South African Private Game Reserves
Help Me PlanTop Private Game Reserves in South Africa
South Africa’s private reserves deliver varied, high-end safaris—from family-friendly camps to ultra-luxury hideaways—in landscapes ranging from coastal forests to classic bushveld. Expect open-vehicle game drives, expert guides and reliable Big Five viewing. These are the private reserves favored by African Sky Safaris & Tours.
Phinda in KwaZulu-Natal protects seven distinct ecosystems, including rare sand forest, and pairs exceptional wildlife with refined lodge hospitality. Close to the Indian Ocean, it combines easily with time on the coast for a classic bush-and-beach experience.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger open system and shares unfenced boundaries with Kruger. Several private and luxury lodges offer daily open 4x4 game drives with skilled rangers and trackers.
Madikwe, in South Africa’s North West Province on the Botswana border, is a malaria-free provincial game reserve managed by the North West Parks Board. Set in a transition zone between Kalahari and bushveld, it offers diverse habitats and quality lodge options.
Sabi Sand - Where the Leopard Roams
South Africa’s oldest and best-known private reserve, the Sabi Sand is renowned for exceptional game-viewing, luxurious lodges and professional guiding. Leopard sightings are particularly reliable here, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities.
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Tours and Safaris that visit South Africa's Private Reserves
African Sky recommends a handful of packages that showcase leading private reserves with seamless lodge stays and open-vehicle game drives.
This luxury South African safari combines the Greater Kruger, Zululand and the Eastern Cape Province.
Visit two premier private reserves in Greater Kruger—Timbavati and Sabi Sand—for a focused week of wildlife and comfort.
Devote a week to three distinct parts of the Greater Kruger with luxury lodges in standout locations.
Greater Kruger’s most exclusive camps and exceptional game viewing—designed for travelers who want the very best.
Focus on Sabi Sand and Phinda—two of South Africa’s most celebrated private reserves.
Experience one of the world’s most luxurious safari settings at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabi Sand.
Balule - In the Valley of the Olifants River
Balule is a lesser-known reserve in Greater Kruger with fine lodge accommodation and excellent Big Five safaris along the scenic Olifants River valley.
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Other Private Reserves
Each of these reserves plays an essential role in protecting South Africa’s natural heritage and offers safari experiences in areas of unique ecology.
The Klaserie occupies prime game-viewing land in Greater Kruger, immediately north of Timbavati, and shares unfenced borders. A handful of lodges conduct daily game drives, and access via Hoedspruit Airport is straightforward.
Arguably the least developed of the private reserves in Greater Kruger, Manyeleti—“place of the stars” in the Shangaan language—covers about 23,000 ha between Sabi Sand and Timbavati. Accommodation is offered in several lodges and camps.
Welgevonden spans roughly 36,000 ha in the Waterberg, about a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, in a malaria-free area. Lodges of varying luxury levels offer exclusive getaways and daily open 4x4 safaris.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari is the best-known private conservation area in the south of South Africa. Enjoy malaria-free Big Five safaris with luxury accommodation options a short drive inland from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), close to Addo Elephant National Park.
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