South Africa is a diverse country with approximately 20 million hectares of land dedicated solely to game reserves. It is incredible to know that in a country that spans over 114.2 million hectares there are as many as 10 000 private game reserves which collectively offer sanctuary to as many as 230 mammal species and over 800 species of birds.
South Africa has become an iconic safari destination with the Kruger National Park taking centre stage around the world. But it is not the only reserve to offer unforgettable Big 5 safari experiences. Here are our Top 5 Safari Spots in South Africa.Â
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
The Sabi Sands forms part of the Greater Kruger, boasting over 49 481 hectares of pristine wilderness that isn’t open to the public for self-drives. Some of the most luxurious lodges in Southern African can be found in the Sabi Sands and the safari experience is nothing but exclusive.
Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, the animals move freely between the two parks, offering incredible up-close encounters with the Big 5 and other wildlife. The Sabi Sands terrain is favorable to the big cats, making it one of the best places to see lion, cheetah and leopard.
Offering off-road game drives, guides are able to track animals deep into the bush and guided walking safaris are a great way to discover the various fauna and flora of the reserve whilst heightening all of your senses.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem that nestles between Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal. Spanning across 17 000 hectares, Phinda boasts a diversity of habitats, making it the perfect place to not only spot the Big 5 but a number of other rare animal species, including the cheetah, black rhino, and occasionally wild dog.
The reserve has six luxurious lodges that cater to the needs of families, couples and solo explorers. Each of the lodges offer a personalized service and extraordinary experiences, including open vehicle game drives, bush walks, bird watching, Zulu village tours, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba and ocean safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, participative conservation experiences, and bush dining experiences.
Positioned in the Eastern Cape and perfect as an add on to a self-drive along the Garden Route, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a favorite for wildlife conservationists and families looking for a family-friendly adventure.
This reserve is recognized internationally for its contribution to wildlife conservation, hosting the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue Centre, Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, and the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
The 20 000 hectare private reserve is malaria-free and boasts five opulent lodges and luxury tented camp. The safari experience at Shamwari is incredible, with frequent sightings of the Big 5 and other elusive animals such as cheetah, caracal, wild do, aardwolf, and brown hyena.
The Kids on Safari Adventure Centre is a hit with the kids and offers a number of indoor and outdoor activities, including climbing towers, elevated walkways, zip lines, a toddlers’ play area, maze, and a mini soccer field. Kids aged 4 years and older are permitted on the scheduled game drives, whilst younger kids are entertained by childminders at a nominal fee.
Madikwe Private Game Reserve is often overlooked but it is truly one of the best safari spots in South Africa, situated approximately four to five hours drive from Johannesburg.
Once farmland, Madikwe is now a pristine wilderness of big skies and vast open plains, providing sanctuary to a wide range of animals, including the Big 5 and 300 species of birds. It is arguably the best place in South Africa to see endangered wild dogs, as most of the population is found in the neighbouring country of Botswana.
Like most private game reserves, Madikwe boasts a collection of 4 and 5 star luxury lodges and camps and offers a more private safari experience. The reserve is not open to the public, limiting the number of vehicles at sightings.
Other activities offered in the reserve include guided bush walks, bird watching, star gazing, village tours, bush dining experiences and spa treatments.
The Waterberg Biosphere is one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountainous regions and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its indigenous flora & fauna, ancient rock art, and geological sites.
Located in the Limpopo Province, approximately 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the Waterberg Biosphere encompasses approximately 600 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, with popular game reserves such as Welgevonden, Marakele, Mabalingwe, and Lapalala making up a big portion of the region.
Activities offered in the region include guided bush walks and game drives, bird watching, horse riding safaris, fishing, river boat cruises, hiking, 4×4 trails, and mountain biking.
There is a variety of accommodation options in this region, ranging from self-catering to luxury lodges and tented camps.
