The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination, but it’s far from the only place to experience world-class wildlife encounters. Whether you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, a malaria-free option, or a safari closer to home, South Africa has plenty of incredible reserves to explore.
Limpopo & Mpumalanga: Kruger-like safaris without the crowds
Picture/Manyeleti Game Reserve
If you want the classic Lowveld safari experience but with fewer visitors, these reserves are perfect alternatives:
- Manyeleti Game Reserve – An unfenced neighbor of Kruger, known for its low tourist numbers and excellent Big Five sightings.
- Balule Nature Reserve – Part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, this reserve offers great wildlife viewing at more budget-friendly rates.
- Thornybush Game Reserve – A private reserve with luxury lodges and expert-guided game drives.
- Kapama Private Game Reserve – A blend of luxury and accessibility, offering a range of safari experiences.
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve – Famous for its rare white lions and incredible game viewing.
KwaZulu-Natal: coastal safaris & diverse landscapes
Picture/Instagram/Hluhluwe Wildlife
KwaZulu-Natal’s reserves offer everything from savannah safaris to wetland and coastal wildlife experiences.
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – One of Africa’s oldest reserves, famous for its rhino conservation efforts.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and marine wildlife.
- Phinda Private Game Reserve – A high-end safari experience with diverse landscapes, from woodlands to coastal dunes.
- Tembe Elephant Park – Home to some of Africa’s largest elephants, offering an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Weenen Game Reserve – A small but scenic reserve great for self-drives and spotting rare species like black rhino.
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Eastern Cape: malaria-free & family-friendly
Picture/Shamwari Game Reserve
Perfect for families or those who prefer a malaria-free safari experience, the Eastern Cape has some of South Africa’s top reserves.
- Addo Elephant National Park – A Big Seven Park where you can see elephants, lions, and even marine life.
- Shamwari Private Game Reserve – A conservation-focused luxury reserve with excellent Big Five viewing.
- Kariega Game Reserve – A beautiful, family-run reserve with both river and land-based safaris.
- Lalibela Game Reserve – A smaller, exclusive reserve offering private game drives and excellent guiding.
- Amakhala Game Reserve – A scenic reserve with varied landscapes and great wildlife encounters.
North West: the best safaris near Gauteng
Picture/Madikwe Game Reserve
- For those in Johannesburg or Pretoria, these reserves offer incredible wildlife experiences without the long drive to Kruger.
- Madikwe Game Reserve – A top-tier, malaria-free Big Five reserve with a luxury safari feel.
- Pilanesberg National Park – A self-drive-friendly reserve set in a stunning volcanic crater.
- Botsalano Game Reserve – Known for its excellent rhino sightings and peaceful atmosphere.
- Mokolodi Nature Reserve – Just across the border in Botswana, offering an affordable and intimate wildlife experience.
- Kgaswane Mountain Reserve – A lesser-known gem for those who love hiking and game viewing combined.
Western Cape: safari meets scenic beauty
Picture/Instagram/Inverdoon Game Reserve
While the Western Cape isn’t traditionally associated with safaris, these reserves offer excellent game viewing in picturesque settings.
- Sanbona Wildlife Reserve – Home to free-roaming white lions in a dramatic Karoo landscape.
- Gondwana Game Reserve – The only free-roaming Big Five reserve in the Cape floral kingdom.
- Aquila Private Game Reserve – A convenient, beginner-friendly safari just two hours from Cape Town.
- Inverdoorn Game Reserve – Another good option close to Cape Town, with a strong focus on conservation.
- Botlierskop Private Game Reserve – A luxurious reserve near Mossel Bay with excellent game viewing and beautiful scenery.
Kruger may be South Africa’s most famous safari destination, but it’s not the only place where you can have an unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you’re looking for exclusivity, affordability, or something unique like a coastal safari, there’s a game reserve in South Africa that suits your needs.
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