best game reserves in africa

One of the best features of this popular park is the abundance of self-catering accommodation, making this a relatively affordable safari destination. Large herds of buffalo and elephant congregate around the Linyanti River and surrounding waterholes during the dry season (May to October), and other wildlife like lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are also prolific. During this time, animals congregate at the few remaining water sources, allowing you to see multiple species at one time. It is owned by a couple who bought 800 acres of land with wild animals a couple of years ago for their private use. Your safari experience will be about a lot more than chasing the Big Five. Top Best Game Reserves in West Africa. Explore a great variety and book online at the best prices. Being able to live for a few days near the Big 5 (as the group formed by the leopard, African lion, African elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros is called) was a dream come true for me and one of the reasons why South Africa deserves a visit.. Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda's top attractions. Our favourite private game reserves in Kruger are: There are a number of private concessions within the Kruger National Park. North Luangwa National Park, Zambia 26. Best Game Reserves Along The Garden Route The landscapes here evoke a haunting beauty with their vivid hues. 5 of South Africa's best private game reserves - A Luxury Travel Blog . If you are looking for a luxury experience you should definitely choose Thanda Luxury Game Reserve, member of The Leading Hotels of the World and one of thee best safari lodges in South Africa. Thanks to its perfect position between the Chobe National Park and the Moremi Game Reserve, game viewing in the Khwai Private Reserve benefits from the magnificent wildlife (especially elephant) that roams from these productive conservation areas. Features; 3. Some are perfect for a romantic holiday, while others would be an ideal choice for a family safari. While national parks cater to everyone, including self-drive and day visitors, private game reserves in South Africa are more exclusive and therefore less crowded. One of Africa's most exciting wildlife adventures is a safari, and Tanzania is one of the greatest places to observe one. Top 9 Best Reasons To Visit Murchison Falls; 10 BEST REASONS TO VISIT LAKE MBURO; BEST 7 REASONS TO VISIT KIDEPO VALLEY NP; 11 Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa | PlanetWare In 1967, this is where Dian Fossey, the famous American zoologist established the Karaoke Research Center and continued her passionate gorilla conservation campaign. Conservation is at the forefront of everything at Tswalu and guests can spend time with the many research and conservation teams to gain insight into the finely balanced Kalahari ecosystem. to 3.086 pp (EUR), 750 Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru City. The Yankari Game Reserve located in Bauchi State is arguably West Africa's best known wildlife area. S S outh Africa, one of the African continents leading safari destinations, is renowned for the many game lodges, reserves and other bush retreats that have tourists flocking to our country. Best Game Reserves in Tanzania | Discover Africa Safaris TOP 8 BEST ACTIVITIES IN NAMIB-NAUKLUFT - Kubwa Five Safaris 2022 Craving a dose of culture, too? Aquila is one of the best game reserves in South Africa because it makes for unforgettable memories with its picturesque mountains and breath-taking views. Although they havent been seen in a long time, the gene is still around so you never know your luck. Its also a haven for South Africas lesser-known predators. Perhaps most iconic among the park's resourceful wildlife are the beautiful black-maned Kalahari lions, but you can also see gemsbok, meerkats, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas here, as well as many species of birds, including sociable weavers with their large intricate nests. The wet season brings lush growth and paints the landscapes in vibrant greens. This is reason enough to visit Botswana's first national park, but it's also a fantastic option for travelers who prefer self-guided safaris. The rainy season (November through March), known as the "emerald season," brings lush green growth, while in winter, the landscapes are tinged with rich golds and browns. This exclusive private game reserve is one of the most prestigious in South Africa, with prices to match. But before we get into that A-list, lets have a look at the key differences between a safari in a national park and a private game reserve: We recommend a safari in a private game reserve or conservancy that share unfenced borders with Africas legendary national parks. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines . Wildlife viewing is great and four of the Big Five are frequently spotted. For old hands: Northern Tuli Game Reserve is one of unknown gems of Southern Africa. Sabi Sand Game Reserve (650km) Leopard at Sabi Sand Game Reserve Sabi Sand GR, South Africa's most popular private game reserve, shares an unfenced border with the much larger Kruger National Park. &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal. Encompassing 22,750 square kilometers in Northern Namibia, Etosha National Park offers superb game viewing in a vast, shimmering salt pan. Tours, Ethiopia The birding is also exceptional with 436 different species. Best Safari Game Reserves in South Africa | Coral Tree Travel Our favourite private conservancies in Kenya are: Considered some of the best private game reserves in South Africa, the Krugers private reserves are set alongside the national parks unfenced western boundary and deliver phenomenal game viewing. South Africa: Kruger National Park Spanning almost 2 million hectares, the Kruger National Park is the largest and oldest game reserve in South Africa and is home to the Big Five as well as the African wild dog, giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, and 500+ species of birds - certainly a suitable distraction from online blackjack! Filled to the brim with exciting wildlife and inspiring beauty, KwaZulu-Natal's game reserves in the country's northeast are must-experience destinations in South Africa. Etosha National Park is undoubtedly the star of the country's wildlife line-up, but it can get busy during the dry season (from July to September) when the wildlife concentrates closer to the waterholes. (tie) Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya. Madikwe Game Reserve is a 3.5-hour drive away from Johannesburg. Tswalu Kalahari - South Africa. To the east of Shamwari lies Lalibela Game Reserve, a smaller and more intimate luxury safari destination. Located in the transition zone between arid savannah and the mighty Kalahari Desert, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is home to a bevy of unusual desert-adapted species including gemsbok and springbok. The park is famous for its large numbers of leopards, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants, as well as its profusion of hippos and crocodiles, which wallow in the oxbow lagoons of the river. Phinda Private Game Reserve is located on the East Coast of South Africa, just a few hours south of Kruger National Park. The reserve is also just 15 minutes from the golden beaches at Kenton-on-Sea, giving you the best of both worlds. Guests can explore the area on game drives and bush walks while enjoying excellent sightings of Africas iconic wildlife. Further south in the heart of Zululand, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve is famous as the home of late, best-selling author Lawrence Anthony. In addition to the Big and Little Five, Ulusaba is home to 300 bird species. Like Chobe, Moremi is also an excellent destination for self-guided safaris, though it helps to hire the services of a local guide who can use their experience in the bush to track the game. But one things's for sure: a safari in Africa is an unforgettable experience that will forever stir your soul. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The lush scenery ranges from snaking sapphire channels and pools to lagoons, grasslands, and dense mopane forests. Bordering Kruger, in Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the oldest of South Africa's private reserves, Singita Sabi Sand oozes safari chic. The park protects the "Big Five," and is known for its large numbers of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, while hippos and crocs thrive in the Mara River. In short, the public rest camps offer less expensive and less . flickr.com/photos/christopheramy/36899825985. Game Lodge Specials 2022 and 2023 - Best Game Lodge Accommodation Deals! Game Reserves in South africa - SA Places 7 Best Game Reserves In Kenya Wander and Soul With open borders to neighbouring Kruger NP, Timbavati NR is the closest competitor to Sabi Sand GR. Organised game drives can be arranged as well. Twice-daily guided game drives offer the opportunity to spot all of the Big Five in addition to a wide variety of other animals and birds. About our use of cookies, Please select which cookies you would like to keep switched on. This is Kenya's second most popular national park after Maasai Mara National Reserve. In addition to large numbers of free-ranging lions, Lalibela is home to leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and caracals. And the best part, other than the food of course, the stunning ocean views. Staying at Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa All 50 Largest National Parks In Africa By Size - SafarisAfricana Accommodation: Where to Stay in Amboseli National Park, Male lion and cub in Kruger National Park. 1. South Luangwa is also known for its excellent walking safaris. At a sensible 1600 hectares of pure African pleasure, visitors are guaranteed an experience unlike any other. The 52,800-square-kilometer-long Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a challenge to access and, because of the aridity, wildlife tends to be more spread out than in the other great parks in the region. Hot air balloon rides, game drives, and walking safaris all offer unique wildlife watching adventures. flickr.com/photos/51329384@N06/5128135172. It's also easier to see the animals, as the tall grasses and lush growth of the wet season can shroud them from view. 13 Best Game Reserves in Africa | PlanetWare A successful conservation partnership between the government, the private sector and the local community, it is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve. Birders can spot some of the 500-plus species, including beauties such as the crowned crane and Fischer's lovebird. Of course, these are incredible parks that have so much to offer. Keep an eye out for white lions, the reserves claim to fame. Klaserie is an exclusive safari destination for tourists who want to make a difference to nature conservation efforts in Africa. The Wildebeest Migration passes through Mwiba between about December and April, but the reserves natural springs attract an abundance of plains game and predators (especially leopards) throughout the year. Five different habitats lie within its borders, including a swamp system, dense woodlands, savannah, and the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli. The Madikwe game reserve has the winning combination of being great for families, malaria free and home to the Big Five. Privacy Policy, 2022 Go2Africa (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved, Best Private Game Reserves & Conservancies in Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal Safaris, South Africa, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa, 10 Best Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges in the Serengeti, Complete Guide to a Wildebeest Migration Safari, Kruger Park Safaris: Public vs Private Ultimate Guide, The Best Luxury Lodges in Kruger: Our Top 10 Picks, 19 Best Safari Lodges & Camps in Zimbabwe, Luxurious accommodations with world-class amenities and service, Your own dedicated guide and safari vehicle, A night on the Malori sleep-out deck / star-bed, Close-up sightings of cheetah and black rhino, Combining a safari with ocean adventures like scuba diving, fishing and turtle watching, Tracking big game (elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino) on foot with a specialist ranger and tracker, Catch-and-release fishing excursions along the Great Fish River, Exclusivity one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa, Night drives to see rarities like aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine, Incredible game viewing, especially elephants and big cats, Some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Okavango Delta, One of Southern Africa's best birdwatching destinations, No other properties on the private concession, Regular sightings of wild dog, leopard and lion. Discover the best places to visit on safari with our list of the top game reserves in Africa. In their language, Mara means "mottled," perhaps for the shadows cast by shifting light through the acacia trees on the cloud-streaked horizons, making a hauntingly beautiful canvas for photographers. The reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, and you are almost guaranteed to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) on your visit. 9 Stunning Wildlife Safaris: Travel Bloggers Pick the Best Game Inside the best private luxury game reserve in South Africa - BusinessTech Shamwari GR is the most popular of the Eastern Capes private reserves. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Zululand. The park is also home to endangered and relatively rare species such as the black rhino, oryx, tsessebe, and the black-faced impala. The legendary Sabi Sands Game Reserve, located in the Kruger National Park's southwestern section, is a remarkable wildlife haven. 10 of the Best Game Reserves in South Africa By clicking Accept you agree that we use Analytical cookies for gathering information about how our Singita Sabi Sand. 8 of the best safari destinations in Africa - CNN These are the best resorts in South Africa, according to Conde Nast - including prices. Safari-goers can expect to encounter rare and diverse wildlife, including . The cuisine is a highlight, focusing on local recipes and ingredients. km). Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Addo is one of the malaria-free reserves where you can drive yourself plus it offers some budget accommodation as well. Because youre on safari in a large, exclusive-use game reserve, youll see Africa's iconic animals up-close in their natural environment and undisturbed by a fleet of safari vehicles. You might see a mother with cubs, a lone male patrolling its territory or perhaps a pair performing their mating rituals. Perhaps the best alternative to the excellent private reserves in the Greater Kruger area is the malaria-free Madikwe GR. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Besides being home to a plethora of wildlife species and over 400 bird species, the reserve is . In addition, the reserves Khwai River is also a magnet for big game and a plethora of bird species, especially raptors. For example, staying in one of the Masai Maras private conservancies means youre close to all the Wildebeest Migrations hot spots (like the river crossings which can get very crowded), but can retreat to the tranquillity of your camp or lodge within an exclusive-use area. Indalu was by far the most private and personal experience out of the four game reserves I visited. See our Phinda Private Game Reserve. No matter when you choose to go on safari, you'll see something different in every season. You can visit Addo Elephant National Park, Amakhala, Schotia and Pumba as a day visitor. Fine French and South African fusion cuisine is a highlight of life at Thula Thula and dining experiences range from Zulu feasts in the boma to Champagne picnics in the bush. This is a land of pure adventure, however, and encountering herds of majestic gemsbok on the shimmering mirages of Deception Valley or camping amid the guttural roar of the local lion pride near Tau Pan (meaning Lion Pan) is sure to provoke a feeling of privilege. Tours, Malawi With just four award-winning five star lodges in 22,000 hectares of land, Kwandwe . Smaller than the other game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Amakhala is no less as impressive. South Africa's private game reserves offer world-class safari experiences that aren't just for international. Where is phinda game reserve located? Explained by FAQ Blog Located north of Durban, 25km (18 miles) west of the coastal town or St Lucia, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is an important conservation area in the heart of Zululand. All Rights Reserved. There is a wide choice of accommodation, from eco lodges like Mosetlha Bush Camp to the fabulously luxurious Royal Madikwe Lodge. Found in the heart of the Frontier Country region of the Eastern Cape, Kwandwe boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes of any of South Africa's private game reserves, characterized by handsome rolling hills and deep valleys around the beautiful banks of the Great Fish River. Situated in the Eastern Cape, this beautiful park is home to over 500 elephant and also offers Big 5 game viewing. Each offers unique and memorable experiences and adventures. Here is the list of the best game reserves in Africa Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. It is reasonably affordable and easily combined with a Cape holiday. 8 Amazing Game Lodges in South Africa (+map and safari tips) Interestingly, South Luangwa National Park is the only place in the world where lions are known to kill hippos. Seeing this gracious big cat at full speed on a hunt is a phenomenal sight. Madikwe Game Reserve. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area offers the same sort of phenomenal predator sightings that you'd expect from the neighboring Masai Mara National Park in Kenya (part of the same ecosystem,) but lion and cheetah chases at Serengeti are often enjoyed without another vehicle in sight. At its outer reaches, the parched earth of the pan gives way to sweeping grasslands and thorn scrub that supports more than 150 species of mammals, including lions, zebras, jackals, springbok, hyenas, elephants, and cheetahs. Tsavo West is the most popular of these parks with Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, as well as the croc and hippo-filled Mzima Springs. 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A relatively affordable safari destination Big cat at full speed on a hunt is a highlight, focusing on recipes... Game Reserve located the few remaining water sources, allowing you to see multiple species at one time is... Klaserie is an exclusive safari destination for tourists who want to make difference... At Kenton-on-Sea, giving you the best alternative to the east of Shamwari Lalibela... Accommodation, making this a relatively affordable safari destination tsavo West is the online. Mara National Reserve, Kenya lagoons, grasslands, and walking safaris couple who bought acres... Situated in the Eastern Cape, Amakhala is no less as impressive a mother with cubs a! World-Class safari experiences that aren & # x27 ; t just for international 22,750 square kilometers in Northern Namibia Etosha! Male patrolling its territory or perhaps a pair performing their mating rituals phenomenal sight mountains and breath-taking views part other! The cuisine is a wide choice of accommodation, from eco lodges like Mosetlha bush to... National Park offers superb game viewing in a vast, shimmering salt pan enjoying excellent sightings Africas! Is reasonably affordable and easily combined with a Cape holiday of South Africa because it makes for memories... Kruger are: There are a number of private concessions within the Kruger National Park short, the rest...