Kruger National Park Private Game Reserves
It’s no secret that South Africa’s highest density of Big-5 is found in the Kruger National Park. For those seeking South Africa’s best safari experience, a collection of Kruger National Park private game reserves await your arrival. Home to a diverse range of accommodation options, these private game reserves offer an inclusive safari experience that is nothing short of magnificent.
The real highlight in the private Kruger reserves is the game drives. Unlike the public sector, the vehicles are allowed to go off-road, inviting guides to track and follow the wildlife, and of course get up close to remarkable wildlife sightings. The private reserves in the Kruger also allow several other activities such as night drives to see the nocturnal animals in action, as well as walking safaris to explore the smaller creatures in the reserve.
The private game reserves of the Kruger National Park, also known as the Greater Kruger, are located on the western edge of its border. Several of these private game reserves make up the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR). The fences between the APNR and the Kruger National Park have been removed, therefore the wildlife is free to roam between them. Some of the private reserves in the Greater Kruger are fenced giving them more control over the wildlife numbers that live in the reserve.
Malaria:
- Although a malaria zoned area, the risk of malaria in the Kruger National Park is usually low, even in the summer months.
- The highest risk period is between November and April (summer rainy season).
- Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite.
- Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn.
- The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites by covering exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents, ensuring netted screens are kept closed and burning anti-mosquito coils.
- Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria.
Please note that the information provided above is taken from the official SANParks website. For professional advice on malaria please consult with your medical practitioner.
Wildlife:
- Highest population density of the Big 5 in South Africa and it is estimated that 1500 lions, 1000 leopards, 17000 elephant, 48000 buffalo and an excess of 2000 rhinos live in the Kruger National Park.
- Other willdlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Approximately 147 mammal species.
- Over 500 bird species.
Game Drives:
The following information refers to the Kruger National private game reserves:
- Kruger National Park game drives are ranked some of the best in the world.
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drive are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted
Highlights:
- Exclusive private game reserves are home to award-winning safari accommodation.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with some of the best game rangers and trackers on the continent.
- Night game drives, guided bush walks, and off-road game drives are available in the private reserves.
- Multiple rivers and waterholes throughout the park.
- A diverse range of experiences and accommodation options catering for families, couples and large groups.
- All year round safari destination.
Location:
The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting there:
- The best way to travel to the Kruger National Park safari lodges is to fly into one of the Kruger’s three airports, followed by a road transfer.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Kruger: 60 minutes
- Flight time from Cape Town to Kruger: 2 hours 30 minutess
- Private charters can be arranged to selected reserves.
- Road transfer time to the reserves from the Kruger airports generally range between 30 and 120 minutes.
- The reserve is generally a 5- to 7-hour drive from Johannesburg along the N12 and N4 highways.
Special offers:
We have some fantastic specials offers including PAY STAY deals, Honeymoon offers and discounted rates available for both international travellers and SA residents. View all specials on our specials page here: special offers
Packages:
Our selection of world class safari packages have been designed by our on-trend team of travel experts and include flights, transfers, accommodation and full board safari experiences. View all packages here: safari packages
Timbavati Game Reserve
- 54 300 hectares in size.
- No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Umbabat Game Reserve and Thornybush Game Reserve.
- Nhlaralumio river is a prominent landmark, which spreads out over the reserve.
- High density of Big-5, over 40 mammals and 360 bird species.
- Famously known for its rare white lions.
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Home to some of the counties best luxury lodges offering a diverse range of adult only and family options.
Thornybush Private Game Reserve
- 14 000 hectares in size.
- No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
- Situated on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger and Kapama Game Reserve. It is located close to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
- Seasonal Monwana River is a prominent landmark in the reserve.
- One with the highest variety of fauna and flora.
- High density of Big-5, 47 mammals and 507 bird species recorded.
- Some of the Kruger Park’s most luxurious lodges.
- Renowned world class game drives and Big-5 sightings.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- 62 3000 hectares in size.
- Shares an unfenced boarder with the Kruger National Park.
- Collection of private game reserves which further house a selection of the countries most exclusive safari lodges.
- A diverse selection of smaller exclusive adult only lodges, as well as larger family friendly options.
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger.
- The Sands and Sabie rivers are prominent features in the reserve.
- 145 mammal species and approximately 500 species of bird recorded
- Renowned for Big-5 sightings, particularly leopards, and luxury accommodation
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
- 60 000 hectares in size.
- Unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.
- Largest private game reserve in the Greater Kruger.
- Klaserie River is a prominent landmark.
- Protects sustainable populations of many endangered species such as wild dog, saddle-billed storks and southern ground hornbills.
- Low-density tourism with restricted numbers playing a strong role in conservation.
- High concentration of big-5 and an abundance of birdlife.
- Multiple accommodation options positioned in riverfront locations.
Balule Private Game Reserve
- 40 000 hectares in size.
- No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, as well as Klaserie, Makalali and Kapama Game reserves.
- Perennial Olifants River is a prominent landmark attracting wildlife.
- High density of Big-5, over 70 mammals and 220 bird species recorded.
- Increasing animal count, particular lions, since the fences were removed in 1995.
Makalali Private Game Reserve
- 26 000 hectares in size.
- Fenced reserve, mainly due to conservation reasons to reintroduce endangered wildlife to the area.
- Located on the far western edge of the Greater Kruger and borders Karongwe Game Reserve.
- Lesser known Greater Kruger reserve.
- The perennial Makhutswi River, a tributary of the Olifant’s River is a prominent landmark and a vital water source for the animals.
- Excellent wildlife viewing with a high density of Big-5
- The Reserve was established to promote the conservation of the land and wildlife within its boundaries
Kapama Private Game Reserve
- 15,000 hectares in size.
- Fenced reserve.
- Four 5-star luxury lodges and a private villa all operating under one brand.
- Three Family friendly lodges and one adult only lodge.
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger, nestled between Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park. The reserve borders the Balule and Thornybush private game reserves.
- High density of Big-5, 42 mammal species and approximately 350 species of bird.
- Activities include Game Drives, Bush Walks, Photography workshop, Open Air Boma, Romantic sleepout deck, children’s activities.
Private Concessions
- Private concessions with in the gates of the the Kruger National Park.
- Only 7 private concessions within Kruger National Park.
- Exclusive traverse dedicated to each concession.
- Approximately 10 000 – 15 000 hectares in size.
- Exceptional safari lodges catering for families, adults in a varied star rating.
- Rules are the same as the other Kruger private reserves. Guest can enjoy a range of activities, such as off-road game drives, walking safaris and night drives.
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