walk. On foot you get a completely different experience: it is sometimes even possible to approach wildlife to a very short distance. It indeed is a very thrilling experience observing wildlife without the protection of a car. We do encourage participating in a game walk as it really is a very different experience.
* Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
Safari days
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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MANTHOBENI CAMP
Camp Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks | Wifi in main area | Laundry at addl. fee
Manyeleti means "place of the stars" in Shangaan. Seeing the "Big Five" in the wild is one of the most memorable things one can ever experience.
Bordering the Kruger National Park and situated between the Timbavati and the Sabi Sand Reserves, and sharing an open border with Kruger National Park lies an expanse of pristine wilderness; in prime Big Five country in the beautiful and unexploited 23,000-hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve!
The camp offers breath-taking wildlife experiences, including the Big Five, superb cuisine and service excellence. Featuring 15 tents, each furnished with a king size bed (or two twin beds), and an en-suite bathroom with a sunken bath, double shower, his and hers basins, and a separate toilet.
The camp also boasts a large sitting area, an outdoor area with a splash pool and sun loungers, a bar area, and an extensive climate-controlled wine cellar. Wildlife drinking at nearby watering hole can be seen from the swimming pool deck which adjoins the reception area.
ACTIVITIES
Guests are taken on game drives in open game viewing vehicles in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Late afternoon and evening drives include sunset drinks, views over the Mohwareng Hills, and glimpses of nocturnal creatures. Larger game frequently sighted in the reserve includes elephant, rhino, lion and hippo. In between meals and drives, watch the game and birdlife pass by while relaxing by the pool or take a walking safari through the deep bush, accompanied by an experienced, armed ranger; it can be hot work, but it’s very exciting – seeing the animals from a vehicle just doesn’t seem to compare. Group tours are available to the nearby village of Welverdiend, where guests will learn about the relationship between traditional and contemporary living. Activities include:
• Bird watching from a newly built hide opposite a watering hole
• Hiking and walking safaris
• Plant life/flora and footprint tracking
• Private guided tours
• Safaris in a private conservancy or into the neighbouring Kruger National Park
Wildlife photography.
Morning transfer to local airstrip for your flight to Hoedspruit regional airport*. Airport meet & greet followed by 1 hr road transfer to camp. Let the safari begin! *Please see your safari itinerary for transfer logistics
FULL BOARD
LODGE
GAME VIEW
DAY 4-6
GREATER KRUGER AREA
Safari days
📍Bateleur Safari Camp
TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE
Area Overview
Positioned to the west of Kruger and north of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.This private game reserve (adjacent to Kruger) has over 40 mammals roaming freely. Covering 75.000 hectares of bush, you will experience a more intimate and personal affair with wildlife than anywhere else.
Timbavati Game Reserve is renowned for the presence of the rare white lion. A colored coat, ice blue eyes; their beauty is captivating. Although born with a snow-white coat, white lions are not albinos; it is the result of a rare colour mutation. White lions are indigenous to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the earliest records of sighting them in this region date from 1938. Luckily, their coloration doesn’t appear to be of disadvantage when it comes to survival. The Global White Lion Protection Trust (GWLPT) reintroduced white lions into their natural habitat in 2009, and they have been hunting and breeding successfully ever since.
Safari Activities
Each day on safari in Africa is a magical experience, whether you’re exploring the savanna on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle in search of the Big 5 or taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every single day is steeped in the promise of a unique adventure and cherished memories.
Although each day is unpredictable to a certain extent, based on the time of year or location, there is a general format or schedule that safaris tend to follow, but, as a rule, safaris do follow a familiar rhythm that combines thrilling game viewing with ample time to relax in between—a dream vacation in anyone’s book. One rule of thumb is that there are usually two game drives a day: one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon, when animals are at their most active.
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BATELEUR SAFARI CAMP
Lodge Overview
Full board, excl. premium drinks | Wifi in main area | Laundry at addl. fee
Bateleur Safari Camp is situated in the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa, a premier safari destination. The camp is uniquely positioned with no artificial barriers between the Timbavati and the neighboring Kruger National Park, allowing for seamless wildlife movement across the unfenced borders.
This exceptional wilderness area is home to the Big Five, a wide variety of antelope species, numerous smaller predators, over 500 bird species, and a rich array of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The landscape features the characteristic undulating granitic Lowveld basin, with expansive broad-leafed trees in the uplands, Acacia woodlands further down, and large trees forming the riverine vegetation in the valley bottoms. Fertile, open sodic areas dominate the sandy riverbeds.
The camp’s central area features a covered, open-sided wooden deck that serves as the hub for both the lounge and dining spaces, offering views over the riverbed and its seasonal waterhole. The cozy lounge is perfect for leisurely game viewing or unwinding with a book and a refreshing drink between guided activities. Guests can choose from a library of books and enjoy a selection of local beers, wines, and spirits available from the kitchen, while premium drinks can be purchased at the bar. During meal times, the dining area provides an ideal setting to savor delicious meals while taking in the sights and sounds of the African bush. The deck extends past the nearby chemical-free swimming pool, where guests can cool off without missing the wildlife and birdlife in the area.
The central area also includes a beautifully designed boma with low walls, open to the starry sky, and featuring chairs arranged around a central fireplace. It’s the perfect spot to relax by the fire and share stories of the day’s adventures under the vast African sky. Nearby is the camp’s braai/barbecue area, where the chef often prepares meals over an open fire.
Four-legged visitors frequently seen within the camp’s perimeter during the day include nyalas, warthogs, and bushbuck. Elephants, buffalo, and giraffes are often spotted crossing the riverbed in front of the camp! At night, any animal smaller than an adult elephant may pass through the camp, often unnoticed as they move under the cover of darkness.
FULL BOARD
TENTED CAMP
GAME VIEW
DAY 7
RETURN
DEPARTURE
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Goodbye to the safari life, feeling relaxed, mesmerizing scenery, great food, family time, and romantic memories.
Morning road transfer back to the airport for your outbound flight... dreaming of the trip of a lifetime!
IMPORTANT INFO TO TAKE NOTE OF
INCLUDED
- Experience of a lifetime
- 24/7 support before & during your safari
- Accommodation
- Road transfers
- Tours & Activities
- Meals & Drinks
- Tour Guide (where applicable)
- Airport & airstrip transfers
- Park fees, levies & taxes (unless otherwise indicated)
- Inter-Africa commercial & light aircraft flights
____________
* As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary
EXCLUDED
- International airfare
- Personal gifts & purchases
- Incidental charges
- Travel insurance
- Conservation fees*
- Visa fees
- Balloon safari* (if applicable)
- Laundry*
- Tips
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* Unless otherwise indicated on your itinerary
Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your doctor or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions.
- Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Applicable to Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda.
- Malaria prophylaxis medication is recommended when traveling to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and in certain areas of South Africa.
Insider Tips
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected. Should you fall ill or have an accident when staying in a remote area you may have to be evacuated by air to a private medical facility which is a costly exercise.
- Carry the name and contact details of your doctor together with information pertaining to any medical condition and its treatment.
- If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of flight delays.
- Prescription medication should be kept in its original container which should be clearly labelled.
- More unusual drugs and ones that contain sedatives should be carried with a medical attestation signed by a physician certifying the traveler requires the medication for a specific medical condition.
- Ask you medical practitioner to recommend items for a basic first aid kit
- In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lens and essential toiletries in your hand luggage.
- If you travel with a CPAP machine, please advise us well in advance so we can check your chosen safari lodges/camps are able to run a generator throughout the night. Alternatively, you may choose to carry a portable battery pack that can be re-charged daily.
- Please advise us of any special dietary requests in advance of travel.
No visa required for USA Citizens for:
- South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Zambia
Visa required for USA Citizens for:
- Zimbabwe: Buy at port of entry ($ 50 cash US Dollar bills)
- Kenya,Tanzania & Uganda: Applied for online prior to travel!
Visa requirements differ from country to country and, on occasion, are subject to change with no warning.
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USA: US$50
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Britain / UK / Ireland: US$70
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Canadian:US$75
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On arrival please ensure you request the correct visa for your needs
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Always check your visa has been issued for the correct number of days
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Zimbabwe, KAZA UniVisa and Mozambique visas each use a full passport visa page
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Carry the exact amount of cash to pay for your visa as credit card machines may be offline and change is not always available
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In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lenses, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
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If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container.
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Leave expensive and sentimental pieces of jewellery at home and never carry jewellery in your checked baggage.
IMPORTANT: Please install the WHATSAPP app on your phone and set up the account –it is all free! This is the preferred method to stay in contact during your safari, just in case you have a question—you never know!
Once the app is downloaded, please add my contact number: +1 949 400 5262. You should see me listed as "KARI: AfricaPhotoSafaris" and the please send me a quick message just so I know we are connected.
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Don’t tempt fate by traveling with expensive jewelry, only bring what you need. If its irreplaceable or has sentimental value, then leave it at home. Never carry jewelry in your checked baggage.
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In the unfortunate event your checked baggage is lost or delay we recommend you carry prescription medication, including anti-malaria tablets, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
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Misplacing or losing original travel documents is frustrating and time consuming as it takes time to have them replaced. Always carry a copy of the ID page of your passport, travel itinerary, and travel insurance with you. The best method is to scan these documents and store them electronically. Packing a copy separately from the original documents and leave a copy with a family member or trusted contact are other options.
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It is advisable to secure your luggage with a suitable lock when flying both locally (within South Africa), regionally (to neighboring countries), and internationally.
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Please do not check in any valuables or chronic medication as these should be kept in your carry-on luggage
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Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed, with handbags/backpacks/parcels, and valuables stored out of sight in the boot/trunk of the car.
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Keep mobile phones, wallets, and cameras well hidden, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
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Never leave your luggage unattended (e.g. do not leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs, or restroom hooks).
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Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry all your cash with you.
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Avoid counting cash in the open.
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Be vigilant whenever approaching an automated bank teller machine (ATM). If you feel unsafe, rather return at another time or use an alternate machine.
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Please store any valuables, travel documents (passports/airline tickets/vaccination cards), and additional cash in your camp/lodge/hotel room safe or the property's main safe. Keep your room locked at all times and hand in room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.
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