Independent Timbavati Game Reserve hotels

"The Best Experience Ever! We Felt Like Royalty! AM Lodge totally blew us away. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly special. The place itself is absolutely gorgeous. The rooms are super comfortable, beautifully designed, and tucked away in nature, which made it feel really peaceful and private. The safari was amazing!! It was personalized just for us, and our guides Sbu and Benjamin were so knowledgeable and fun. We got to see so many animals up close, and experienced some amazing sunrises and incredible sunsets. After the safari, we treated ourselves to a massage at the spa, and wow… it was heavenly. Super relaxing and exactly what we needed. The food deserves a huge shout-out too. Chef Anna is incredible! Every meal was delicious and beautifully presented. Honestly, some of the best food we’ve ever had while traveling. But the real star of the show was the service. Raydene and every single member of the team went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and comfortable. We’ve stayed in some great places before, but this was next level. If you’re thinking about booking a stay here…. do it. It’s worth every penny. We’ll never forget this experience!"

"Very nice stay"

"Simply fantastic. Geiger is an amazing place, the staff is friendly and welcoming. Game drives were great, the Kruger is a beautiful place and the guide+trackers were very knowledgeable about the area and all the animals. Food was also really good. Hope to come back one day."

"What a fantastic property right inside the game reserve with daily game drives to catch the big five. The food and service, including impeccable hospitality were the highlight of staying here. It’s a beautiful, luxurious modern property, right across the HDS airport. Highly recommend staying for atleast 2 nights ideally three! "

"This was our 5th visit to Elephant Plains. It's the most affordable option in the Sabi Sands and an excellent place to stay. Since our 2022 visit, they have updated the rondovels. They're super comfortable with everything you need. Staff were great. They seem to have simplified the food options (an improvement) and the quality is great. You go to the Sabi Sands for the exceptional leopard sightings and amazing safaris. This place does not dissapoint - in one drive we had 2 leopard cub sightings, a female on a kill, close elephant encounters and lions. It's worth every cent! For self-drivers (at May 2025), the roads to Gowrie Gate are horrendous and haven't improved much in 10 years. Map out your journey before hand. We used both Google Maps and the maps provided by EP. Gowrie Gate entry was R510 (cash or card) and the conservation fee added to your bill at EP was R620 so factor that in too. Elephant Plains is a must do!"

"This is an exceptional property in the Manyeleti Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is a magical place where Impala's roam the property and the elephants come to drink water from the pool. The "tents" are very nice with toilet facilities and showers and comfortable beds. The food was good, but the staff are the best! They do everything they can to meet your needs and wants. Everyday there are two game drives into the reserve where you can get very close to amazing game animals. The guides on these drives are very good at their jobs. Ours was named Brilliant and he truly was brilliant. He can find animals, birds and snakes at distance and at night in places I can barely see. He is amazing! We want to thank the staff for making our stay very special-Dan, Mavis, Trevor, Previous, Noa and other...and especially Brilliant!"

"Not value for money. Dinner was tasteless. Disturbing was to catch a worker at 07:30 the next morning hiding under our tent while we were bathing. The wooden floor has clear gaps to look through. When confronted he said he was there to fix a problem. Complained to the manager and she only replied "Sorry for that". No investigation or request to identify the worker. Internet is non-existent and lights are inadequate in the tent. "

"This was one of the most best travel expeirences i ever had. The Kapama Southern lodge is superb . The staff was amazing. the accommodations were perfect. The food options were plentiful. I recommend this property to everyone, and of of course the safari tours were better than expected with informal guides. "

"Great place. If you like elephants you will see many here. Overall a great place, from the people working there, to the food and amazing game drives."