South African Private Game Reserves

The private reserves of South Africa offer many distinct safari experiences, from family-friendly to romantically secluded in various regions of South Africa. These reserves provide international tourists with unforgettable luxury safaris in areas largely untouched by time and civilization. At lodges, the primary safari activity is open 4X4 game drives accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers.

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Top Private Game Reserves in South Africa

The private game reserves recommended by African Sky Safaris & Tours are home to the Big Five. The elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion are the most illustrious of all of Africa's mammals. A close encounter with one of these magnificent animals is often hair-raising but always memorable.

Phinda is home to seven distinct ecosystems making game viewing in this private reserve a unique experience. The most intriguing of these ecosystems are the rare dry sand forests. The reserve boasts exceptional luxury lodges and is located not far from the beaches of the Indian Ocean - making it a wonderful bush and beach experience.

Timbavati Private reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It offers game viewing that rivals the Sabi Sand, the more famous reserve further south. Timbavati is home to several personal and luxury lodges - bases for exploring the African Wilderness on daily open 4x4 game drives accompanied by skilled rangers and trackers.

Madikwe is located in South Africa's North West Province on the border with Botswana. Though officially a national park, it is listed here because of the many luxury lodges in Madikwe. The reserve has the unique distinction of lying on the transition zone between the arid Kalahari and the higher rainfall bushveld regions. The area is malaria free.

Sabi Sand - Where the Leopard Roams

South Africa's oldest and most famous private game reserve. The Sabi Sand is internationally renowned for its exceptional game viewing, luxurious lodges, and impeccable service that tourists can savor in the wild places of Africa. This reserve's frequency of leopard sightings is rivaled nowhere else in Africa.

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Tours and Safaris that visit South Africa's Private Reserves

African Sky recommends a few packages that offer some of the finest safari lodge experiences in South Africa.

9 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: S13

This luxury South African safari package combines the Greater Kruger National Park, Zululand, and the Eastern Cape Province.

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: KP05

Visits to two of the premier private reserves in South Africa, the Timbavati and Sabi Sand, make this luxury safari a truly memorable experience.

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Personal Code: KP10

A week devoted to safari adventures in three different parts of the Greater Kruger National Park. The safari features luxury lodges in exceptional locations.

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Exclusive Top-End Code: KP01

Suppose the best the Greater Kruger National Park has to offer in terms of ultra-luxurious accommodations and exceptional game viewing opportunities is what you are after. In that case, this is the safari for you.

7 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Luxury Code: S14

Two of the most popular private game reserves in South Africa - Sabi Sand and Phinda are the focus of this luxury safari package.

5 Days From: ZAR 69,270 pp Exclusive Top-End Code: KP02

Best of the Sabi Sand is an exclusive safari based at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge - one of the world's most luxurious safari venues.

Balule - In the Valley of the Olifants River

Balule is one of the lesser-known private reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park. It offers fine lodge accommodations and excellent Big Five Safaris in one of the most scenic parts of Kruger.

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Other Private Reserves

Each of these reserves plays an essential role in protecting the natural heritage of South Africa. They offer safari experiences in areas of unique ecology throughout the country.

The Klaserie Occupies prime game viewing land in the Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve offers a few lodges from where daily game drives are conducted. It is immediately north of the Timbavati and shares an unfenced border with this conservation area. Klaserie is easily accessible from the airport in Hoedspruit.

Arguably the least developed of the private reserves that form part of Greater Kruger. Manyeleti occupies a 23 000 Ha tract of wilderness between the Sabi Sand and Timbavati. 'Place of the Stars' - in the local Shangaan Language. Accommodation is provided in three lodges.

Welgevonden encompasses 36 000 hectrares in the Waterberg region in South Africa's Limpopo Province. It is a drive of about two and a half hours from Johannesburg and is one of the most scenic of South Africa's Private Game Reserves. Lodge accommodations of varying degrees of luxury offer an exclusive getaway with daily open 4x4 safaris.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari is the best-known private conservation area in the southern part of South Africa. Here you can enjoy malaria-free Big Five safaris with luxury accommodation options a short drive inland from Port Elizabeth. It is an ideal family safari destination near the Addo Elephant National Park.

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