DISCOVER
Tumbeta Private Game Reserve
An authentic malaria-free safari in the Waterberg
TUMBETA
A Conservation Journey
Derived from the local language, Xitsonga, Tumbeta translates to ‘secluded hideaway’. This is a true safari experience – Tumbeta Big 5 Game Reserve.
Off the beaten track and far from urbanisation, in an unspoilt area where the Bushveld meets the Kalahari and the sourveld of the Waterberg turns to sweet Bushveld in the Matlabas river valley, this is where you will find Tumbeta, a private South Africa Big 5 game reserve. This Malaria free reserve is only 3 hours from Pretoria in the northwest portion of the Limpopo province in South Africa.
Wildlife, from insects, to birds and plains game thrive in this area. Large herds of Sable and Buffalo are frequently seen. Predators, small and large are drawn to this rich ecosystem and we are privileged to share this land with them.
This 8000 hectare Big 5 game reserve near Johannesburg is home to over 300 bird species and 50 mammal species including Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Buffalo and both Brown and Spotted Hyena along with many others. The endangered White Back and Lappet-faced vultures nest on the reserve and raptors are prolific to the area especially in the summer months when they follow the nesting Red-billed Quelea flocks.
Our Conservation Story
A Conservation Area & Wildlife Reserve
Be part of our vision to create a new conservation area and South Africa Big 5 game reserve only 3.5 hours from Johannesburg.
In brief, the strategy of Tumbeta Private Game Reserve was to purchase land previously used for hunting and agriculture and return it to conservation and tourism. Our conservation plans are not bound by the borders of the property and we are actively involved in initiatives to support conservation in the general area. One of our main objectives is to support the last free roaming predator populations in these areas by mitigating predator – farmer conflict and encouraging landowners to look at alternatives to destroying these endangered species.
Tumbeta Big 5 Game Reserve is situated in the remote North-western Limpopo of South Africa, an area which is largely a mix of hunting farms, game farms, private reserves and cattle farms. These areas are still rich ecosystems and home to large numbers of wildlife but the larger mammals and predators were removed through previous agricultural activities. We are looking to re-establish these larger mammals and predators and grow the reserve by incorporating more land. The long-term goal is a new and important conservation area in an area rich with biodiversity.
Several endangered species frequent the area, these include a number of raptors and vultures as well as pangolin and free roaming Cheetah and Wild dog.
LODGES
TUMBETA FAMILY CAMP
Stargazing Boma
Gather around the fire as stories are shared and stars light up the African night.
Indoor Living Space
Comfortable spaces designed for conversation, connection, and time together.
Thoughtful Details
Where art, texture and design elements quietly meet throughout the living spaces
CATERED & SELF-CATERING Rates
View Tumbeta Private Game Reserve accommodation rates here
“Spending time at Tumbeta rejuvenates the soul and allows you to connect with nature that brings deep comfort and joy.”
CONSERVATION
Vultures & Raptors
Tumbeta Big 5 Game Reserve is home to breeding nests of the critically endangered Lappet face and White back vultures. Over 20 nesting sites of White backs have been seen on the reserve and each year chicks are successfully raised to maturity, adding to these vulnerable and threatened populations.
Conservation
Predator Project
Saving South Africa’s last free roaming, endangered predators. These include Leopard, wild dog, brown hyena and Cheetah. The Waterberg district and northern and western Limpopo are home to the last free roaming wild dogs and a critically important Cheetah population.
CONSERVATION
Buffalo Project
As with any game reserve and conservation area, there are significant running costs. In order to help fund these expenses we have developed a Buffalo breeding project. In 2018 we introduced some of the finest disease-free Buffalo in the country to the reserve where they have been doing very well.
A Magical Slice of Paradise
I highly recommend Tumbeta as it is such a magical slice of paradise. – Calum H
TUMBETA
THE ULTIMATE SOUTH AFRICA BIG 5 GAME RESERVE EXPERIENCE
The Tumbeta Family Camp offers guests the opportunity to book the lodge for exclusive use or to experience the ultimate game lodge experience.