Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR)

Leopard at the Timbavati Nature ReserveThe Timbavati Association was formed in 1956 by a group of conservation minded landowners who had witnessed the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Insensitive land use (primarily crop and cattle farming) had caused soil erosion and destruction of indigenous plant species.

In addition, natural water sources had been rerouted by dams further impacting on the natural status quo. As a result, much of the wildlife common to this area was lost.

The fledgling association persuaded each land owner to become part of a group with a common aim to reclaim the land for the benefit of all. Today, the group has 50 members, who have succeeded in restoring the land to its former glory with diverse and rare wildlife species making the Timbavati their home.  

In 1993, in recognition of the importance of the area, the fences between the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve were removed to encourage natural species migration.

Today the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR) comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park (KNP). 

Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big Five of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant as well as 360 species of bird life.

Source: Timbavati Association (www.timbavati.com)