Set alongside the Kruger National Park's unfenced western boundary, Kruger's private reserves deliver the best Big 5 game viewing in Southern Africa.
Easily accessible via road or air, these exclusive, conservation-driven reserves are also home to some of Africa's finest safari accommodation - whether for families, honeymooners or adventure seekers - and guests can expect a luxury safari experience with superb service and cuisine plus facilities such as gyms, health spas and private pools.
You'll pay a premium to stay at a private Kruger game reserve but the expense is worth it: not only are they packed with animals but you'll get closer and more frequent sightings than normal and your chances of seeing all of the Big 5 are virtually guaranteed. The standards of guiding are extremely high and you'll enjoy safari activities not normally permitted in the Kruger Park itself such as off-road driving for extra close-up encounters, exciting spot-lit night drives, and guided nature walks.
Browse through our recommended Kruger private reserves or simply contact us and we'll match a reserve to your requirements.
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Home to several of Africa's most famous safari brands such as Singita, Londolozi, Mala Mala and the eponymous Sabi Sabi, this reserve features the most exclusive, luxurious safari accommodation in the country and delivers arguably the best Big 5 game viewing in Africa.
Read more about Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
Thornybush Private Game Reserve
A well-named reserve of open savannah woodland with dense patches of tangled thicket and thorny scrub, Thornybush is a famous Big 5 reserve featuring excellent safari accommodation for families, romantics and wildlife enthusiasts.
Read more about Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
Timbavati Private Game Reserve
A local conservation success story, Timbavati's 53 000 hectares make up a spectacular Big 5 private reserve.
Read more about Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
Balule Private Game Reserve
Set at the centre of the Kruger's western boundary, the 40 000 hectare Balule is home to only a handful of luxury lodges. There's classic Big 5 game viewing on offer as well as superb bird watching in the riverine forests that flank the reserve's Olifants River.
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Easily accessible from nearby Hoedspruit Airport, Kapama is 13 000 hectares of open woodland and tangled riverine forest. Besides Big 5 game viewing, guests at Kapama's lodges can enjoy hot-air balloon flights, elephant-back safaris and sleep-outs under the stars.
Klaserie Private Game Reserve
The 60 000 hectare Klaserie Private Game Reserve is hot and dry for most of the year which makes game viewing along the reserve's Klaserie River hugely rewarding. There's great Big 5 game viewing and plenty of plains game too.
Makalali Private Game Reserve
A 22 000 hectare reserve of acacia scrub, rocky hills and open savannah surrounding the riverine forests of the Makhutswi River, hot and dry Makalali is classic Big 5 country and you can also expect to see traditional Shangaan dancing at the handful of lodges on the reserve.
Manyeleti Private Game Reserve
Manyeleti's prime location between the Kruger, Sabi Sands and Timbavati means excellent Big 5 game viewing. One of the drier areas of the Kruger, it's famous for both its animal-packed waterholes and clear night skies - expect amazing evenings at 'the Place of Stars'.
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve
Although the highly diverse Nkomazi Game Reserve doesn't border the Kruger National Park, its malaria-free setting south-west of the park puts it firmly in the Greater Kruger area and makes it a great choice for Big 5 game viewing while touring the Panorama Route.