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Within this reserve bordering the south western part of
the Kruger National Park there are many private lodges.
Our selection is based on the quality of accommodation,
the professionalism of the rangers and trackers and the
profusion of wildlife. Access can be by road but, we
would recommend a transfer from a nearby airport or a
flight to one of the private airstrips with a minimum
stay of 3 days/2 nights.
For variety, a safari can be
combined with a few days touring the spectacular scenery
of the Blyde River Canyon area or flying from Nelspruit
to Vilanculos in Mozambique and staying at one of the
Indian Ocean beach resorts |
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Timbavati borders the central section of the Kruger
National Park and the nearest airport is Hoedspruit.
Makalali is to the west of Mica and, again, accessible
via Hoedspruit. You can also drive but we would
recommend a transfer from one of the nearby airports or
a flight to one of the airstrips.
The highlight of
staying in a private reserve is game viewing by open
safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced ranger and
tracker. Game viewing between May and August has the
added bonus of little foliage on the trees and bushes
which can allow for easier sighting of wildlife.
Temperatures are also lower at this time of the year.
Before or after your safari a few days can be spent
touring the ‘Panorama Route’ or in the Tzaneen area |
The Giraffe, the tallest mammal, eats
leaves and
likes open country. It can grow to
18ft , can be aggressive and moves surprisingly fast.
With over 700 species of bird recorded in
South
Africa, bird watching has become a popular pastime that is
easily combinable with game viewing.
Various
antelope will be seen whilst on safari – Waterbuck with their
distinctive markings, Sable sporting splendid horns, the sleek
Impala and striped Nyala.
After sunset many nocturnal hunting
animals come
out to feed and these include the Genet, Civet and rarely seen
Aardvaak
The male Lion can weigh up to 240 kg.
The lioness
has no mane and prides of six to twelve, basically formed of
lionesses, doze in the shade during the
day and hunt at dusk.
The Hippopotamus, whose name is Latin
for ‘water horse, is really of the pig family. Hippos congregate
in schools of around 15, led by a territorial male.
Take along more than one pair of
binoculars, if possible one for each member of your party, as
having to share – especially when something really special comes
into view – can be so frustrating!
The Springbok is South Africa’s
national animal and gets its name from its almost vertical leaps
in the air.
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Game Reserves
KIRKMANS KAMP
Named after W. Harry
Kirkman, one of South Africa’s foremost
conservationists, the house built in 1920’s style architecture, is
filled with furniture and artifacts of the period. Today this area
is known to have the greatest diversification of animal species on
the African continent. There is a delightful colonial lounge, cosy
bar and dining room. On 2 sides of the house there is a terrace and
dining deck with far reaching views over the surrounding bush. In
the extensive grounds is a swimming pool and ‘boma’ for evening
dining. There are 18 very well appointed, air-conditioned, terraced
cottages each having a balcony or patio with wonderful views over
the Sand River. Access by air via the Mala Mala airstrip.
LEOPARD HILLS
Built on a hill overlooking a natural waterhole and close to the
perennial Sand River, the lodge has 8 glass fronted air-conditioned
suites each having a verandah, private plunge pool and a view over
the bush. In the beautifully appointed main lodge is a library with
a large selection of literature and African journals, a lounge,
dining area serving fine cuisine and a sun deck with pool. Evening
dining can also be in the traditional Shangaan boma under the
African stars. Being such a small lodge you are assured of a
personal safari experience. Game viewing drives are undertaken by
specially adapted Land Rovers with individual bucket seats and fold
down arm rests which ensure maximum comfort and safety.
NOTTEN'S BUSH CAMP
The lodge is personally run by the Notten family and can accommodate
a maximum of 12 guests. It has a romantic feel substantiated by an
authentic touch – no electricity! Candles give an ambient light to
the elegantly styled chalets which are cooled by overhead fans. The
open plan lounge leads onto a deck with spectacular views over a
vast plain and waterhole with frequent sightings of game coming to
drink. There is a pool and dinner is served around a blazing fire in
the boma under a canopy of stars. Apart from game viewing drives in
early morning and late afternoon, daily walks are usually available
in mid/late morning accompanied by an experienced ranger. Credit
cards are not accepted for the payment of any ‘extras’ such as
drinks etc.
LION SANDS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The reserve is situated in the southern part of the Sabi Sand Game
Reserve. There are 2 camps within the reserve: Ivory Lodge– an
intimate camp with6 luxurious suites each with a plunge pool and
views over the Sabi River. There is a wine cellar, gym & health spa,
curio shop and indoor & outdoor dining areas. River Lodges– built on
the banks of the Sabie River has 20 well appointed rooms, each with
a wooden viewing deck, connected by raised walkways. There are 2
swimming pools, health spa and indoor & outdoor dining areas. Apart
from game drives there are hides on the banks of the river and by
waterholes from which to view the abundant wildlife. Access by air
can be via the Mala Mala airstrip.
SINGITA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The reserve has 2 luxury lodges, Ebony and
Boulders. Both have beautifully appointed suites, each
air-conditioned and with a lounge area plus fireplace, verandah,
spacious bathroom and private plunge pool. Ebony Lodge is very much
in the colonial style whilst Boulders’ atmosphere reflects a more
modern African contemporary style. Facilities at each lodge include
lounge and dining areas overlooking the Sand River, bar, wine
cellar, gymnasium, health spa, and swimming pool. Singita Lebombo
Lodge is situated in a remote area on the eastern boundary of
the Kruger National Park. The lodge is surrounded by stunning
scenery and an excellent variety of game is to be seen from the open
safari vehicles.
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE
The Main Camp offers a high level of accommodation with 25 spacious
air-conditioned rondavels with ‘his and hers’ bathrooms. There is a
swimming pool, lounge, bar, wide open terrace overlooking the bush
and river and a ‘boma’ for evening dining. You will see some of the
finest game viewing as the reserve is one of the largest tracks of
privately owned ‘Big 5’ land in South Africa. The open 4x4 safari
vehicles take up to a maximum of 6 guests accompanied by experienced
ranges and trackers. Rattray’s is an exclusive lodge built on the
banks of the Sand River and has 8 luxury suites each with it’s own
plunge pool. Access to both lodges is by the daily SAA flight from
Johannesburg to their own airstrip.
LONDOLOZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning ‘protector of all living things’ –
an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its
sensitivity to the natural world. At this unashamedly exclusive
property, there are four different camps on the banks of the Sand
River: Tree Camp has six luxurious suites each with a plunge pool
and covered deck set high amongst the tree tops. Pioneer and
Founders Camps are two camps, each with six chalets and suites
linked together by walkways. Varty Camp has ten chalets and suites
each with their own plunge pool and verandah. Access to all of these
camps is by daily private scheduled flight from Johannesburg.
KINGS CAMP
Situated in the Timbavati Game Reserve, the camp reflects the charm
and romance of a colonial past in a pristine corner of Africa. It is
situated facing an open savannah plain with a waterhole which is
frequented by a wide variety of wildlife by day and night. Ten
generously spacious suites are equipped with air-conditioning,
Victorian style baths, indoor and outdoor showers and private
verandah. There are spacious, beautifully appointed public
rooms and fine cuisine is served in the dining room, on the patio or
in the bush. There is
a swimming pool surrounded by loungers, library, gym and bush spa
treatments. Game viewing is by open safari vehicle. Access is by
direct flight from Johannesburg to their own airstrip or by
scheduled flight to Hoedspruit
GOMO GOMO GAME LODGE
This intimate 16 bed lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve has
comfortable en suite accommodation in safari-style tents and brick &
thatch chalets. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in an
open air lapa which, together with the swimming pool, overlook the
Nhlaralumi River, where a variety of animals come to drink. So
always have your camera ready! On the late afternoon game viewing
drive you will enjoy sundowners while listening to the awakening
nocturnal sounds. An optional bushwalk with your field guide will
give you an insight into the varied flora and fauna. At the end of
the day, dinner is served around a log-fire in the boma. The lodge
offers exceedingly good value and a warm welcome is always extended
to guests.
ROYAL MALEWANE
Each of the 6 free standing suites is set amongst
indigenous vegetation and linked by an elevated walkway with the
main lodge. They are beautifully furnished and have a spectacular
outdoor terrace, private pool and gazebo, air-conditioned bedroom
with a canopied bed, sitting area with fireplace and an extravagant
bathroom. Two of the suites have 2 bedrooms each together with
private dining facilities and a personal butler. The lodge houses
the dining, lounge, library and reception areas. The Spa facilities
are outstanding and an extensive range of treatments are provided by
qualified therapists. There is also a well equipped gym overlooking
the bush.
SIMBAMBILI GAME LODGE
Although this 5 star lodge is located in the northern section of the
Sabi Sand, the easiest access is via Hoedspruit. The lodge is the
ultimate in luxury and exclusivity and can accommodate a maximum of
16 guests in 7 suites and a luxury suite. All are located on the
banks of the Manyeleti River and are air conditioned with private
plunge pools, private salas and mini bars. The luxury suite has, in
addition, a lounge and small private kitchen. Facilities include a
library, curio shop, lounge, dining and bar area and a swimming
pool. Children under the age of 12 are welcomed at the discretion of
the lodge management. Game viewing drives and walks are accompanied
by an experienced ranger and tracker.
TANDA TULA SAFARI CAMP
This intimate camp is located in the Timbavati Game Reserve
and isaccessed by the daily scheduled flights to Hoedspruit. There
are 8 individually appointed luxury East African style walk-in tents
with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. Each has a spacious
wooden deck overlooking the dry river bed. Guest areas include an
open-air lounge, dining room, bar under thatch, boma for evening
dining and a swimming pool. Two game viewing drives operate each day
as well as a bush walking trail accompanied by an experienced and
informative ranger. An ongoing elephant research project is being
undertaken and guests are invited to visit the two researchers at
their camp.
MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Located in the Timbavati Game Reserve, there are 15 beautifully
appointed air-conditioned bungalows with views over the bush and
river. In the main lodge is the dining room, bar and lounge together
with a curio shop. Within the grounds is a boma and a swimming pool.
Children are welcome and a family can be accommodated in a
semi-detached unit. There is an abundance of game and professional
guides lead guests on dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Rovers.
Daily safari walks complete the authentic ‘African Adventure’. There
is easy access to the lodge by using the daily air services into
Hoedspruit Airport and then by a road transfer.
NGALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The reserve is noted for its varied game and
activities are centred around game-drives in open vehicles to view
the prolific animal and bird life. Main Camp has 20
air-conditioned bush cottages and a safari suite with its own pool.
Guest areas include dining, bar and sitting areas, boma, a pool and
sundeck overlooking the waterhole. Children are welcome. Tented
Camp is set on the banks of the Timbavati River and has 6
spacious, elevated walk-in tents with en suite facilities and
outdoor shower. Guest areas include lounge, dining room and bar
area, study and swimming pool. For those wanting to get closer to
nature a walking safari with overnight tented accommodation operates
daily and can be of any duration.
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