ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE NATURE RESERVES (APNR)

AREA:

Timbavati, Klaserie and Umbabat form the Association of Private Nature Reserves. The APNR is over 300 000 acres in extent, and is based on the Eastern side of the world famous Kruger National Park, which is situated in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa. There is no boundary fence between the Kruger National Park and the APNR. Together, these areas constitute the Greater Kruger Park, which is over 5 Million acres in size, which is bigger than some countries.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is a pristine environment with no domestic animals and no boundary fences or internal fences. This is the wildest hunting available in South Africa and until recently was only experienced by hunters of a by-gone era. This fantastic area is where Stormberg Elangeni Safaris does most of its big five hunting. For the discerning hunter or avid photographer, the APNR is an experience of a lifetime, giving one the overall African adventure.

The vegetation here varies from thick riverine forest to Mopani woodlands and open savannah. This area is hot during the day with cool nights. Hunting takes place during the winter months, which coincides with the dry season. There are numerous water holes, which are frequented by plenty of wild animals. As this area is subtropical, it falls within the malaria zone. Prophylactics are essential.

ACCOMMODATION:

The accommodation is a rustic East African style tented bush camp. The tented camp consist of a central lapa with open-air lounge and dining area, where guests can enjoy their meal beneath the African sky. Sitting around the open campfire at night, one is transformed into the wilderness by the crackling wood fire and African night noises, forming a marvelous cacophony of sounds. This, together with the wildlife that wanders freely through the camp, gives the guest a true African experience. The sleeping tents are comfortable with two beds and wardrobe in each. The bathroom facilities are simple and are a few paces walk from each tent.

HUNTING:

Numerous plains game species occur here, however the emphasis is on the big five, which abound in this pristine natural environment. It is not uncommon to see all of the big five within a few days of arriving here. Hunting normally consists of departing camp at sunrise by vehicle to scout for various tracks and the sign of animals that have frequented waterholes during the night. Animals are followed up on foot and close encounters are the order of the day. Hunters return to camp in the heat of the day for brunch and a siesta and return to the bush in the afternoon. If hunters find themselves too far from camp, a relaxing picnic style break will be enjoyed under a canopy of trees.

ANNUAL QUOTA:

Continuous ecological research is carried out on all animals in the APNR. This research takes into consideration the sustainability, economic and social impact of trophy hunting. From this data, a yearly quota is determined. Stormberg Elangeni Safaris tenders on this quota on a yearly basis. The APNR management strictly adheres to a hunting protocol. Stormberg Elangeni Safaris will forward this protocol to each hunter before the safari commences.

Buffalo:
The Timbavati has some of the biggest buffalo in Africa. You have a choice to either hunt buffalo in the category of 40 inches and larger, 3939 inches and smaller, old worn-off, gnarled horned dagga boys, or buffalo cows. Of the 40-inch category, the biggest a Stormberg Elangeni client has taken measured 4848 and a half inches. Lucky hunter, Richard Pittman from Jacksonville USA, took this magnificent buffalo. SES clients have regularly shot buffalo in the 45-inch category. Hunting the 3838-inch and smaller category is equally as exciting, as these bulls are normally in small bachelor groups or are old single bulls. These bulls normally have excellent bosses and qualify on points for the SCI record book.

Elephant:
Elephant are also a common sight in the Timbavati, especially in the evening at waterholes. Hunting an elephant bull on foot is one of the ultimate challenges any hunter will experience. There are two categories available to hunt, namely 45 pounds and 30 pounds.

White Rhino:
The APNR and Kruger National Park are probably the last areas in Africa where unfenced Rhino occur. It is not uncommon to encounter a 30-inch rhino bull. Hunting rhino here is a privilege that few get to experience.

Leopard:
Timbavati is home to a high density of leopard and although very stealthy and mostly nocturnal, can on occasion be seen here during the day. Leopard hunting here is typically done by baiting.

Lion:
Lion are frequently encountered here, where hunting is done on foot in the true manner that it should be. Timbavati is one of the last places in South Africa where you can still hunt a truly wild lion. This is not for the faint-hearted.