THE GAME RESERVES OF SOUTH AFRICA
There are 6 major National Game Parks in South Africa, each offering it's abudance of unique flora and faun as well as a wide range of bush lodging and experiences. We know these parks intimately and will help you to choose just the right experience to suit your taste and budget
SABI SANDS & KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the Mpumalanga Province, the Sabi Sands 65 000 hectare (153 000 acre) wildlife sanctuary forms part of the greater 2,3 million hectare (5,7 million acre) Kruger National Park game preservation area. The Sabi Sand Reserve shares its eastern boundary with the world famous Kruger National Park. There are no fences in this area, so the animals are free to roam. Accommodation varies from luxury lodges (works of art in the bush) to more rustic, electricity-free lodges to tented and camping options. The land consists of open savannahs to dense bush and has two perennial rivers flowing through it, namely the Sabie River and the Sand River. Both provide a valuable water source to the Reserve and this ensures this area enjoys a high and bio-diverse wildlife population, making the Sabi Sands one of the best Reserves for game viewing in Africa! Over two hundred different species occur in abundance whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds.
TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve comprises 53,392 hectares of private land adjoining the Kruger National Park and is situated in the Limpopo Province. Since 1962, the Timbavati Association, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to conservation by maintaining the biodiversity of species which would have continued to exist had man never encountered the land. The Association also works with the local communities to provide education, training and jobs. Locals are employed as guides, rangers, lodge staff and field rangers. Currently, there are over 40 mammal species in the Timbavati including the Big Five, as well as 360 species of bird life. It is also home to the famous white lions, (rarely spotted), so called due to a condition called “leucism”, in which the pelt is white but eyes and skin are pigmented. The lodges in the Timbavati are generally not fenced although most have a two strand electric fence in place to deter elephants. All guests are escorted to their chalets by an armed ranger.
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE
The Madikwe Game Reserve was opened in 1991 and is the fourth largest Game Reserve in South Africa. The Reserve comprises 75000 hectares of bushland north of the small town Groot-Marico up to the Botswana border. It’s located on the edges of the Kalahari, where a number of rare species occur naturally. Considered as one of the best conservation areas in Africa, the Madikwe Game Reserve is home to the Big Five along with almost all the plains Game. It’s also home to over 350 species of birds. The terrain is mainly open grasslands, bushveld plains and is interspersed with rocky outcrops and mountains. The climate is generally mild to hot, but winter nights can be cold. The East and West regions of the park vary in terrain and so one can easily spend a couple of nights in a couple of the fine Lodges situated on either side of the Reserve. The Madikwe is a malaria-free Reserve.
WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE (WATERBERG)
Welgevonden means well founded! Welgevonden Private Game Reserve lies in the Waterberg plateau, just north of Johannesburg and is 34 000 ha in size. Deep rocky ravines, majestic gorges and wooded mountains make up this Reserve, one of the newest in the Country. Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals and boasts one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve anywhere in Africa. There are rare and unusual species too, such as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark – all best seen at night. Welgevonden management is committed to ongoing conservation research and development. No private vehicles are permitted, which ensures minimal human impact and the ultimate wilderness experience. Bushman rock art can also be found on the Reserve.
GREATER ADDO NATIONAL PARK
The Eastern Cape is said to be one of the fastest growing tourism regions of South Africa. Situated in the dense valley of the Sunday’s River is The Addo Elephant National Park. The Park conserves no less than five of South Africa's seven biomes, is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth and incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere. There are many Private Lodges in the Greater Addo National Park. They are located on old farmlands in 1820 Settler Country, near pristine dams and some close to the ocean. Accommodation ranges from luxurious lodges and renovated classic Cape-style farm homesteads to wooden chalets, bungalows, rustic cabins and hikers huts. The Eastern Cape boasts a malaria-free environment and a wealth of flora and fauna.
ZULULAND GAME RESERVES
KwaZulu-Natal has an amazing array of wildlife. Wildlife experiences range from wilderness trails in the Imfolozi Game Reserve (famous for its many White Rhino), to bird watching from a hide at Mkhuze Game Reserve. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is home to the hippopotamus and crocodile as well as prolific bird life. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the African Bush either in their own vehicle in the Hluhluwe National Park or from your open safari vehicle at one of Zululand’s Private Game Reserves. These Reserves offer unforgettable safaris, luxury lodges and Zulu cultural experiences. Some offer activities that include sea and safari.
