Our country is home to a number of world-class game reserves and national parks where travellers can experience a safari journey unlike any other. The Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve offer some of the best Big 5 game viewing, including stunning leopard, lion and other big cat sightings. The Madikwe Private Game Reserve, set in the North West, near the Botswana border is home to the endangered African wild dog and is one of South Africa’s hidden gems. The Pilanesberg National Park is wedged between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, with a truly remarkable and diverse ecological landscape. Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve are both top attractions in KwaZulu-Natal, with an abundance of flora and some amazing wildlife sightings. The Eastern Cape is a completely malaria-free area and is where the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve can be found, as well as the stunning Amakhala Private Game Reserve and the Addo Elephant National Park, the only place in the world where travellers can see the Big 7 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, great white shark and southern right whale).
As well as some of the best wildlife sightings and safari activities in the world, South African Game Reserves have luxurious 5-Star safari lodging. The reserves and national parks offer a selection of accommodation to guests, ranging from tented, chalets, rondavels, lodges and unique experiences. Travellers will always be comfortable and well taken care of in the South African bushland!
The renowned Kruger National Park is the perfect place within the South Africa Game Reserves to experience wild Africa as it is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The national park stretches across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, and encompasses the most fascinating African wildlife. Travellers can expect sightings of the Big 5 as well as big cats, various buck species, giraffes, wildebeest and more. The park encompasses over 147 different mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 bird species and 34 amphibians, making it one of the most diverse areas in Africa. There are a number of game reserves situated within the park, where luxury safari lodges, tented camps and bush accommodations await. From the lavish River Lodge and regal Royal Malewane in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, to the tranquil Amani Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, to the hidden gem of the Imbali Safari Lodge and the ultra stylish Singita Lebombo Lodge situated in the heart of Kruger. The Kruger National Park is the ultimate safari destination for guests seeking a truly remarkable and memorable safari adventure. No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to Kruger!
The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is set on the border of the Kruger National Park and is one of South Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Wildlife roam freely throughout the unfenced Kruger border creating fantastic scenes from the comfort of your lodge. The reserve offers a selection of stunning 5-star safari lodges as well as family-friendly and budget accommodations, perfect for a range of travellers. From the classic safari chic of Dulini Leadwood Lodge to the dramatic views from Ulusaba Rock Lodge, the romantic Lion Sands River Lodge, and the family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge to the private and secluded Londolozi Pioneer Camp. Expect spectacular Big 5 sightings on game drives and guided bush walks, excellent service and South African hospitality, and an absolutely memorable safari adventure at the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Madikwe Private Game Reserve is the 5th largest among the South Africa Game Reserves, set near the Botswana border in the North West Province. The malaria-free reserve is home to a number of fascinating wildlife including the renowned Big 5 and the endangered African wild dog. The vast reserve offers a selection of luxury safari lodges that are suitable for a range of travellers, from ultra luxurious options such as Etali Safari Lodge and Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge, to the family-friendly Tau Game Lodge and Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge.
Travellers will have the chance to see the endangered African wild dog – Madikwe has a few packs that are unafraid of safari vehicles. Seeing the dogs interact with one another is a highlight of any safari! Madikwe is one of the leading reserves when it comes to conservation initiatives with their successful Operation Phoenix, wild dog rehabilitation programme. The reserve offers a host of fantastic safari accommodation, suitable for families, groups and budget safaris.
Due to Pilanesberg National Park many attractions, superb choice of accommodation, abundant wildlife and unique and easily accessible location. The setting of the park is the crater of a long-extinct volcano – one of the largest volcanic complexes of its variety in the world. Geologically, it is fascinating, with rare rock types and formations. The Pilanesberg National park is the fourth largest park in South Africa and is found in the North West Province. It is nearby Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg, and about 220km from the O.R. Tambo International Airport. There is also an airport in the park, referred to as the Pilanesberg International Airport.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve, set in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, is one of South Africa’s premier safari getaways. Hluhluwe is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and is well-known for its conservation, particularly that of the white rhino, and stellar Big 5 game viewing opportunities. Just north from Durban, South Africa’s busiest port, Hluhluwe is not as isolated as most game reserves, but still provides a wonderful break from the city. The reserve stretches over 96 000 hectares with a stunning range of wildlife and plantlife. Travellers can expect luxury safari accommodation, promising the utmost comfort. For an adventure every safari-enthusiast should have, visit the historic Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space. The green Kalahari is nature at its most diverse and surprising, and to spend time here is to be touched by exuberant, soulful beauty. Considered important for thousands of years, we’re now striving to conserve this breath-taking landscape for future generations. At Tswalu, there are only two camps and you’ll be one of just 28 or fewer guests. Enjoy the privacy and exclusivity that define contemporary luxury – and experience the Kalahari at your own pace.
