ACTIVITIES
There are plenty of activities to enjoy, both on our reserve and in the surrounding area.

What to do

Timbila Game Lodge Activities

Activities include game drives, bush walks, full-day safaris, and bush braais — traditional barbecues featuring game meat. Guests can also enjoy our stunning pool, try their hand at fishing (with the option to cook the catch on-site), or take part in archery training for all levels.

Shopping

Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa are home to excellent supermarkets, with Hoedspruit also featuring a top-notch vegan food shop, multiple pharmacies, and charming local shops offering a variety of items from curios to linen wear. Hoedspruit is particularly known for its wildlife and local artist galleries, along with a wide selection of quality restaurants and cafés, making it ideal for shopping, dining, and exploring local culture.

Other activities (click on the title to access the website)

Kruger day-trip, Blyde Dam Boat Cruise, The Panorama Route Tour (7-8 hours), Hot air ballooning Mariepskop (Highest peak in the northern Drakensberg), Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center, – Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Jessica the Hippo, Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, HERD Elephant Orphanage, Spas, Horse Riding, Craft Breweries, Mango & Drakensig Golf Club.

Game Drives

We offer game drives in our private reserve — home to leopards, buffalo, hyenas, a wide variety of antelopes including sable, as well as zebras, giraffes, kudus, and the dassie-timbila.

Each drive lasts approximately 3 hours, either in the early morning before breakfast at the camp, or in the late afternoon for a sundowner before returning for dinner. To ensure availability, advance booking is required.

Full Day Safaris
We also offer full-day safaris in the Greater Kruger, including a picnic along the Olifants River and a scenic river cruise. Advance booking is essential for this excursion.

We now offer a 5 hour safari in the Kruger National Park where you would be able to spot the Big Fives. This includes drinks and snacks, and you can enjoy a lunch in one of the rest stop in the Kruger. Advance booking is essential

Game Drive Packages

Bush Walks

We also offer guided bush walks with our experienced, armed rangers — a unique way to reconnect with nature on foot.

These immersive walks offer a deeper understanding of our place in the natural world, from the limits of our senses compared to wildlife, to the scale and speed at which we move through the bush. Along the way, you’ll also discover the fascinating uses of wild plants, deepening your appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Each bush walk lasts approximately 3 hours, either in the early morning before breakfast at the camp, or in the late afternoon for a sundowner before returning for dinner. To ensure availability, advance booking is required.

Bush walk packages

Predator Spotting

South Africa, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to an incredible variety of predators, each playing a vital role in nature’s balance.

These predators, ranging from majestic big cats to agile birds of prey, form an essential part of the country’s biodiversity. The predominant predators within the reserve are leopards and hyenas.

While these animals are fairly abundant, they seldom pose a threat to humans. However, it is advisable for individuals of smaller stature, irrespective of their age, to remain in close proximity to larger groups for added safety.

The Big Cats

Among the most iconic are lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The lion, known as the “king of the jungle,” is Africa’s largest terrestrial predator and is famed for its imposing mane and powerful presence. Leopards, masters of ambush, are notable for their agility and tree-climbing abilities, while cheetahs, the fastest land animals, hunt by exploiting their incredible speed.

Canids and Hyaenids

African wild dogs, or painted wolves, are known for their pack hunting and complex communication. Spotted hyenas, often misunderstood, play a crucial role as nature’s scavengers, cleaning the environment of carcasses.

Birds of Prey

South Africa is also home to an impressive variety of birds of prey, including eagles, vultures, and falcons. These birds are vital for controlling rodent and other small animal populations, thus helping to maintain ecological balance.

Reptiles

Nile crocodiles, residing in rivers and marshes, are among the oldest and most formidable predators. Capable of surprising their prey, they play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem.

The Importance of Predators

These predators are not only fascinating for their power and skill but are also vital for the health of ecosystems. By regulating prey populations, they help to prevent overpopulation and the spread of diseases. Additionally, they contribute to genetic diversity by predominantly preying on the weak or sick.

Bird Watching

The Limpopo province in South Africa is a hotspot for avian biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of bird species. Here are some of the notable species that can be observed there:

Southern Ground Hornbill
(Bucorvus leadbeateri)

A large bird recognizable by its imposing bill and prominent crest.

Martial Eagle
(Polemaetus bellicosus)

The largest eagle in Africa, known for its impressive size and strength.

White-headed Vulture
(Trigonoceps occipitalis)

A distinctive vulture with a white head and a bare neck.

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird
(Trachyphonus margaritatus)

A small, colorful bird known for its bright plumage and sociable behavior.

Lilac-breasted Roller
(Coracias caudatus)

Famous for its long tail feathers and vibrant blue and green plumage.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater
(Merops nubicoides)

A brightly colored bird with red, blue, and green plumage.

Lanner Falcon
(Falco biarmicus)

An elegant raptor, known for its speed and agility in flight.

Pel’s Fishing Owl
(Scotopelia peli)

A large owl that specializes in fishing in waterways.

Bateleur
(Terathopius ecaudatus)

A raptor with broad, short wings, easily recognizable in flight.

White-crowned Robin-Chat
(Cossypha niveicapilla)

A small bird with a melodious song, featuring a distinctive white cap.

These species represent just a small portion of the ornithological wealth of Limpopo. The province is a favorite spot for birdwatchers, offering the chance to observe many other species, including migrants and endemic species of South Africa.

check availability or make a reservation

Book Now

To request a quote or check availability please contact us by filling our form or by email on timbilagamelodge@gmail.com.

GPS COORDINATES: 24°03’47.8″S 30°57’30.1″E | Find us on Google Maps

WhatsApp Image 2024-02-13 at 14.14.55 copy

WEATHER FOR PHALABORWA, LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA

ACTIVITIES