Amaya Safari Lodge: Luxury in Timbavati
Accommodation
Escape to the wild heart of South Africa at Amaya Safari Lodge, a hidden gem nestled in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
With just 4 luxury tents and space for only 8 guests, Amaya is all about privacy and luxury travel experiences.
Each tent features:
A king-size bed with crisp, high-quality linens
Air conditioning for warm summer days
Indoor and outdoor showers in a spacious en-suite bathroom
A private deck overlooking the untamed bush
A tea and coffee station for early-morning wakeups
Thoughtful daily housekeeping and turndown service
Wildlife
The real magic, of course, is the wildlife.
Amaya sits in an unfenced section of the Greater Kruger, meaning the animals come and go as they please—and you get front-row seats to it all.
Every day brings a new adventure with:
Two expertly guided game drives (morning and afternoon)
Big Five sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
Wildlife encounters with giraffes, zebras, antelope, and more
Possible glimpses of rare species like African wild dogs
Guides who don’t just drive—they interpret the bush with passion and insight
Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a leopard or the stillness of watching an elephant herd pass by, these moments are the stories you’ll tell forever.
But safaris aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about feeling grounded, inspired, and alive. Amaya invites you to truly slow down and connect with nature on a deeper level.
Highlights include:
Guided bush walks for up-close encounters with tracks, plants, and birds
Alfresco dining in the boma under a sky full of stars
A plunge pool for lazy midday dips
Cozy evenings by the firepit with a drink in hand
Fresh, all-inclusive meals prepared with love and local flavor
Our Reviews!
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read moreOur experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
While Amaya is magical year-round;
The dry season (May to September) is widely considered the best time to visit. - During these cooler months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is thinner. If you’re after clear skies, epic game drives, and minimal mosquitoes, winter is your season.
That said, the summer months (October to April) bring lush green landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and dramatic afternoon storms—ideal for photography lovers and birders.
There's no wrong time, just different kinds of wonder.
Please contact us for assistance
Our team is available
+27 (0) 21 6969615
+27 (0) 606191220
+27 (0) 642831384
WHAT TO PACK
Packing for a safari is all about comfort, practicality, and layers.
Here's a quick checklist to help you prep like a pro:
Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive) – helps you blend into the environment
Lightweight layers – mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm
Comfortable closed-toe shoes – for game drives and bush walks
Hat & sunglasses – the African sun is no joke
Sunscreen – essential in any season
Binoculars – for birdwatching and spotting wildlife from a distance
Camera or smartphone with zoom – you’ll want to capture those unforgettable moments
Tip: Leave the bright colors and noisy fabrics at home—this is nature’s stage, and you’re just here to observe.
FAQ
Is Amaya family-friendly?
Amaya is designed for adults and older teens—perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking quiet, immersive experiences. Ages 8 and up are welcome.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, but it’s limited. This is a place to unplug and connect with the wild—trust us, you won’t miss your screen time.
Is it malaria-free?
Timbavati is in a low-risk malaria area. Speak to your doctor about precautions, especially if traveling during the warmer months.
What’s included in the stay?
All meals, two game drives per day, and most drinks are included. It’s a truly all-inclusive bush experience.
HOW TO BOOK WITH SABI SANDS LODGES RESERVATIONS
Describe your ideal safari experience, dates & budget
Our travel experts will find you the perfect safari lodge / tour
Confirm your reservation and start packing your bags