The Kruger’s private game reserves are set alongside the national park’s unfenced western boundary and deliver the best Big 5 game viewing in Southern Africa. Some of our favourites are:
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Thornybush Private Game Reserve
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
- Kapama Game Reserve
- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
The ‘Kruger area’ and a ‘Kruger safari’ usually comprise the massive national park itself plus the park’s surrounding private game reserves. Easily accessible via road or air, these exclusive, conservation-driven reserves are home to some of Africa's finest safari accommodation. Whether you’re planning a safari for the family, a romantic honeymoon or a wildlife adventure, you can expect a luxury safari experience with superb service and cuisine, plus facilities like gyms, health spas and private pools.
Best Reasons to Visit Kruger’s Private Game Reserves
- Stay at luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds.
- Enjoy 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa by award-winning chefs.
- See high concentrations of animals without tourist crowds. There are strict vehicle limits at wildlife sightings.
- Experience closer and more frequent animal sightings than in the national park.
- Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard).
- Experience extremely high standards of safari guiding.
- Enjoy safari activities like off-road driving for extra close-up encounters, exciting spot-lit night drives and guided nature walks – these are not permitted in the national park.
Kruger National Park vs Private Game Reserves
National Park (Public) | Private Game Reserves | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Self-drivers in Rental Cars | ✔ | X | |||
Tour Buses | ✔ | X | |||
Guided Game Drives | ✔ (with national rangers) |
✔ | |||
Private Game Drives | X | ✔ | |||
Vehicle Limits at Sightings | X | ✔ | |||
Guided Nature Walks | X | ✔ | |||
Night Game Drives | X | ✔ | |||
Star-bed Sleepouts | X | ✔ | |||
Private Pools | X | ✔ | |||
Big 5 Sightings | ✔ | ✔ | |||
Self-catering Accommodation | ✔ | X | |||
Off-road Game Driving | X | ✔ | |||
National Park Access | ✔ | ✔ | |||
Access to Private Game Reserves | X | ✔ | |||
Public Camping | ✔ | X | |||
Budget Accommodation | ✔ | X |