Kruger National Park
S39 Timbavati Road, Kruger National Park
The S39 Timbavati Road is a 60.8 km gravel road in Kruger National Park about 23.3 km from Orpen Gate. It connects to H1-4 Satara-Olifants Road, H7 Orpen-Satara Road, S40, S89 Ngotso Weir Road and S127 Ntomeni Road. Here's what lives along it, where to stop.
The S39, the Timbavati road, follows the Timbavati River north from the H7 west of Satara toward the H1-4 near Olifants. It is one of the classic gravel drives of the central Kruger, with river views and a string of stops: Leeubron, Ratel Pan and its bird hide, Roodewal, Goedgegun and Piet Grobler Dam, with the Timbavati picnic spot close by.
Where the S39 Timbavati Road runs
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Open in opspoorWildlife you can see on the S39 Timbavati Road
Based on the habitat the road runs through, not on today's sightings.
Habitat along the S39 Timbavati Road
Mixed bushveld: Mixed woodland with a broken canopy and thicker bush between the trees.
Habitat mapped by opspoor. Data sources
Waterholes and stops on the S39 Timbavati Road
- Ratelpan Waterhole ViewpointViewpointRatelpan Waterhole Viewpoint lies on the S39, about 4 km north of Timbavati Picnic Site, overlooking the Ratelpan area and a pool of the Timbavati River. The surrounding riverine habitat attracts…On the road
- Goedgegun Waterhole ViewpointViewpointGoedgegun Waterhole Viewpoint lies along the S39 Timbavati Road, north of the Timbavati River. The waterhole sits close to the road in open bushveld and is a good place to pause and scan for zebra…On the road
- Leeubron Waterhole ViewpointViewpointLeeubron Waterhole Viewpoint overlooks the waterhole along the S39 Timbavati Road, one of the most productive wildlife routes in central Kruger. The water attracts impala, wildebeest, zebra and…On the road
- Ratelpan Bird HideViewpointRatelpan Bird Hide overlooks Piet Grobler Dam on the S39, about 4 km north of Timbavati Picnic Site. The dam lies among mixed woodland and rocky koppies, with the Timbavati River system providing…On the road
- Timbavati Water ViewpointViewpointTimbavati Water Viewpoint overlooks the Timbavati River along the S39, where pools and riverine vegetation create a natural focus for wildlife. Elephants, hippos and waterbirds can be seen around…50 m off the road
- Roodewal WaterViewpointRoodewal Water lies beside the S39 Timbavati Road, where a striking red dolerite ridge rises above a shaded waterhole. The rocky ridge forms a natural divide between the mopaneveld to the east and…50 m off the road
- Piet Grobler Dam Wall ViewpointViewpointPiet Grobler Dam Wall Viewpoint overlooks the Timbavati River at the largest concrete dam wall in Kruger. The elevated position gives clear views across the dam and surrounding riverine bushveld…100 m off the road
- S39 Timbavati Road ViewpointViewpointThis quiet roadside viewpoint offers a chance to pause and take in the surrounding Kruger landscape away from the main tourist stops. The open surroundings provide an opportunity to scan the bush…200 m off the road
See every waterhole, hide and viewpoint on the map, and navigate to them, in the opspoor app.
S39 Timbavati Road questions
Where is the S39 Timbavati Road in Kruger National Park?
The S39 Timbavati Road is a 60.8 km gravel road in Kruger National Park about 23.3 km from Orpen Gate. It connects to H1-4 Satara-Olifants Road, H7 Orpen-Satara Road, S40, S89 Ngotso Weir Road and S127 Ntomeni Road.
How long does it take to drive the S39 Timbavati Road?
About 91 minutes without stopping at the 40 km/h limit. Allow much longer if you stop at the waterholes and for sightings.
What animals can you see on the S39 Timbavati Road?
The S39 Timbavati Road runs through mixed bushveld and open grassland, which suits hooded vulture, kudu (greater), smiths bush squirrel, white headed vulture and african striped weasel.
Are there waterholes or hides on the S39 Timbavati Road?
Yes. Along the S39 Timbavati Road you'll find Ratelpan Waterhole Viewpoint, Goedgegun Waterhole Viewpoint, Leeubron Waterhole Viewpoint, Ratelpan Bird Hide and Timbavati Water Viewpoint.
Can I use opspoor on the S39 Timbavati Road without signal?
Yes. Signal in Kruger National Park can be patchy, and opspoor works fully offline: you can see sightings you've already loaded and log your own, which sync when you're back in range.
Roads connecting to the S39 Timbavati Road
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