Timbavati to Tswalu
From untamed bushveld to the endless horizons of the Kalahari.
At A Glance
Collection | Discovery Safari Collection |
Journey Type | Two-destination Safari |
Destination | Timbavati Private Nature Reserve & Tswalu Kalahari Reserve |
Recommended Stay | 6 Nights (3 nights at each destination) |
Choose From | 3 Timbavati Lodges & 3 Tswalu Lodges |
Nearest Airport | RockFig Airstrip / Tswalu Airstrip |
Wildlife Highlights | Timbavati: Big Five, wild dog, cheetah, abundant general game. Tswalu: Kalahari black-maned lion, black rhino, cheetah, meerkat, aardvark, pangolin, brown hyena, rare desert-adapted species such as Bat-eared Fox. |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
One Wild World Becomes Another
Begin in the untamed bushveld of Timbavati before travelling into the vast Kalahari wilderness of Tswalu.
Greater Kruger To Kalahari
Two destinations, two ecosystems and an extraordinary change in landscape.
Big Five To Desert Wildlife
Experience the iconic wildlife of the Greater Kruger alongside some of the Kalahari's most fascinating and elusive species.
From Dense Bush To Endless Horizons
The scenery changes dramatically, giving the journey a sense of true exploration.
Two Ways To Experience Wilderness
Timbavati immerses you in the energy of the bush, while Tswalu invites you to slow down and connect with a much larger landscape.
For The Adventurous Traveller
A journey for those who want to go beyond one definition of safari and discover what lies on the other side of it.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
Our selected lodges across Timbavati and Tswalu allow you to decide how you want each chapter of the journey to feel. We can match your lodge choices, stay length and experiences to your interests and travel style.
Tswalu Loapi Tented Camp
Loapi offers one of Africa's most innovative luxury safari experiences through a collection of private tented homes designed for complete exclusivity. Dedicated hosts, private safari vehicles and exceptional flexibility allow every stay to be tailored entirely around your interests, creating an immersive wilderness experience unlike any other.
Best Suited For
Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Wellness escapes
Guests seeking complete privacy
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Contemporary • Private • Immersive
Tswalu The Motse
As Tswalu's flagship safari lodge, The Motse combines understated luxury with warm hospitality in the heart of the reserve. Spacious suites, elegant communal spaces and beautiful views across the Kalahari create a welcoming atmosphere where couples, families and friends can experience one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness areas in comfort.
Best Suited For
Couples
Families
First-time Tswalu guests
Luxury travellers
Multi-generational holidays
Lodge Atmosphere
Elegant • Relaxed • Spacious • Timeless
Tswalu Tarkuni Homestead
Tarkuni is an exclusive-use private homestead designed for families and groups wanting complete privacy within the vast wilderness of Tswalu. With dedicated staff, a private guide and vehicle, and luxurious living spaces, every safari is crafted entirely around your pace, interests and preferred style of travel.
Best Suited For
Families
Private groups
Multi-generational travel
Milestone celebrations
Exclusive-use safaris
Lodge Atmosphere
Exclusive • Residential • Bespoke • Private
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RockFig Safari Lodge
RockFig Safari Lodge provides an intimate owner-managed boutique safari experience where personalised hospitality and exceptional wildlife viewing take centre stage. Spacious accommodation, relaxed luxury and knowledgeable guides make it an outstanding choice for couples and small groups wanting an authentic Timbavati safari.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
First-time safari travellers
Wildlife enthusiasts
Lodge Atmosphere
Boutique • Intimate • Relaxed • Contemporary
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers an unhurried safari experience where elegant canvas-and-glass suites blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Inspired by Tsonga heritage and shaped by warm, owner-led hospitality, the camp combines exceptional guiding with unforgettable wildlife encounters. It is an ideal choice for couples, honeymooners and travellers seeking an authentic luxury safari.
Best Suited For
Couples
Honeymooners
Luxury travellers
Photography enthusiasts
Repeat safari travellers
Lodge Atmosphere
Elegant • Authentic • Romantic • Luxury Under Canvas
Walkers Plains Camp
Walkers Plains Camp offers a relaxed yet refined safari experience, blending contemporary comfort with the authentic character of the African bush. Overlooking the surrounding wilderness, the camp provides spacious accommodation, warm hospitality and excellent access to Timbavati's renowned wildlife, creating an ideal base for an immersive Greater Kruger safari.
Best Suited For
Couples
Families
First-time safari travellers
Wildlife enthusiasts
Small groups
Lodge Atmosphere
Relaxed • Authentic • Contemporary • Welcoming
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 6 Nights | 7 Days
Three nights in Timbavati followed by three nights at Tswalu takes you between two extraordinary wildernesses. Begin in the untamed bushveld of the Greater Kruger before travelling into the vast Kalahari, where the landscape and rhythm of safari transform completely.
Day 1: Arrival at Timbavati
Arrive at RockFig Airstrip, where you'll be met for your transfer to your chosen lodge.
After checking in and settling into your suite, enjoy lunch before taking some time to relax.
Set out on your first afternoon game drive, stopping for sundowners before returning for dinner.
Inclusions: Air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 2-3: Discovering Timbavati
Rise before sunrise for a morning game drive, stopping for coffee and light refreshments in the bush.
Return for breakfast before enjoying time at leisure.
After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive before sundowners and dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 4: From Timbavati to Tswalu
Enjoy one final morning game drive before breakfast and check-out.
Transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight towards Tswalu.
Arrive at Tswalu and settle into your chosen camp before lunch.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Kalahari on your first safari experience before sundowners and dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Days 5-6: Discovering Tswalu
Rise early and explore the Kalahari on a morning safari experience.
Stop for coffee and refreshments before returning to camp for breakfast.
Enjoy time at leisure or choose from Tswalu's additional experiences before lunch.
Head out again in the afternoon, ending with sundowners before dinner.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy one final morning safari experience at Tswalu, making the most of your last moments in the Kalahari before returning to camp for breakfast.
After check-out, your air transfer will take you onwards for your onward journey.
Inclusions: Morning drive with coffee and snacks, breakfast, air transfer back to Johannesburg.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
This is safari with a sense of discovery in the truest sense. Timbavati and Tswalu are both exceptional wildernesses, but they couldn't feel more different. We love taking guests from the raw energy of the Greater Kruger into the quiet vastness of the Kalahari. It makes you realise just how many different ways there are to experience Africa.
Questions about this safari
Why combine Timbavati and Tswalu?
They offer an extraordinary change of scenery and safari experience. Timbavati places you deep in the Greater Kruger, while Tswalu opens into the vast Kalahari, giving you two very different wildernesses in one journey.
How many nights should I spend at each destination?
We recommend at least three nights at Timbavati and three nights at Tswalu. This gives you enough time to settle into each destination and experience its unique character without making either stay feel rushed. Longer stays can easily be arranged and is encouraged.
Which destination should I visit first?
We recommend Timbavati first, followed by Tswalu. Begin with the untamed energy and wildlife of the Greater Kruger, then let Tswalu transform the journey into something quieter, more expansive and distinctly Kalahari.
How do I travel from Timbavati to Tswalu?
The recommended option is an air transfer. You'll typically connect via O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, followed by an onward charter flight to Tswalu. We'll coordinate the transfers and flights around your chosen lodges and travel dates.
What wildlife will I see?
Timbavati offers opportunities for elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, wild dog and cheetah, while Tswalu brings a very different wildlife story with Kalahari black-maned lion, cheetah, black rhino, meerkat, aardvark and other desert-adapted species.
Is this a good safari for wildlife photographers?
Very much so. The journey offers enormous variety in wildlife, landscapes, light and photographic opportunities, from Greater Kruger bushveld to the open Kalahari.
Is this suitable for first-time safari travellers?
Yes, although its greatest appeal is the variety. It's particularly rewarding for travellers who want to experience more than one interpretation of the South African wilderness.
Can I customise the journey?
Absolutely. You can choose your preferred lodges, adjust the number of nights and add experiences or additional destinations where appropriate.
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If you're ready to experience safari from the untamed Greater Kruger to the vast Kalahari, we'd love to help you start planning your journey.
Once we've received your contact request, Josh will set up a WhatsApp or video meeting to get to know you better.