Greater Kruger Game Reserves South Africa Safari

Read up on Kruger National Park

Detailed below are six of the main reserves as part of Great Kruger.

1. Sabi Sand Reserve
2. Mala Mara Game Reserve
3. Manyeleti Game Reserve
4. Timbavati Game Reserve
5. Thornybush Game Reserve
6. Kapama Game Reserve

1. Sabi Sand Reserve

Sabi Sand Reserve Introduction
The Sabi Sand Reserve is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage commercially active safari operations. Sharing a common environmental management program, this association is administered by a warden reporting to an elected executive committee.

Sabi Sand Reserve Widlife & Ecological Experience
Nowhere in South Africa will one find a wildlife experience quite like the one experienced within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Sharing a 50km (31.25 miles) unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, this immense (65 000 hectare/ 153 000 acre) and diverse tract of land is home to The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant), and much much more. This area is also in the process of being further enlarged within the Peace Park concept with an expected integration and amalgamation with protected areas in Mozambique, and eventually Zimbabwe. Two rivers supply the game reserve with a valuable water source. The Sand River flows through the reserve for 50km (31 miles) from north west to south east whilst the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. The sustenance of these rivers ensures that this area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds. Such is the environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round. Wildlife viewing is second to none. The Sabi Sand Reserve enjoys good quality viewing of leopard (the most elusive of predators), as well as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. In fact, a checklist of the reserve would yield no fewer than 330+ tree species, 45+ fish species, 30+ amphibian species, 110+ reptile species, 500+ bird species and 145+ mammal species! And all occurring in their own natural environment, which has been preserved in its original splendor.

Sabi Sand Reserve Conservation Efforts
The main objective of the Sabi Sand game management policy is to monitor the habitat and wildlife densities. Maintaining a balance between food resource and the optimal biomass has not been easy. The reserve has had to cope with threats such as foot and mouth disease, bovine TB, uncontrolled fires, bush encroachment and overgrazing. The reintroduction of certain species such as rhino, tssessebee, nyala, sable, wildebeest and reedbuck have supported this objective to some degree, whilst the ever burgeoning elephant population remains a challenge to the future of the natural habitat. The Sabi Sand focuses on conservation and the environment only. To this end it was conceived and remains as an association whose aims are the promotion and conservation of wildlife, fauna and flora and to the preservation of the area as a sanctuary for every type of indigenous wildlife. The protection of the rights and interests of the reserve with respect to the Sand River (the lifeblood of the Sabi Sand) are also promoted and the hunting of wildlife is forbidden. In order to prevent the area from deteriorating into a series of small holdings, Lodges in the Sabi Sand may no longer be subdivided into portions of less than 857 hectares.

Sabi Sand Reserve Community Commitment
Sabi Sand Reserve members are dedicated to the upliftment of local neighbors living in the area. Many of these communities have been defined by poverty, and a lack of opportunity to improve their standard of living.

Sabi Sand Reserve members have embarked on initiatives such as:

The establishment of infrastructures to educate children, enabling them to seek a brighter future.

The creation of homes for children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic.

The establishment of education programs to equip younger and older adults alike about how the pandemic of AIDS in Africa can be avoided.

Employment and development opportunities.

Provision of basic needs such as access to food, electricity, water and health services.

Skills development projects such as beading, candle making, sewing, hat making, baking and shoe making.

Sports training (including soccer, netball, cricket and hockey) at primary school level to help youngsters cultivate their innate physical talents.

2. MalaMala Game Reserve

MalaMala Game Reserve Introduction

MalaMala Game Reserve is the Safari Industry's blueprint to the luxury photographic safari. In existence since 1927, this massive thriving tract of land produces the most exciting wildlife experience this side of the equator. MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa . Comprising 13 300 hectares, MalaMala shares a 19 km (12 mile) unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and lies sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve. For over four decades, Michael Rattray has remained focused on his objective to preserve and protect the land over which he is custodian. Allowing nature to move to its innate rhythm, guests experience today what the forefathers of the African Safari would have experienced at the turn of the century. This philosophy has paid off, as experienced by a veritable collection of photojournalists and film-makers who have made MalaMala their destination of choice to capture footage of wildlife viewing that would rival any Hollywood production for thrilling and breathtaking animal encounters.

MalaMala Game Reserve Location & Ecology
No other destination can compete with the Lowveld's pristine wilderness locations which are legally protected from human interference. The region, larger than many independent countries, is home to the largest concentrations of free roaming elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, and literally hundreds of other species of wild mammal. Today this area is known to have the greatest diversification of animal species on the African continent. Over two hundred different species occur in abundance whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds. It is here, strategically sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, that the MalaMala Game Reserve is situated. The unfenced borders between MalaMala Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park on one side, and the Sabi Sand Wildtuin on the other allows animals to migrate unhindered to the perennial Sand River which flows north to south through MalaMala for 20 kilometres (13 miles). This well preserved wilderness is a "honey-pot" to the most sought-after wildlife species, as well as a host of smaller creatures. MalaMala is part of a conservation gene pool that covers 5.5 million acres of land in the heart of the South African Lowveld.

MalaMala Game Reserve Wildlife Viewing Experience & Uniqueness
MalaMala promises the finest game viewing on the African sub-continent and regularly provides the subject matter for a veritable collection of international and local wildlife documentaries (including National Geographic). Many of these documentaries have won international accolades amidst critical acclaim. Several publications are available, showcasing the treasures that make the property one of the most sought-after on any traveller's itinerary.

It is a near-impossible task to bring to life a MalaMala safari through the written word, but the annual statistics published by the property serve to prove the frequency and consistency of Big 5 sightings experienced by visitors.

Why such phenomenal viewing success? Simply put, it's due to:

1. Size and human habitation: 33000 acres (13 500 hectares) lie undisturbed, but for two safaris which meander through the wild with no more than 6 silent observers per vehicle each day. Human densities which have a direct impact on the environment have been kept to an absolute minimum. Only guests accommodated at one of the MalaMala camps enjoy this privately-owned game land.
2. MalaMala has practiced sound environmental management policies for years, well before "responsible tourism became the contemporary catch phrase.
3. Photographic safaris are conducted in open 4-wheel drive vehicles, allowing for total freedom of movement and the ability to leave the road and track down Africa's unique animals including the legendary Big Five - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo.

3. Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve Introduction
The Manyeleti Game Reserve is situated in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the Eastern side, the Timbavati Reserve on the Northern side and the Sabi Sand reserve on the Southern side - each of these areas renowned in their own right for excellent-quality safari and wildlife experiences. What makes Manyeleti Game Reserve unique, however, is the exceptionally low human : land density ratios. With only two commercially operated lodges, a maximum of 8 safari vehicles traverse the reserve. Each vehicle therefore has the equivalent of 2937 hectares to itself. It can therefore be said that this is one of the lowest vehicle density private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region. The Kruger National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in the world. It houses a vast array of flora and fauna. There are no fences between the reserves, which means that animals are free to roam unhindered.

Manyeleti Game Reserve Wildlife & Ecological Experience
The size of Manyeleti Game Reserve is 23500 hectares. (58750 acres). In Manyeleti Game Reserve, there are only two commercially operated lodges based in the Manyeleti (Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps & Tintswalo Safari Lodge). With a maximum of 8 safari vehicles traversing the reserve, each vehicle will have on average 2937 hectares to themselves making this one of the lowest vehicle density private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region. The area has a subtropical climate which lends to warm rainy summers and a dry cooler winter. The main months of rain would be October through to March. The average rainfall for the region would be + - 500 millimeters a year. The Manyeleti Reserve is made up of two distinct types of Ecozones. The underlying rock types determine the nature of the soil that breaks down from them. The Northern part of the reserve is based on the Thorn Veld ecozone which in broad terms outline the younger surface of dark brown loams derived from the basalt. Typically one would find such tree species as Knobthorn trees, Transvaal Saffron, Large Leaved rock figs. Red Bushwillow, Round leaved-Teak, Marula, Jacket-plum, Russet Bushwillow, Tree Wisteria, Umbrella thorn, Weeping wattle and Zebrawood. Due to the soil types (Gabbro) this region abounds with sweet grasses which are highly edible for all the grazers.

Predators found in the Manyeleti's Thornveld region would be Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Wild dog, Leopard and Black backed Jackal. Browsers found in the region would be Kudu, Giraffe, Impala and Duiker, Bushbuck, Kudu and Nyala. Grazers would be Wildebeest, Zebra, White Rhino, Waterbuck and large herds of Buffalo are common on this soil type due to the abundance of quality grazing. Uncommon sightings would be Black Rhino and Sable antelope. The Southern part of the reserve is referred to as the Mixed Bushwillow Woodlands Ecozone. The Mixed Bushwillow Woodlands Ecozone is found on underlying Granite bedrock giving rise to gently sloping hills and rocky outcrops with huge round boulders such as at the Koppies region in the reserve. Broad-leaved trees favor the higher upland areas while thorn trees prefer the lower-lying areas. Many rivers and streams are found in this region.

A huge variety of trees and shrubs occur in this ecozone including various Bushwillow's, Leadwood trees, Silver cluster-leaf, Buffalo thorn, Sickle-bush, Weeping wattle, Apple leaf and Round leaf teak. In the riverine regions one can see huge Sycamore figs, Jackal-berry and Weeping boer-beans trees. The grasses growing in the above ecozone are mixed and sweet. Predators found in the mixed Bushwillow ecozone would be Lion, Side-striped Jackal, Hyena and Leopard. Browsers commonly found in the region would include Kudu, Giraffe, Impala, Klipspringer, Nyala, Bushbuck, and Steenbok. Grazers typically found in this region are many and varied such as Buffalo, White Rhino, Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Warthog and Zebra.

4. Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve Introduction
Timbavati is one of a handful of nature reserves on the western boundary of the Kruger Park that are now an integral part of the Kruger Park system. Collectively termed the Association of Private Nature Reserves, these wildlife-rich lands adjoin and are managed in cooperation with the Kruger National Park, forming a unique combination of public and private lands called "The Greater Kruger Park". The new conservation entity, created in the early 1990's, contains no internal fencing (apart from that which is used to enclose a few isolated camps, and thus "exclose" dangerous game animals). This opened up a vast stretch of wild land to the free movement of wildlife throughout what is now effectively a single conservation area. This situation is good for both wildlife and tourists: wildlife have access to more resources for meeting their permanent, seasonal, and episodic needs; and tourists are offered a wider range of eco-tourism facilities. The Timbavati boasts 40 species of mammal including the Big Five; Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. 360 species of bird make the Timbavati a bird lover's paradise. It is possible to see more species of bird in one day at the Timbavati than you have ever witnessed in your life. On night drives, the smaller nocturnal mammals such as porcupine, serval, genet and civet can be seen among others.

Timbavati Game Reserve Wildlife & Ecological Experience
The terrain is undulating with altitudes varying between 300 and 500m above sea level. The area is characterised as 'savanna bushveld' with 6 different landscape types: acacia woodland, open woodland, mopane woodland, combretum woodland, mixed combretum woodland and mixed veld on Gabbro. Elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, waterbuck and warthog abound together with their attendant predators which include lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. The critically endangered African wild dog is also a regular visitor to the Timbavati Reserve. The larger and rarer antelopes such as Roan, Eland and Tsessebe have been slow to return to this area and their numbers are still critically low. The climate is typified by a summer wet season (October March) with the majority of rain falling between December and February. This is also the hottest time of the year, with temperatures in the region of 32 °C. A typical summer day will be hot with storm clouds gathering for a spectacular late afternoon thunderstorm. During the winter months (April September) the weather is dry with little chance of rain. As game tends to congregate around dwindling water sources, game viewing is more predictable. Temperatures can range from 28°C to 10°C in one day. The mornings and evenings can be very cold and warm clothing is advised.

Timbavati Game Reserve History
The Timbavati Association was formed in 1956 by a group of conservation minded landowners who had witnessed the degradation of this once pristine wilderness area. Insensitive land use (primarily crop and cattle farming) had caused soil erosion and destruction of indigenous plant species. In addition, natural water sources had been rerouted by dams further impacting on the natural status quo. As a result, much of the wildlife common to this area was lost. The fledgling association persuaded each land owner to become part of a group with a common aim to reclaim the land for the benefit of all. Today, the group has 50 members, who have succeeded in restoring the land to its former glory with diverse and rare wildlife species making the Timbavati their home. In 1993, in recognition of the importance of the area, the fences between the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve were removed to encourage natural species migration. Plans are in place to have the Timbavati Reserve proclaimed part of the Kruger National Park which will secure its future as a valuable piece of South African heritage. Man's incursions into this part of the Lowveld have always been temporary and brief, from Early Stone Age down to the early 20th century. In point of fact, large tracts of land in the northern portion of the Lowveld were never permanently settled by man, and the lands now comprising the Timbavati were barely touched, and are still only lightly inhabited. This part of South Africa's bushveld region may therefore be regarded as truly unspoiled and deserves recognition as truly wild land, as opposed to the "restored" and "restocked" lands commonly found elsewhere.

5. Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve Introduction
Thornybush Private Game Reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination. Morning and evening safaris in open landrovers are conducted by qualified rangers and trackers from all lodges, with walks encouraged for the more adventurous.

Thornybush Private Game Reserve Safari Experience
The day at Thornybush Private Game Reserve starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open land rover with your experienced rangers and trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets. After a sumptuous breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker. Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Thonybush Private Game Reserve Shangaan native community trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore. The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm. The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge - guests can socialize with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day's adventure.

6. Kapama Game Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve Introduction
Kapama Private Game Reserve occupies a vast area between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park. It is the largest single-owner game reserve in the region, and is perfectly situated to receive guests flying into Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit).

Kapama Game Reserve, in Limpopo Province, is an area renowned for superb safari vacations. Kapama's 13000 hectares has all the big game of Africa with 42 mammal species and approximately 350 bird species. This equates to huge natural diversity and includes the famed 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Game drives are conducted through the rolling savannah grasslands and riverine forests that make up this appealing African reserve.

Kapama Private Game Reserve Details
Kapama Game Reserve had its origin in 1986, when the late Johann Roode purchased his first property in Hoedspruit called Moria farm. The name Kapama originated from a small railway station across the road and it is believed that Kapama was the name of a chief of a local tribe that lived in the area of Thulumahashe. The Moria portion of Kapama is where Kapama Buffalo Camp is positioned today. Johann decided to graze Bonsmara cattle on this newly acquired property but soon required more land for the increasing herd. Another portion of land known as Drakensig was bought and this is the where Kapama River Lodge is now situated. Cattle farming proved to be uneconomical; the environment was harsh and predators and tics took their toll on the cattle. In 1987 Johan realised that eco-tourism was the only way to sustain this large property. So in 1989 Kapama Lodge was constructed and this was beginning, of what would in time, become one of the leading eco-tourism destinations in the world. More land acquisitions followed and Kapama has grown to be the biggest single owned Private Game Reserve in the lowveld safari region of South Africa. In 2002 Johan Roode tragically passed away at the early age of 58 after contracting pneumonia. Johann's wife and mother of their two children Bernard and Adine, took over the management of the Kapama business and completed the building of the super-luxurious Camp Jabulani on the Kapama Game Reserve in 2003.

The Roode family decided to re-allocate responsibilities and the Kapama business was divided in two sections. Mrs Lente Roode and her daughter Adine continued to manage and operate Camp Jabulani as well as the world renowned Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species. Johann's son Bernard, took control of the other Kapama Lodges. In the tradition of the father, more land was acquired with the last addition to Kapama being a 600 ha portion alongside the Klaserie River, to the north east of the reserve. To complete the full range of accommodation on Kapama Private Game Reserve, another lodge was built in 2005. This is the acclaimed and exquisitely designed Kapama River Lodge on the edge of the Kapama River. But that's not quite all, they realised there was just one thing missing for the real romantics who come to Kapama on honeymoon or for a special occasion! In 2007 they built a Romantic Sleepout Platform far from any of their other safari accommodation, and set it up so that a couple could sleep at treetop level under the stars on a four poster bed lit by lanterns. This is proving to be the coup de grace of Kapama and a romantic safari experience like no other. Now, Kapama's portfolio of exclusive safari lodges offering the best range of safari accommodation in South Africa is complete.

The Kapama Private Game Reserve Safari Experience
Two daily game drives are part of the fully inclusive tariff and your skilled ranger and tracker do their best to find the animals of Africa for you to admire. Expect a wake up call at between 5am and 5.30am and gather for tea or coffee and rusks before heading out at first light. If you are lucky, the big cats will still be around after their night of hunting. This is Big 5 country (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) all of which are possible to see during a two-day safari in Kapama Game Reserve. There are also many other species to be seen, large and small, as well as fascinating plants and colourful birds. Stop halfway through the morning game drive for hot drinks and rusks from the Landrover snack box and return at around 9am for breakfast.

During the rest of the day, you are likely to see wildlife like nyala antelope and vervet monkeys around the lodges. At about 3.30pm everybody convenes for high tea, before departing with the same ranger/tracker team for the day's second African bush safari. Enjoy a sundowner drink along the way (not included in the tariff), and get out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and watch the sun go down over the distant Drakensberg Mountains. As darkness descends it's time to return to the safety of the Landrover and let the tracker scan the landscape with a spotlight picking out the glinting eyes of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge at around 7pm, where there is time to freshen up before dinner.

Kapama Private Game Reserve Bush Walks
Get some African soil under your feet with a bush walk after breakfast. Explore the environment with your ranger, learn about curative properties of plants and identify animals from their footprints and dung. Large game is avoided when on foot but animals can often be seen from a safe distance.

Kapama Private Game Reserve Wellness Centre
Exquisitely nestled in the African bush is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul. Complete with a state of the art gym, equipped with cardio and weight training facilities, the centre energizes and uplifts in the healing presence of nature. While connecting with the call of the wild indulge in an array of uniquely designed spa treatments. These include facial, body and beauty treatments. Two signature treatments romantically merge the needs of couples. The Marula Rasul Steam Treatment is a sensual experience for two. Merging the wisdom of the Orient with the raw energy of Africa, this magical treatment balances the elements of water, fire, earth and air within the body. Another unique treatment for couples is the Kapama Pinotage Bliss; combining a deep body massage with an aromatic bathing experience in a detoxifying vine extract. Stepping from one invigorating treatment to the next, a lap pool welcomes you to lie back and relax under a breathtaking bushveld sky. Reconnect with your inner beauty and strength as you lose yourself in an African panoramic vista.

Kapama Private Game Reserve Elephant Back Safari
This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here in Kapama Game Reserve to ride on the back of an African elephant. Meet the herd in the early morning or late afternoon and learn just how to get onto the back of an elephant and move to its rhythm as they walk through the bush. Elephants need to feed for many hours a day, so just because you are on top, this doesn't stop them from pulling down branches and grabbing a trunk full of grass as they walk. They are the largest creatures in the African jungle so other animals that you may come across will give way to you. After walking for about an hour, the elephants will return you to the elephant boma