Encounters in the Land of the White Lion
On the mythical lands of Timbavati, searching for 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 situated between the Klaserie, Manyeleti and Sabie Sands reserves.
Timbavati was created in the 1950s to form a pristine and untouched wilderness reserve.
Stay at Umlani Bushcamp, enjoy this authentic bush eco-camp in the heart of pristine African wilderness and experience intense and unique moments.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, embark on safari to encounter the famous Big Five, as well as giraffes, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hippopotamuses and an incredible diversity of birds. Between 4x4 safaris, bush walks and evenings around the fire under a starry sky, each moment brings you closer to nature. Renowned for observing its rare white lions, the Timbavati reserve offers a privileged immersion into 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!
Upon your arrival at Johannesburg international airport, your English-speaking representative welcomes you, assists you and provides you with your travel documents. You then take your flight directly to Hoedspruit, northeast of Johannesburg, close to many national parks and reserves.
Hoedspruit → Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Upon arrival in Hoedspruit, you pick up your rental car, then drive to the Blyde River Canyon Lodge. You stay there for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis, with breakfast included.
Discovery of the Blyde River Canyon
After your breakfast, you set off to discover the Blyde River Canyon. Your accommodation, located near the scenic route, is an ideal starting point for exploring the region's main attractions: God's Window (7 km), Bourke's Luck Potholes (34 km), then the Blyde River Canyon (58 km).
The waterfalls that made the province famous complete this discovery. Among the closest are Mac Mac, Berlin and Lisbon Falls.
Activity suggestion: a scenic hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon.
The Magic of Africa at Timbavati
Blyde River Canyon Lodge → Timbavati
After breakfast, you head towards the Timbavati reserve. You settle in for 3 nights in a rondavel at Umlani Bushcamp, on full board with two safaris per day.
This ecolodge, nestled in the bush, invites you to enjoy the sounds of nature and proximity to wildlife. The reserve is notably known for its white lions.
At the end of the day, your professional rangers accompany you for a first safari in search of the Big Five, a first discovery of Timbavati's wild life.
Safaris on the Lands of the White Lion
You wake up early to have tea or coffee with dry cakes before heading out on safari in the Timbavati Reserve. This early morning outing takes you to the lands of the white lion, whose sighting remains rare.
Upon your return, a hearty breakfast awaits you at the lodge. If you have the energy, you can then join your rangers for a Bush Walk, a walk through the bush.
After lunch, time to rest: you choose between a nap and a moment in the pool, where elephants sometimes come to drink.
In the late afternoon, you set off again for a sunset safari. The heat lessens and animals resume their activities, while predators start hunting for prey.
Back at the lodge, you share an aperitif near the Boma, under the starry sky. Stories of the animals observed and scenes from the day fuel this convivial moment.
Dinner extends these exchanges, before a night of rest and discoveries of tomorrow.
Second full day at Timbavati
You enjoy a second full day in the Timbavati reserve, following the same program as the previous day. Safaris and meals at the lodge structure your day, with schedules adapted to the season.
Wake-up at 5 am in summer or 5:15 am in winter: coffee and biscuits are served before your departure.
Morning safari at 5:30 am in summer or 6 am in winter: you set off for a new outing in the reserve.
Breakfast at 9 am: you return to the lodge for breakfast upon your return from the safari.
Lunch at 2 pm, self-service.
Afternoon safari at 4 pm in summer or 3 pm in winter: departure takes place from the lodge reception.
Dinner at 7:30 pm or 8 pm, with the main course self-service. Aperitif drinks are offered before the meal, while waiting for all safari participants to return.
Safari at sunrise and return to Johannesburg
At sunrise, you enjoy a final morning safari in search of the Big Five, in the golden light of the bush. You then return to the lodge for brunch, before leaving and heading to Hoedspruit.
Upon arrival, you settle in for one night at Pablo House. In the late afternoon, you can freely explore the Melville district and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
Discovery of Johannesburg and departure
After your breakfast, you check out of your room and say goodbye to your guesthouse team.
If your flight is scheduled for late in the day, you can take advantage of the available time for guided tours of the Apartheid Museum and the Maboneng and 44 Stanley districts. These discoveries are suggested before your departure.
Your driver then ensures your transfer to Johannesburg's OR Tambo international airport, where you take your return flight to France.
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
- The meals not mentioned
- Everything not listed in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking reception and travel documents handover on day 1 at Johannesburg airport
- A typical rental car SUV Renault Duster from day 1 to day 6 (included: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited kilometers, GPS)
- Accommodations
- The 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 the accommodation-airport 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
