Best private game reserves

The Kruger National Park and its neighbouring private game reserves deliver incredible game viewing, thanks to the large concentration of animals that live within this vast wildlife area. Remember, because there are no fences and the animals are free to roam as they please, sightings in both the national park and the Kruger private game reserves can be equally sensational.

The difference is in how you experience those sightings. When you're on safari in one of the Kruger private reserves, you are privy to special activities like:. The below table provides a good overview of the the key differences but for a more comprehensive comparison, read our guide to the differences between the Kruger National Park and Kruger private reserves. It doesn't get much better than a Kruger Park safari.

Home to the widest diversity of wildlife in South Africa and… Read more. Kruger Private Reserves. It shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park , allowing wildlife to come and go freely between the two.

However, with no day visitors and no self-drive safaris allowed, it offers a much more exclusive experience than Kruger itself.

Sabi Sands is comprised of , acres of untamed bush and is home to all of the Big Five. The Londolozi area is especially famous as one of the best places in Africa to spot leopards up close.

There are many lodges to choose from at Sabi Sands, ranging from the more affordable Umkumbe Safari Lodge to seriously luxurious options like the Sabi Sabi camps and the two Singita lodges. Activities include guided game drives and thrilling walking safaris. Rock Lodge perches feet above the plains on top of a granite koppie, while Safari Lodge sits beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the banks of a dry riverbed.

Both spoil with private plunge pools, spa treatments, and gourmet cuisine. In addition to the Big and Little Five , Ulusaba is home to bird species. Day trips to Blyde River Canyon can be arranged. Manyeleti Game Reserve is an excellent choice for those that prefer to take the path less traveled. Opt for an authentic Hemingway-style safari experience in one of the Honeyguide Tented Camps or experience the colonial-era, five-star luxury of Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Both offer guided game drives and walking safaris.

Its broad spectrum of habitats ranges from seasonal wetlands to Kalahari bushveld and supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. Above all, Madikwe is famous for its endangered African wild dogs. There are three packs living in the park, all of which are relatively accustomed to safari vehicles allowing for rare close encounters. There is a wide choice of accommodation, from eco lodges like Mosetlha Bush Camp to the fabulously luxurious Royal Madikwe Lodge.

Unusually, Madikwe allows self-drive safaris although day visitors are not permitted. Unlike the Mpumalanga reserves, it is also malaria-free a big benefit for anyone traveling with kids.

Located in the transition zone between arid savannah and the mighty Kalahari Desert, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is home to a bevy of unusual desert-adapted species including gemsbok and springbok. Keep an eye out for cheetahs , aardwolves, African wild dogs, and several of the smaller felines. In total, the reserve is home to 80 mammal species and different types of bird. All bookings are assigned a private guide, vehicle, and tracker.

In addition to guided game drives, you can take part in San rock art tours, helicopter safaris, and walking safaris with troops of habituated meerkats. Kariega Game Reserve is another excellent malaria-free safari destination, this time in the beautiful Eastern Cape. Twice-daily guided game drives offer the opportunity to spot all of the Big Five in addition to a wide variety of other animals and birds.

Two rivers running through the 10,hectare property allow for unique experiences such as fishing and canoeing. River cruises are particularly rewarding for birders, with frequent sightings of kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. A private, tailor-made safari is within your reach. Experience all of your bucket-list safari related items on a budget now. Briony Chisholm February 20 Briony Chisholm October 10 Briony Chisholm November 15 Landia Davies April 25 Briony Chisholm March 29 Andrew Hofmeyr April 19 Bronwyn August 12 Daniel De Lapelin Dumont May 27 Landia Davies November 11 Briony Chisholm December 12 Briony Chisholm May 31 Camping in Kruger Park For overseas visitors, however, it can be difficult to travel with everything needed for self-catering.

Game drive lions in Greater Kruger Our private game reserves usually attract more international visitors. But, many of these private reserves offer world-class safari experiences at affordable rates so locals are missing out!

Balule Game Reserve lodge For more about the difference between national parks, private game reserves and conservancies, see: Reserve, Park or Conservancy? Private Game Reserves of Greater Kruger Park In the Greater Kruger National Park, for example, you can reach many of the private reserves on shuttle bus transport from Johannesburg arriving in time for an afternoon game drive.

Addo park elephants In Amakhala Private Game Reserve there are ten different camps and lodges catering to different budgets and some specialize in looking after families with younger children.

Inverdoorn Game Reserve cheetah Day safaris or overnight visits are possible, inclusive of transport from Cape Town. About the Author Harriet Purser The travel bug bit early and I have experienced all seven continents, in particular southern and East Africa. Private Group? Find Out More Here! Places Mentioned in this Post 1. This is followed by: 'Which one is better? Read on. Greater Kruger vs. It's ideal for family safaris. Here are the best Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town, for time-pressed travellers to experience a wildlife safari on a budget.

What makes Sabi Sands Safaris special and affordable? Reserve, Park or Conservancy? Visitors are literally spoiled for choice regarding where to visit and what to see. But what do each of these different names really mean and what do these safari options have to offer.