What is the Timbavati Traverse?
The Timbavati Traverse is a one-of-a-kind adventure trail for nature-loving runners and walkers. Set in and hosted by the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, the trail raises awareness and funds for the anti-poaching units as well as for the Timbavati Foundation which supports the reserves neighbouring underprivileged communities. You can choose between a 45km ultra-marathon trail run, a new 21km half-marathon run as well as a 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.
Watch Grant's Successes of the Miles for Mammals run
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a 53 000ha oasis, lies nestled between the Kruger National Park on the east, the Klaserie and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves in the north and the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve in the west.
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
Over the past three years, our fundraising focus has 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.
With the support of the past events, the fund raised assisted the reserve by purchasing brand new Baroudeur Rhino eBikes which now allow for the rangers to patrol even greater distances along the reserves perimeter fence line, additional fence batteries to ensure the reserve is protected 24/7 as well as picket upgrades for better living condition for these incredible wildlife guardians! Each year we give back more and more!
The Timbavati Foundation
The 2022 Timbavati Traverse donated R30 000 to the Timbavati Foundation to assist in the building of their first-ever EcoPod Classroom! This classroom aims to act as a satellite classroom to their amazing Environmental School which has been operational since 2012.
Watch to learn more.
Read more about the Timbavati Foundation.
Making Dreams Run Wild Initiative
As part of the event’s social development portfolio, we have invested in supporting up-and-coming passionate rural community runners to fulfil their dreams by giving them a chance to run with wildlife for wildlife. This initiative seeks to support underprivileged runners by not only providing them with this once-in-a-lifetime experience but also supporting their needs as a runner.
For the past three events, we have supported 6 community development runners (to the value of R10 000 per runner) and gave them a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will never forget. If you would like to know how you can help us support a runner, send us an email!