The Timbavati and APNR (Associated Private Nature Reserves)
cover 490,000 acres of spectacular wilderness within a 6-million-acre wildlife system. The APNR is an association of privately owned reserves which lie outside and to the west of a renowned protected area. They share a common boundary which is unfenced allowing wildlife total freedom to come and go as it pleases.

The various reserves within the APNR embrace limited and controlled hunting as well as eco/photo tourism activities to raise funding required to manage and protect the wildlife and the land. All activities in the APNR including hunting are governed by protocols because of the proximity of these reserves to our most cherished protected park. Hunting off-takes are implemented and managed within the broader Resource Use Strategy/Protocol of the state. It goes without saying that hunting here (outside the park) is unique and special, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to share this destination with our clients.

The hunting protocol enables us to enjoy the privilege of hunting this spectacular wildlife system. To ensure that a diverse range of buffalo are hunted each year the reserve managers set a variety of buffalo categories which include factors such as horn spread and age. Hunters get to choose the buffalo package they desire provided the quota is available. Each buffalo category is priced differently. We advise hunters to book their safaris well in advance to avoid disappointment because packages are limited as are dates.

There are limited Spotted Hyena, Hippo and plains game packages on offer which can be combined with buffalo or hunted separately. Comprehensive plains game packages usually include Kudu, Giraffe, Impala, Blue wildebeest, Waterbuck, Zebra and Warthog. We are expecting elephant hunting to reopen for foreign hunters in the future but for now it is still closed.

The Timbavati and APNR Reserves are renowned for their huge populations of Cape buffalo! Old bulls are frequently hunted out of herds exceeding 200-500 animals. Sometimes you may find the perfect old dagga boy on his own or the bull you follow may be in a bachelor herd which could exceed 20 animals. You never know what you will encounter from day to day which is the beauty of this destination.

We have hunted this region for a very long time and rate the experience here as world class. Everyone who ventures to the APNR relishes the unforgettable hunting experience, the wildlife sightings, the sheer volume of dangerous game and the abundance of plains game species. This is an incredibly special destination that must be explored.

Accommodation varies depending on which reserve within the APNR you will be hunting. In the Klaserie and Umbabat we usually stay in permanent structure thatched safari camps and in the Timbavati you are treated to a classic tented safari experience which is a huge hit with most of our clients! These camps are always located in the heart of the respective game reserves. Regardless of which reserve you are hunting and which camp you are staying in you can expect to be serenaded by lions and hyenas, and you will enjoy an authentic African experience & world class hunting.

The Timbavati offers an authentic, old school tented safari camp which lies on the banks of a dry riverbed under a canopy of magnificent trees. This camp is a firm favourite with most of our clients and offers a safari experience from days gone by! Here you are in the wilderness where you are certain to be serenaded by lions, leopards, hyenas and hippos at night. It is not uncommon to encounter wildlife in the camp especially after dark so headlamps are a must and we advise clients not to wonder around once everyone has retired for the night.

Four canvas Safari tents each with their own bathroom (toilet, basin & shower with hot water heated by propane) are situated along the banks of the dry riverbed. Each tent is private and can accommodate two people in two single beds. Lighting is solar.

The small kitchen is basic but adequate. Despite this and in typical CVS style, you can expect delicious meals which are prepared by Ketiwe our outstanding Chef! Three course dinners and are served around the glowing campfire in the evenings. Each person has their own campfire table with cutlery and crockery, salt/pepper and spices. Breakfasts are served under the pergola which is just a few feet from the campfire. On most days lunch is enjoyed in the bush followed by a short siesta in the hammocks which we provide. There are no electric charging points, there is no cell coverage at the camp and cell coverage in the field is poorand erratic. Housekeeping and Laundry is done daily. This is a malaria area, so prophylactics are advised.

Travelling to the Timbavati/APNR is straightforward. From Johannesburg take a commercial/domestic flight (1 hour) from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Eastgate airport or charter a plane from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Civil. Driving time to your camp will vary depending on where you are hunting and staying. Drive time varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

We look forward to welcoming you to this fabulous destination!