Travelling to the Timbavati Game Reserve

The Timbavati Game Reserve is accessible in a variety of ways. And although your destination will feel far from the modern world, the reserve is easily accessible by car or plane. Most people choose a scheduled flight or shuttle flight to the reserve. Travellers on a longer journey travelling by rental car also have easy access to the Timbavati.

Getting to Timbavati by air

Numerous flight options are available for those who want to visit Timbavati Nature Reserve. Both Airlink and Cemair offer flights Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). From all airports in the vicinity of the reserve it is possible to continue the journey to your Timbavati safari lodge by means of a road transfer. We recommend flying directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit as this is the nearest airport and is serviced multiple times per day. The road transfer from Hoedspruit to the Timbavati takes around one hour.

Timbavati shuttle flights

The fastest and most convenient option to get to the Timbavati Nature Reserve is by making use of a scheduled charter flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Federal Air serves almost all lodges in the reserve on a daily basis. View our Federal Air Timbavati page for all details.

Get ready for takeoff: lodge hopping

The most exciting start of a Timbavati safari, is by arriving at your lodge with a so called ‘lodge hop’. This is an air transfer made by means of a small aircraft. These short charter flights can be arranged from Hoedspruit Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Phalaborwa Airport. Most lodges in the Timbavati Game Reserve have their own airstrip. With a lodge hop, your safari adventure will have an unforgettable takeoff. Flights are very scenic, as small aircrafts stay at a low altitude. Look out of the small window for an exclusive overview of the game reserves in the area.

Getting to Timbavati by road

There is an excellent paved road from Johannesburg (about a six¬ hour drive) that leads you to Timbavati. Although the last eight kilometers of road inside the Timbavati Reserve is unpaved, it can be driven in a standard 2 x 4 vehicle. The Timbavati access gate is very close to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). When travelling on the R40 between Hazyview and Phalaborwa, turn off at the Eastgate signpost and continue until you see the Timbavati Reserve sign.

Timbavati access gate

The Timbavati has one access gate (Enkhulu Gate). Access is via Argyle Road. Each guest will be charged an conservation levy of ZAR 230.00 per person. There is also an additional charge per vehicle (car/minibus ZAR 140.00). These rates are subject to change. Fees are payable at the gate. Timbavati Nature Gate Opens at 05h00 and closes at 22h00. If your arrival is later than 16h00 or if you require assistance, please contact your accommodation.