
Timbavati Picnic Site
A serene bushveld stop with river views, offering braai facilities and a chance for wildlife encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime tables

Timbavati Picnic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime tables

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene bushveld stop with river views, offering braai facilities and a chance for wildlife encounters.
"Very neat facility with a lovely river view. Picnic area with various individual sites to use."

🍳 Braai Breakfast Bliss
Rent a gas braai for R30 and enjoy a delicious bush breakfast. Hot water for coffee is provided! 🔥
🚗 Mind the Roads
Roads to the site can be poor. Drive carefully and consider a 4x4 if possible. 🚗

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 188 reviews
Type
Picnic Ground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bushveld Brunch
Picnic tables
Rent a gas braai and prepare a delicious meal amidst the sounds and sights of the African bush.

River View Serenity
Along the river
Enjoy a peaceful break with lovely views of the river, offering a tranquil escape.

Wildlife Encounters
Surrounding area
Keep an eye out for baboons, kudus, and even lions – past visitors have had great luck!

Kid-Friendly Break
Picnic area
A welcome stop to stretch legs, use restrooms, and let kids burn energy, sometimes with friendly squirrels!
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Timbavati Visit
Road Conditions & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍳 Braai Breakfast Bliss
Rent a gas braai for R30 and enjoy a delicious bush breakfast. Hot water for coffee is provided! 🔥
🚗 Mind the Roads
Roads to the site can be poor. Drive carefully and consider a 4x4 if possible. 🚗
🐒 Baboon Alert!
Be aware of baboons, especially around food. Secure your belongings and don't feed them.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The bushveld can get very hot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍳 Braai Breakfast Bliss
Rent a gas braai for R30 and enjoy a delicious bush breakfast. Hot water for coffee is provided! 🔥
🚗 Mind the Roads
Roads to the site can be poor. Drive carefully and consider a 4x4 if possible. 🚗
🐒 Baboon Alert!
Be aware of baboons, especially around food. Secure your belongings and don't feed them.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The bushveld can get very hot.
📸 Wildlife Photo Ops
While not guaranteed, keep your camera ready for potential sightings of kudus and other animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Timbavati Picnic Site for its neatness, clean facilities, and lovely river views, making it a favorite stop for a bush breakfast. The option to rent gas braais is a significant plus. However, some note that road conditions leading to the site can be poor, and securing a picnic spot during busy times might be challenging.
"Very neat facility with a lovely river view. Picnic area with various individual sites to use. Gas braai facilities available to rent on site. Clean toilet facilities."
Ferdsy
"The Timbavati Picnic Site is always a favorite of mine to visit, especially when staying at the Satara Rest Camp. There are a couple of tables spread around, but as this is a popular picnic spot it can sometimes be difficult to find an open one. A highlight for me when visiting is renting a gas canister and skottel and preparing some brunch in the heart of the bushveld. The clean bathrooms and friendly staff also only added to the overall experience. Although this time around we didn't have any wildlife sightings from Timbavati, we have had very good luck in the past with sightings of baboons, kudus, and even lions. Just a note if you are planning on visiting. I visited in June 2024 and the roads leading to the picnic site were in poor condition. I hope Sanparks has taken steps to improve road access."
Dewald Reinke
"We love to visit Timbavati. Always neat and clean with very clean ablution fascilities. There are a lot of shade, tables and chair to enjoy a nice bush breakfast. Gas braais can be hired at R 30 to prepare your breakfast."
Marius Fourie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Timbavati Picnic Site is often visited by those staying at Satara Rest Camp. Access involves driving through Kruger National Park. Be aware that roads leading to the site can be in poor condition, so drive cautiously.
While many visitors use regular cars, the condition of the roads can be challenging. If you have a vehicle with higher clearance or 4x4 capabilities, it might offer a smoother journey.
Driving times will vary greatly depending on your starting point within Kruger National Park. It's best to factor in extra time due to potential road conditions and the possibility of stopping for wildlife sightings.
The Timbavati Picnic Site is located within Kruger National Park. Access is typically through one of the park's main gates, with Satara Rest Camp being a common reference point for proximity.
Using a reliable GPS or the park's map is recommended. Keep an eye out for signage indicating the picnic site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to pay the standard Kruger National Park entrance fees to access the area where the Timbavati Picnic Site is located. These fees are typically paid at the park gates.
The picnic site generally follows the operating hours of Kruger National Park. Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset. It's always best to check the official SANParks website for the most current hours.
Picnic spots are generally first-come, first-served. Arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is advised to secure a table.
Yes, gas braai facilities can be rented on-site for a small fee, typically around R30, making it convenient for preparing meals.
While you can bring your own food and drinks, remember to be mindful of wildlife, especially baboons. Avoid leaving food unattended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The site offers neat and clean toilet facilities, shaded picnic tables, and chairs. Gas braai facilities are also available for rent.
Yes, wildlife sightings are possible. Visitors have reported seeing baboons, kudus, and even lions in the past. There's also a hide nearby for observation.
The site is generally safe, but it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and wildlife. Keep food secured and avoid direct interaction with animals.
You can enjoy the river views, visit the nearby hide for wildlife observation, or simply relax and stretch your legs during a drive.
It's a great place for children to get out of the car, burn off energy, and sometimes encounter friendly local wildlife like squirrels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food sales facilities directly at the picnic site. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks or purchase them at a rest camp like Satara.
You can bring your own portable cooking equipment or rent a gas braai on-site for a small fee to prepare your meals.
Yes, hot water for coffee is supplied at the picnic site, adding to the convenience of a bush breakfast.
Think easy-to-prepare meals that can be cooked on a braai, like sausages, burgers, or pre-marinated meats. Sandwiches and salads are also great options.
The closest dining options would be at the rest camps within Kruger National Park, such as Satara Rest Camp.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for wildlife photography due to softer light and increased animal activity.
You might have opportunities to photograph animals like baboons, kudus, and potentially even larger predators like lions if you're lucky.
Yes, there is a hide located near the picnic site that offers a good vantage point for observing and photographing wildlife.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots.
While specific tours to the picnic site might be rare, many general Kruger National Park or Timbavati Private Nature Reserve tours will pass through or near this area.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit