South Africa is the ultimate wildlife and game viewing destination. No other country can compete with its 260 superb national and private game and nature reserves boasting incredible animal and plant life, including highly endangered species, all living in harmony in a variety of fascinating ecosystems. Add to this; celebrated management practices, including ecotourism initiatives, good infrastructure and a vast range of accommodation and it is clear that South Africa truly has it all.
Picking a top five is difficult but if you’re pressed for time and can go to just one game reserve– make it one of these:
Kruger National Park
The grande dame of South African game reserves is undoubtedly the Kruger National Park. The largest game reserve in SA and the second largest in Africa, Kruger spans almost 20 000 square kilometres. It was established in 1898 and quickly became the flagship national park. Apart from the Big Five, Kruger has 507 bird species and 147 different species of mammals. A number of private game reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati border Kruger and game roams freely between the reserves. There are various accommodation options, from private lodges to tents and comfortable bush camps, offering a truly unique and magical African wilderness experience.
www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/mpl_kruger.htm
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Getting to Kgalagadi may be the biggest drawback – but then for some, its remote and secluded location is part of the appeal. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is situated far up in the Northern Cape and combines the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National park in Botswana – a vast region of over 3.6 million hectares. The roads are rough and fit only for 4x4 vehicles but the camps are comfortable and well-priced. The splendid isolated desert beauty of Kgalagadi is what draws most visitors – red dunes and open plains, desert landscapes and excellent predator sightings, especially of the black-maned Kalahari lions.
www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg is situated in a region of great natural beauty on an ancient volcanic crater. Plains surrounded by picturesque koppies, intersected by streams and rivers, well-stocked with game and lovely accommodation. It is close to Pretoria and Sun City, making it a very popular stop on most travel itineraries. Sightings of the Big Five , good birdwatching as well as the fact that it is malaria free add to the charms of one of South Africa’s most popular game parks.
www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za
Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve
This well-known game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa with a proud conservation history stretching back a few centuries. Situated in the lush, green heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe gained international recognition for its rhino project, which has been credited with saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction. Today Hluhluwe Umfolozi has of the largest populations of white and black rhino in the country and is home to a successful breeding and relocation programme. There is a range of accommodation available, from comfortable to splendid luxury bush lodges.
www.gamereservehluhluwe.com
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is situated in the north, about three hours drive from Johannesburg. Although not exactly off the beaten track, this large reserve is more of a luxury destination for discerning travellers. It has the big advantage of being malaria free and is home to the Big Five. The scenery is particularly varied and contains open woodlands and grasslands as well as interesting geological features. It is claimed to be one of the most appropriate and sustainable land use in this region. Run as a joint venture between government, the private sector and local communities, Madikwe sets an example for future game reserve management.
www.madikwe-game-reserve.co.za
By Andrea Botha
Kruger National Park
The grande dame of South African game reserves is undoubtedly the Kruger National Park. The largest game reserve in SA and the second largest in Africa, Kruger spans almost 20 000 square kilometres. It was established in 1898 and quickly became the flagship national park. Apart from the Big Five, Kruger has 507 bird species and 147 different species of mammals. A number of private game reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati border Kruger and game roams freely between the reserves. There are various accommodation options, from private lodges to tents and comfortable bush camps, offering a truly unique and magical African wilderness experience.
www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/mpl_kruger.htm
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Getting to Kgalagadi may be the biggest drawback – but then for some, its remote and secluded location is part of the appeal. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is situated far up in the Northern Cape and combines the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Gemsbok National park in Botswana – a vast region of over 3.6 million hectares. The roads are rough and fit only for 4x4 vehicles but the camps are comfortable and well-priced. The splendid isolated desert beauty of Kgalagadi is what draws most visitors – red dunes and open plains, desert landscapes and excellent predator sightings, especially of the black-maned Kalahari lions.
www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Pilanesberg is situated in a region of great natural beauty on an ancient volcanic crater. Plains surrounded by picturesque koppies, intersected by streams and rivers, well-stocked with game and lovely accommodation. It is close to Pretoria and Sun City, making it a very popular stop on most travel itineraries. Sightings of the Big Five , good birdwatching as well as the fact that it is malaria free add to the charms of one of South Africa’s most popular game parks.
www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za
Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve
This well-known game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa with a proud conservation history stretching back a few centuries. Situated in the lush, green heart of Zululand, Hluhluwe gained international recognition for its rhino project, which has been credited with saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction. Today Hluhluwe Umfolozi has of the largest populations of white and black rhino in the country and is home to a successful breeding and relocation programme. There is a range of accommodation available, from comfortable to splendid luxury bush lodges.
www.gamereservehluhluwe.com
Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe is situated in the north, about three hours drive from Johannesburg. Although not exactly off the beaten track, this large reserve is more of a luxury destination for discerning travellers. It has the big advantage of being malaria free and is home to the Big Five. The scenery is particularly varied and contains open woodlands and grasslands as well as interesting geological features. It is claimed to be one of the most appropriate and sustainable land use in this region. Run as a joint venture between government, the private sector and local communities, Madikwe sets an example for future game reserve management.
www.madikwe-game-reserve.co.za
By Andrea Botha
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