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 1,500 lions, 1,000 leopards, 17,000 elephant, 48,000 buffalo and an excess of 2,000 rhinos live in the Kruger National Park.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, hyaena, warthog, black-backed jackal, large herds of elephant and many other cat and antelope species.
- Approximately 147 mammal species.
- Over 500 bird species.
Game Drives
The following information refers to the game drives offered in the Kruger National Park private game reserves.
- The game drives in the Kruger National Park are ranked some of the best in the world and you are likely to see all of the Big-5 in a 4 night stay.
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives 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 walks 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 minutes.
- 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
- Enjoy a free night during certain periods at a selection of safari lodges with our ‘Pay Stay’ offers.
- Various discounts apply throughout the year on select lodges.
- Honeymoon offers are available at select lodges, contact our team for more information.
Timbavati Game Reserve
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.
Thornybush Game Reserve
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.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and shares an unfenced boarder with the Kruger National Park.
Klaserie Nature Reserve
Largest private game reserve in the Greater Kruger. Protects sustainable populations of many endangered species such as wild dog, saddle-billed storks and southern ground hornbills.
Balule Game Reserve
Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, as well as Klaserie, Makalali and Kapama Game reserves.
Makalali Game reserve
Located on the far western edge of the Greater Kruger and borders Karongwe Game Reserve. The Reserve was established to promote the conservation of the land and wildlife within its boundaries
Kapama Game Reserve
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.
Private Concession
Private concessions with in the gates of the the Kruger National Park. 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.
Karongwe Game Reserve
Karongwe Private Game Reserve is located in the Greater Kruger National Park and offers guests a extraordinary safari experience with a range of high standard 4-star and 5-star safari lodges. Karongwe Game Reserve boasts 9000 hectares of protected land teeming with wildlife, diverse flora, and intriguing birdlife with an impressive backdrop of the Drakensberg mountain range. Overlapped by four rivers, the reserve is perfectly located to draw animal and birdlife to these water sources. Karongwe offers an exclusive game viewing experience, with convenient proximity to Krugers expanse of diverse ecosystems.
Inclusive Safari Lodges
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