| The History of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve | | | | buildings blend in with their natural surroundings, but |
| In 1956 a few land owners in the Timbavati region | | | | everything is built carefully to ensure that the land and |
| realised that their land was slowly being degraded | | | | wildlife are not damaged, encroached upon or |
| thanks to excessive human encroachment and | | | | adversely affected in any way. The Association also |
| farming. They decided to band together and form the | | | | pilots and runs many conservation projects, that thanks |
| protective Timbavati Association. Slowly the | | | | to the involvement of all the residents, help uplift the |
| surrounding land owners were convinced to join in the | | | | area, wildlife and local communities, ensuring that they |
| battle to reclaim the Timbavati region for its natural | | | | will all be around for future visitors to enjoy. |
| inhabitants and today the group has over 50 members. | | | | Unique Features of the Timbavati Nature Reserve |
| By the 1990s, the region had almost been fully | | | | One of the most appealing and magical features of |
| restored, with many wildlife species reappearing after | | | | this reserve is the mythical white lion. First seen by |
| decades of absence. This success was recognised | | | | Bruce McBride in the 1970s, these white lions were first |
| and compounded in 1993, when the fences between | | | | believed to be of a different species, but are in actual |
| Timbavati and the Kruger National Park were | | | | fact simply lions with a recessive gene. With the right |
| removed, allowing natural migration routes to | | | | combination of parents this phenomenon can occur |
| regenerate. | | | | from time to time. Their perceived spiritual powers |
| How the Reserve is Preserved | | | | make a sighting of these creatures extra special, and |
| There are many private bushcamps within the | | | | while not seen in Timbavati for many years, still adds |
| Timbavati Nature Reserve and it is through the joint | | | | to the area's appeal. |
| efforts of their owners that the reserve has been | | | | One of the Timbavati Nature Reserve's main draw |
| restored so beautifully. Part of this process is the use | | | | cards is the fact that it allows its guests to participate |
| of eco-tourism. | | | | in many conservation projects, giving them a sense of |
| Most of these bushcamps are geared towards | | | | personal satisfaction as well as a unique experience. |
| tourists who come for an African safari experience. | | | | One such project is the Green Hunting offered under |
| By including a conservation levy in all accommodation | | | | the Elephant Project. Here guests can experience the |
| prices, each bushcamp can contribute towards the | | | | thrill of the hunt, but no animals get hurt. Elephants are |
| upkeep of their environment. Many of these camps | | | | darted and checked by vets and documented for |
| are also built with a keen sensitivity for their | | | | research purposes - all with the help of guests. |
| surroundings. Not only do the style and colourings of | | | | |