What is the Timbavati Traverse?
The Timbavati Traverse is a fundraising event which exposes you to the beauty and untouched wilderness of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. You can choose between a 45km ultra-marathon trail run and 21km half-marathon trail for walkers.
Where did it all start?
Following the 2020 cancellation of the world-famous Comrades Marathon due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Grant Murphy, head guide and employee at Kings Camp in the Timbavati and a deeply passionate runner, took on the challenge to run a gruelling 92 km distance through the Timbavati. His goal was to raise much-needed funding during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the Timbavati canine anti-poaching unit. It turned out to be an incredibly special, memorable, and emotional day for all involved.
From Grant’s successes, the Timbavati decided that this experience should be shared with other passionate runners and conservationists like Grant, and that this could be the beginning of an annual special event within this beautiful wildlife reserve.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
There are no fences between the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park, allowing game to move freely between the reserves. Naturally occurring white lions were first discovered in the Timbavati in the mid-1970’s and today they continue to be discovered in the reserve.
The reserve is focused on responsible tourism and all tourism profits are reinvested in the management of the reserve to ensure that both wildlife and local neighbouring communities benefit. Preserving natural resources to ensure future generations will be able to experience and enjoy the area.
Do you want to support a community runner and get involved in making their dreams run wild?
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Supported projects
The Timbavati Traverse was born as a fund-raising event whereby participants are able to use their fitness skills as well as wildlife passion to assist in raising additional funds to support the Timbavati’s and it’s neighbouring underprivileged communities.
Wildlife & Anti-poaching support
In the 2021 event, our fundraising focus lay with raising funds for our rhinos and their protectors (anti-poaching units).With the ongoing and ever-increasing threat to our wildlife, we are constantly having to up our game to counter the relentless pressure of illegal poaching of our natural heritage. The illegal trade in rhino horn and ivory has reached record statistics internationally and rhino horn currently reaches a price higher than gold. With the unity, collective efforts and dedication of many, from canine units, rangers on foot, anti poaching & aerial teams and concerned citizens like you, can make a difference in protecting our Rhinos.
Our runners and their supporters were able to raise over R400 000.00 for our wildlife and their protectors (field rangers)!
The Timbavati Foundation
The 2022 Timbavati Traverse aims to assist the Timbavati Foundation in furthering their reach and fundraise towards the building of their first-ever EcoPod Classroom which aims to act as a satellite classroom to their amazing Environmental School which has been operational since 2012. Read more about the EcoPod Classroom.
Making Dreams Run Wild Initiative
In 2021, Tshepo Pebane was our first development runner who was sponsored to run the 45km ultra-marathon. This was Tshepo’s first ever time to not only run a 45km ultra-marathon but also run within a big five nature reserve. Tshepo through various supporters also received new running takkies, as well as a running shirt.