The Magic of South Africa’s Timbavati

Photographer Alan Hewitt shares his thoughts (and images)

Since we founded Penda in 2016, we’ve run more photo safaris in South Africa’s Timbavati than anywhere else. And there’s a reason we keep going back; this collection of private game reserves offers everything you’re hoping for as a keen wildlife photographer – beautiful bushveld that’s a layered canvas for photography, a very welcome absence of crowds, and strong management in terms of wildlife conservation. And, obviously most importantly, the game viewing is as good as it gets. Wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt, who guides our photo safaris in South Africa, shares his thoughts on Timbavati as a destination for these trips.

Text and images by Alan Hewitt

A Wild and Wonderful Habitat

Timbavati has a certain kind of magic. This private nature reserve, joined but unfenced to the Greater Kruger National Park, offers an incredibly rewarding and spectacular wildlife experience. For photographers, and for anyone who wants a broad diversity of species rather than just a checklist of sightings, it is hard to beat.

The habitat here is beautifully varied. One minute you’re crossing grassland scrub, the next you’re following the line of a dry riverbed or winding through pockets of woodland where the light filters softly through the trees. This constant shift in scenery isn’t just a pleasure to look at, it gives real depth to your photographic portfolio and keeps each game drive feeling fresh and unpredictable. You start to think in terms of surroundings, habitat and relationships rather than “just” animals, and that’s when wildlife photography really gets interesting.

The Wildlife: Big Five and Beyond

The wildlife itself is incredibly diverse. Timbavati has everything you’d hope for. The “Big Five” are here too. I recall one incredible day where we ticked off the Big Five on our morning and afternoon drive! And yes, they were different individuals! Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, zebras and a wide range of antelope join the cast of mammals too. Cheetahs are present in the area, and while sightings are less common, they’re always a real highlight when they happen.

The birdlife is just as rich and offers something new every day, from colourful rollers and bee-eaters to numerous eagles, owls and vultures. Then there’s the white lions. Not albino, but naturally pale thanks to a rare genetic trait, they’re native to this part of the world and sightings, when they happen, are unforgettable. Even if you don’t see one, knowing you’re in the place where they roam adds a sense of wonder to every drive.

It’s a Breeze to Get to

Getting here is easy. Daily flights from Johannesburg take you straight to Eastgate Airport near Hoedspruit, and from there it’s a short drive into the reserve. Within a couple of hours of leaving Johannesburg you can be in camp, listening to the bush and watching elephants in the watering hole from the lodge viewing deck. There are no long connections or difficult transfers. Just a smooth arrival into wild Africa.

Conservation Efforts

It is also important to know that being here is helping protect what makes Timbavati special. This reserve is part of a much bigger ecosystem and responsible tourism is essential to fund real conservation. That means rangers, anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and community projects that give local people a stake in the future of the land. When you join us on safari, you’re not just taking photos. You’re helping keep this place alive.

In Short

We keep coming back to Timbavati because it offers that rare mix of photographic richness and genuine wilderness. It’s not staged. It’s not packaged. It’s the real thing. If you’re looking for a safari experience that’s immersive, rewarding, and full of memorable encounters, this is one of the best places in Africa to find it.

Convinced of Timbavati’s magic? Find out more about joining one of our trips!