Timbavati Game Reserve

Photo credit: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve boasts a vast and prolific diversity of wildlife and birdlife. Home to the Timbavati ‘Magnificent 7’, which includes the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, African wild dog, buffalo, and cheetah, Timbavati Game Reserve has established itself as one of the top and most sought-after African wildlife and safari destinations for local and global wildlife enthusiasts alike.

On average, Timbavati is home to approximately 40 species of mammals, including various endangered species such as the Honey Badger, Bat, Oxpecker, and the Ground Hornbill. An abundance of plains game like kudu, giraffe, wildebeest, and waterbuck (to mention merely a few) can frequently be spotted, as well as several fascinating nocturnal species such as Porcupine, Serval, Genet and Civet, amongst many others, when going on an exciting night drive safari adventure.

Photo credit: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Undoubtedly one of Timbavati’s top wildlife highlights is its white lions! Timbavati Game Reserve is home to one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, the remarkable, rare, and endangered white lion. White lions are indigenous to the Timbavati Game Reserve, with the earliest records of white lion sightings in this region dating back to 1938. Born with a crème-coloured – snow white coat, and ice blue eyes, the beauty of this extraordinary animal is captivating. Luckily, their colouration doesn’t appear to be of disadvantage when it comes to survival.

While the magnificent white lion has been the target of countless trophy hunters and poachers over the last few decades, several anti-poaching organisations and wildlife protection initiatives have made it their mission to preserve and protect this beloved species. In fact, 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.

You can count yourself incredibly lucky if you have the opportunity to enjoy a sighting of the remarkable and rare white lion in the Timbavati Game Reserve – It truly is a once in a lifetime sighting!

**Interesting fact: Ancient folklore tells of a time when the local Shangaan tribe saw a bright light streaking across the sky and crash on the African savannah. Shortly thereafter the lions of Timbavati began giving birth to snow white cubs. These unique lions have been regarded as sacred ever since.

**Bonus fact: Due to the continuous hunting and poaching efforts of white lions, as well as their endangered status and small numbers, white lion offspring have been born to normal coloured parents. This phenomenon is known as Leucism. This has resulted in a ‘new’ very pale species of lion (as they carry the pure white lion gene) which can frequently be spotted roaming the Timbavati Game Reserve.