Search
Search Search
TIMBAVATI NATURE RESERVE, South Africa
To love the quiet
Tanda Tula offers a modern, thoughtful safari experience shaped by long-standing relationships, strong guiding and a clear respect for place.
Tanda Tula means “to love the quiet”, a philosophy that shapes every aspect of the experience. Set on the banks of the seasonal Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, the camp lies within the Greater Kruger ecosystem, where wildlife moves freely across unfenced boundaries. The surrounding riverine woodland and open savannah create a strong sense of space, stillness and immersion in the bush.
Tanda Tula has been part of the Greater Kruger landscape for more than three decades and is known for its thoughtful approach to safari, shaped by long-standing relationships, strong guiding and an unhurried pace. Days are centred around expertly guided game drives, with time between activities to enjoy the quiet of the camp and its setting.
Founded by Don and Nina Scott and run in partnership with the Jackson and Mathebula families, Tanda Tula remains proudly owner-managed. This continuity is reflected in the camp’s atmosphere and the genuine warmth of the team, offering guests a safari experience grounded in experience, people and place.
Timbavati Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
From R 31 500 per person per night
Fly: Daily scheduled flights to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg and Cape Town, with scheduled charters to Timbavati RockFig Airstrip
Drive: Approximately 45 minutes from Hoedspruit Airport and 15 minutes from RockFig Airstrip
Situated within the 53,000-hectare Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
6+ years welcome
An authentic Greater Kruger safari offering exceptional Big Five game viewing, expert guiding and an intimate wilderness experience within an unfenced reserve where wildlife roams freely.
3 private reserves Timbavati, Klaserie & Thornybush are over 150,000.ha / 370,000 acres. This is the same size as the Masai Mara.
100% of contributions are reinvested through the TT Foundation to support scholarships and education.
Multi-generational team of staff, guides and owners create a family environment that is the heart of Tanda Tula.
A refreshed design approach for Tanda Tula, using canvas elements to connect guests with the surrounding landscape.
Safari camps shouldn’t only be beautiful - they should invite guests to slow down and feel connected to their surroundings. The reimagined Tanda Tula Safari Camp makes the most of its position on the Nhlaralumi River in South Africa’s Timbavati Nature Reserve, with guest spaces arranged to feel closely connected to the landscape.
Reopened in June 2023 following a complete rebuild, the camp was redesigned with a focus on openness, flow and the relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Contemporary structures sit comfortably within the riverine setting, creating a sense of space and calm throughout the camp.
Seven safari suites and two family suites are positioned among mature trees along the dry riverbed. Each suite opens onto a private deck with a plunge pool and bush views, and includes an en-suite bathroom with an indoor bath and an outdoor shower. Sliding glass doors and canvas walls allow natural light to fill the space, while interiors draw on the colours, textures and geometric patterns of the Tsonga people, the original custodians of the land.
At the heart of the camp, a split-level lounge and bar open onto wide decks overlooking the riverbed, offering a relaxed place to gather between game drives and as the day winds down.
Bookings can be made by contacting the Tanda Tula reservations team.
Email: reservations@tandatula.com
Tel: +27 15 793 3191
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. Based in Hoedspruit.
Daily flights to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg and Cape Town, with daily scheduled charters to Timbavati RockFig Airstrip from Johannesburg.
45 minutes from Hoedspruit Airport | 15 minutes from Timbavati RockFig Airstrip.
Amenities
- Luxury tented safari camp set within the Timbavati Nature Reserve, part of the open Greater Kruger ecosystem.
- Seven safari suites and two family suites, positioned along the Nhlaralumi River.
- Spacious en-suite tents with indoor bath, outdoor shower, private deck and eco plunge pool.
- Central guest area with split-level lounge, bar and dining spaces opening onto riverbed views.
- Fully inclusive stays with meals, selected beverages and laundry.
- Transfers to and from Timbavati RockFig Airstrip included.
- WiFi available in guest areas (signal dependent).
- Maximum six guests per vehicle on shared safaris.
Activities (Included)
- Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
- Guided walking safaris (subject to conditions and age limits).
- Wildlife viewing in a Big Five area within an unfenced, open ecosystem.
- Bush breakfasts, sundowners and interpretive safari experiences with expert guides.
Additional Activities (Extra Cost)
- Timbavati Patrol Flight – aerial conservation survey (pre-booking required).
- Spa and wellness treatments.
Responsible tourism is central to Tanda Tula’s philosophy. Every stay directly supports conservation, education and community development within the Timbavati Nature Reserve and the greater Bushbuckridge region.
Tanda Tula is Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) accredited, reflecting a long-standing commitment to ethical business practices, fair employment, community benefit and environmental responsibility.
Community Development, Education & NGOs
Through the Tanda Tula Education Foundation, guests support a range of community-focused initiatives. While education and scholarships form the core of the Foundation’s work, funding also supports:
- the establishment and operation of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- small business development and entrepreneurship
- environmental education and awareness programmes
These initiatives are designed to create immediate benefit while supporting long-term resilience and self-sufficiency within neighbouring communities.
Conservation & Research
Guests contribute via a Sustainability Levy of R1,815 per person per day (2026) and R910 for children under 17, which includes:
- Timbavati Conservation Levy
- Tanda Tula Foundation Contribution
- Land Management Fees
- Bushbuckridge Community Levy
100% of the Conservation Levy is allocated directly to the Timbavati Nature Reserve, funding Greater Kruger conservation initiatives such as anti-poaching, security, land management and sustainable community development.
In addition, every stay supports a monthly fuel donation and ongoing research with the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, including monitoring endangered ground-hornbill populations through guest sightings.
High-resolution images available for download showing accommodation, surroundings, and activities.
Visit our Image Library where you can download high-res images
OTHER KEY DOCUMENTS: