The Greater Kruger is made up of the Kruger National Park and surrounding game reserves
South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park iconic. It is is made up of: the world-famous Kruger National Park, the Limpopo National Park stretching in to Mozambique, and a host of private and provincial game reserves and conservancies surrounding it. The region is one of Africa’s (and the world’s) premier safari destinations, with an abundance and diversity of plant and animal species that is breathtaking. This immense expanse of land is home to the Big 5, general plains game, healthy populations of predators, an array of birdlife, and a commendable variety of tree, reptile, fish, and amphibian species. There is a range of accommodation options on offer, from luxury lodges in the private reserves and concessions, to self-catering lodges and campsites, to rustic bush camps. There is something in the Greater Kruger for everyone.
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s, and the world’s, most iconic safari destinations. Almost two million hectares in size, the park is home to a staggering diversity of plant and animal species. A multitude of habitat types gives rise to a an abundance of tree, reptile, mammal, fish, and bird species. Africa’s iconic Big 5 is one of the highlights of a trip to the Kruger, and its excellent road network and variety of accommodation types allow for an unforgettable safari experience.
The best of the best in terms of safari destinations! The Sabi Sands, situated in South Arica‘s Kruger and Lowveld region, is one of Africa’s most popular game reserves for game viewing. Big 5 game viewing is almost unrivalled, and the highlight being that the usually elusive leopard is seen everyday. A range of luxury to super luxury lodges make up the accommodation in the Sabi Sands, allowing for a top end safari experience like no other.
The Timbavati is an expansive 53 000 hectare, game-rich private game reserve that shares an unfenced boundary with the iconic Kruger National Park. It is made up of undulating hills of open savannah woodland and dense mopane tree belt tracts. Big 5 game-viewing is excellent in the reserve, with elephant and buffalo herds occurring in large numbers. Leopards are also seem fairly commonly. The region is also home to a small population of rare wild white lions. The Timbavati is a great destination for a safari away, and is generally less crowded than other areas of the Greater Kruger.
Balule Reserve is made up of a host of privately-owned game farms in the Kruger region, and it shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park itself. The reserve has an excellent road network. Some of the guided safari vehicles have exclusive rights over these roads, bringing visitors into close contact with the wild animals species of the region. A collection of lodges and camps make up the accommodation in the reserve.
The Manyeleti is found between the Timbavati and Sabi areas of the Kruger region, and although it is one of the lesser-known reserves of the area, it provides an excellent safari experience. The reserve offers all the ingredients needed for a top-class African safari: the Big 5, general plains game, and large predator species. Accommodation options include luxury lodges and affordable self-catering camps.
The Pafuri is found in the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, and has several distinctions from the southern and central areas of the park. There are several species that can be seen in this part of the park that aren’t found in other areas. The area is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 400 species recorded, and several very rare species found. Visitors to the Pafuri can expect to see spectacular geological formations, fever tree forests, and elephants herds grazing under baobab trees. The region is also less crowded than the southern and central parts of the park.
The Klaserie shares an unfenced border with Timbavati and the Kruger National Park, and as such, wildlife species are able to roam freely across this massive landscape. The reserve is home to a plethora of animal and plant species, with the Big 5 also present. Lucky visitors may get to see a rare white lion. The Klaserie River flows through the area and attracts wildlife to its banks. The reserve enjoys a low density of game vehicles and lodges, meaning that visitors will get to enjoy a less crowded safari experience.
Mala Mala is one of the Greater Kruger‘s most well-known private game reserves, and offers an excellent game-viewing and luxury safari experience. All of the Big 5 are found in the reserve, and it is one of the best places on the planet to spot leopards. The reserve’s knowledgeable guides conduct game drives and bring guests into close contact with the wildlife, even venturing off roads in pursuit of animal sightings. The reserve is also home to more than 300 bird species.
