Kruger National Park Safari

The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with South Africa’s flagship Kruger National Park in Limpopo. Famously offering one of Africa’s ultimate luxury safari experiences, Sabi is known for effortlessly delivering extraordinary and up-close animal sightings. Highly-trained tour guides who are able to take you off-road for more intimate encounters. They share their insights to improve their guests’ understanding of this semi-arid area and its wild inhabitants. The area’s leopard population is legendary and with Sabi’s experts at your disposal, you have a better-than-usual chance of spotting these evasive creatures in their natural habitat. 

A number of exclusive camps at Sabi Sands provide a full-service stay, including all meals and safari activities. Savor the carefully curated flavors of Africa at your leisure. Enjoy fully-guided game drives or spend a lazy afternoon poolside. You might even be interrupted by a curious giraffe or three.  Day visitors and self-drives are not permitted at Sabi Sands. This ensures you an exclusive safari experience with exceptional service to match. 

Sabi Sands was previously an agricultural area. Many of the original boreholes and dams have been retained as permanent water sources for the wildlife population. This makes the reserve less seasonally-dependent than others in the area.  

The proliferation of Africa’s Big 5, large game, smaller wild creatures, insects and birds make this area a photographer’s dream. It is even possible to book a specialized photographic safari. Here the emphasis is on waiting for the preferred angle, optimal lighting and perfect shot. 

Best Time to Visit the Sabi Sands Game Reserve:

In the Spring and Summer months (September to February) Sabi is teeming with life, particularly in the Spring when babies are plentiful. However, it can be very hot, so travelers who prefer a cooler climate might prefer to wait for Autumn and Winter (March-August) when the temperatures abate and the drier brush offers less coverage for the wildlife.  

14000 hectares of prime Big 5 Game viewing make the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo Province one of the prime safari destinations in the well-known Greater Kruger Park area. The reserve’s unfenced boundaries with the Kruger National Park allow animals to roam freely between the two parks, increasing the diversity of wildlife viewing. The density of wildlife at Thornybush almost guarantees you marking lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and the African buffalo off your viewing list within the first two days of your visit.  

Visitors to Thornybush enjoy dawn and dusk game drives as well as safe, guided nature walks. Its proximity to the Kapama and Timbavati Game Reserves and the Kruger Park provides tranquil and uncrowded exploration of this wildlife-rich area. 

Accommodation at Thornybush ranges from exceptionally luxurious premier stays for the discerning traveller, to classic safari style game lodges and comfortable family amenities with fun safari activities for the youngsters. For the corporate market, there are also excellent conference facilities for hosting business groups and team building excursions. 

Best Time to Visit Thornybush Game Reserve:

The best time to visit Thornybush really comes down to personal choice; a near-perfect climate makes this a sought-after year-round destination.  During the Winter months from May-October, the cooler daytime temperatures and thinning vegetation make for exceptional game viewing, while the rainy season between December and April transforms the dry bush into a lush Eden and bird watching is at its most rewarding. This is also birthing season and babies are in abundance, increasing your chances of spotting predators on the move.  

Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld region, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve beckons with a rich tapestry of untamed wilderness and purposeful conservation. Born from the collective vision of like-minded landowners in the 1950s, this expansive 53,396-hectare reserve is not just a sanctuary; it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to safeguarding nature’s legacy for future generations.

Founded in 1956, the Timbavati Association emerged as a response to the looming threat of inappropriate land use that could erode habitats and rob the landscape of its diverse wildlife. Over the years, this non-profit entity has grown, now uniting 47 landowners under a common constitution, devoted to the preservation of the area’s unique fauna and flora.

A pivotal moment in the reserve’s history occurred in 1993 when the boundaries between Timbavati and the Kruger National Park dissolved, marking a revolutionary step in open conservation systems. Today, Timbavati stands as an integral part of the Greater Kruger National Park, contributing to the internationally acclaimed Kruger 2 Canyons UNESCO Man and Biosphere System.

As you traverse the 18 all-inclusive lodges and 4 self-catering camps within Timbavati, each night’s stay becomes a contribution to the conservation of wildlife and the sustenance of local communities. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, the reserve boasts a highly professional organization dedicated to protecting endangered species, from rhinoceros to pangolins.

Step into Timbavati, where each rustle in the bush tells a story of resilience, where conservation meets luxury, and where the legacy of foresighted landowners unfolds in the pristine wilderness of the Lowveld.

Best Time to Visit the Timbavati Game Reserve

Visit between July and October for a spectacle as large herds migrate back into the area, turning the park into a wildlife haven. Avoid the wet season from January to March, when certain areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.

Step into a place where time stands still, and the heartbeat of the African bush echoes in the air – welcome to Kapama Private Game Reserve, an expansive sanctuary spanning over 15,000 hectares in the heart of the Greater Kruger Park. Kapama beckons those seeking not just a safari but an immersive journey into the soul of South Africa‘s wilderness. 

This haven of tranquillity boasts five distinctive lodges, each a testament to luxury and distinct character. Whether you’re captivated by the old-world charm of Buffalo Camp, the welcoming warmth of Southern Camp, or the dynamic ambience of River Lodge, there’s so much on offer at Kapama. No matter where you go, from the exclusive retreat of Kapama Kruger Homestead to the pinnacle of opulence at Kapama Karula, each promises an unparalleled safari experience. 

The beauty of Kapama extends far beyond its luxurious accommodations. It’s a realm where wildlife thrives, a mosaic of pristine landscapes where the boundaries between man and nature blur. As the African sun casts its golden glow, the air hums with the harmonious symphony of the wild. 

But Kapama is not merely a spectator’s paradise; it’s an active participant in your journey. Legendary game drives, included in the tariffs, invite you to explore diverse landscapes and encounter the iconic Big Five. Guided bush walks, led by skilled trail guides, unveil the secrets of tracking animals through footprints, spoor patterns, and scent marking, creating an intimate connection with the environment. 

Yet, Kapama isn’t only about the untamed wilderness; it’s a place of rejuvenation. Two exquisite spa and wellness centres at River Lodge and Kapama Karula invite you to indulge in the finest treatments, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. 

Kapama is not just a destination; it’s an escape into the African soul, a timeless retreat where every moment becomes a cherished memory. 

Best Time to Visit the Kapama Game Reserve

Experience the essence of Kapama’s wildlife during the drier months from April to September when game viewing is at its peak. Witness the vibrant landscapes and diverse fauna that make this reserve a year-round destination for awe-inspiring encounters.