Kruger National Park - Private Game Reserves

Beyond the western boundary of the Timbavati reserve is the Klaserie private nature reserve, which occupies an area of 60,000ha/150,000ac (30km/19mi long by 25km/15mi across) on both banks of the Klaserie River. The reserve belongs to a group of some 100 owners and can be visited only on a five-day trekking tour (which can be booked in Johannesburg).

Adventures within Kapama Private Game Reserve include day and night game drives on open safari vehicles tracking elephant, rhino, lion or leopard plus river boat cruises, skeet shooting and guided bush walks in the company of skilled game rangers. Accommodation at Kapama Private Game Reserve ranges from a thatched double chalet to luxury canvas tents in the trees.

These lodges and camps have swimming pools and air conditioning.

Southeast of the Timbavati reserve is the Manyeleti Game Reserve, reached from the road between Acornhoek and the Orpen Gate of the National Park. The Manyeleti reserve, which is less concerned with luxury than with closeness to nature, is famed for its two- and three-day safaris.

In spite of its relatively small size (4000ha/10,000ac) this reserve, 30km/19mi west of the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park, is a popular safari area. Visitors are accommodated in 16 chalets.

The Tshukudu Game Lodge can be reached from R 40, which runs between the villages of Hoedspruit and Mica. Accommodation (for a maximum of eight visitors) is in comfortable straw-thatched rondavels. Within the reserve's area of 5000ha/12,500ac there are organized tours in cross-country vehicles, with the prospect of seeing at close quarters giraffes, leopards, lions, kudus, zebras and rhinos.