Wildlife Reserve
Most visitors will wish to visit at least one of the country`s protected wilderness areas, so they can experience, first hand, the wonder of nature.
The country is one of the best places in Africa for seeing the `Big Five` - elephant, lion, rhino (black and white), leopard and buffalo, in addition to cheetah, giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope types, hippo and crocodile.
South Africa also has one of the greatest diversities of bird species in the world.
Best months for viewing: Although game viewing is highly enjoyable throughout the year, the ideal time is during the South African winter. In the wildlife areas most rain falls during the South African summer, encouraging lush vegetation and making wild animals more difficult to see.
From May to August, the grass is short and game is easily spotted. From August through to mid-October - the last months of the dry season in most of the country - game tends to concentrate near waterholes, which make them ideal viewing areas.
Best time of the day: The early morning and late afternoon through to dusk is when the animals are at their most active and this is when most game drives take place. Night drives, where the animals are illuminated by bright spotlights, are also rewarding experiences.
In the heat of the day the animals retreat to the shadows, so you will have to look for them sheltering under trees or bushes.
What to pack: Casual clothes are the order of the day, although colours should be muted - browns, beiges and khakis - to avoid alarming the animals. Sensible walking shoes are best, particularly if you are planning to take part in a walking safari. Wear a hat and sunglasses, particularly during the middle of the day. Also take a jumper, it can get chilly in the early mornings and late evenings. Some game reserves are malaria-free - see listings.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers are best for eveningwear - they reduce the areas of flesh that attract mosquitoes. Wear insect repellent rather than perfume or aftershave after dark and make sure you`ve got anti-malaria tablets.
Binoculars, camera or camcorder are pretty much essential tools of the `safari trade` - and pack plenty of spare film and batteries. You will increase your enjoyment if you bring with you brochures and books on South African flora and fauna.
Types of park and game reserves
South Africa`s wildlife sanctuaries fall into three main categories: nature parks, private and national game reserves. Nature parks are not so much noted for their wildlife as their scenic beauty, walking and hiking trails.
Private game reserves appeal especially to the international visitor and are frequently featured in the programmes of UK tour operators. The highly-personalised service offered ensures the best of game viewing opportunities - while the ambience in the lodges and camps, often furnished to luxurious standards, is relaxed and enjoyable. Game drives in open-topped vehicles are operated by experienced rangers who take guests "off the beaten track" and into the bush. Walking safaris may also be offered.
Many private reserves have swimming pools, where guests can cool off during the day, and most offer well-stocked bars. Meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided while evening braais (barbecues) often take place around a campfire in an open, circular, reed enclosure called a "boma".
The majority of private reserves are located on the western border of the Kruger National Park and there are others in northern KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. To really enjoy the wildlife experience, it`s best to spend at least two or three nights at each camp.
National game reserves are generally explored by tourists in their own vehicles or hire car (although game drives are organised by some) and generally involve self-catering (again there are exceptions).
While many visitors will opt for a private reserve, it is a good idea to explore one or two of the national parks. Tourists generally stay in rest camps, usually cottages or chalets.
Most have kitchens and bathrooms/showers. It is best to buy food outside the park, although some camps have grocery shops for basic requirements and occasionally restaurants.
The national parks are popular with South African tourists as well as international visitors and limits are set on the numbers admitted to ensure the environment is protected. Reservations should therefore be made well in advance. The camps are locked at sunset, so allow plenty of time to get to them.
Accommodation ranges from large, fully self-contained rest camps to bushveld and private camps. Ranger guided day and night safaris in open vehicles are a new and popular feature.
Today, South Africa`s approach to "ecotourism" goes significantly beyond simply declaring conservation areas. It is a multi-faceted policy aimed at opening up the natural environment to tourists of current and future generations, while ensuring the local population benefits both economically and socially, particularly in the poorer, rural areas where most of the ecotourism is based.
Job creation is an obvious spin-off. For every 30 new tourists welcomed, one direct and two indirect new jobs are created. The Kruger National Park, for instance, has a workforce of 3,400. Tourists also contribute by buying local curios and crafts.
But there are other advantages, less apparent to the visitor. Ecotourism involves improvement to the infrastructure, such as new roads and water and electricity supplies.
Profit-sharing schemes are being introduced, and local people are being invited to harvest resources within a conservation area - grass, thatch, firewood, even fish and meat.
All over the country, rural communities are being encouraged to participate in existing developments - or to establish their own tourism projects such as cultural villages. With the money raised they are able to build schools, clinics and install water supplies.
Ecotourism strives to achieve the best of all worlds - preservation of the pristine wilderness for world-weary tourists and the improvement of the lives of rural villagers.
South African National Parks
The Kruger National Park, founded more than a century ago, was the first of today`s 19 National Parks. These are controlled by the governmental South African National Parks in Pretoria. Prices have increased as many parks are no longer subsidised and now need to operate commercially. The parks are very popular with South Africans as well as overseas visitors so it is advisable to book arrangements in advance.
Kruger National Park
Anti-malaria precautions necessary.
Allow at least two days for a visit. The park caters for about 700,000 visitors a year, yet because of its size (it`s as big as Wales) and its infrastructure, it creates an impression of unspoilt wilderness, particularly in the less frequented northern section.
Location: The southern part is in Mpumalanga`s lowveld and the northern part in Northern Province. To the north Kruger shares borders with Zimbabwe`s Gonarezhou National Park while to the east it adjoins wildlife areas of Mozambique.
Accommodation: There are 11 main camps, (a total of 4,000 beds), each with restaurants, shops, telephones, laundries and filling stations. Camping and caravan facilities in all camps except for Mopani, Olifants, and Orpen camp. The Berg-en-Dal, Mopani, Pretoriuskop and Shingwedzi have swimming pools; Berg-en-Dal, Letaba and Skukuza have environmental education centres, Skukuza a library and Letaba an interesting elephant museum. Car repairs carried out at Letaba, Satara and Skukuza. Skukuza "the capital of the Park" has a bank, a post office and a doctor.
Four remote private camps (which must be booked as a whole) and six bushveld camps are not open for day visitors and have no restaurants.
Day visitors can find accommodation outside the park, mostly near Hazyview.
Road network: There are some 2,000 km of roads of which 700 km are tarred. The speed limit is 50 km/hour (20 km/h within the camps). Closed vehicles only allowed.
Wildlife: Kruger has the greatest concentration of mammals in the world including about 8,000 elephant, 2,500 white rhino, 300 black rhino, 20,000 buffalo, 2,000 lion, 900 leopard, 250 cheetah, 4,600 giraffe, 13,000 wildebeest, 140,000 impalas, 900 sable antelope, 30,000 zebra. In addition there are over 500 species of birds.
KwaZulu-Natal Reserves
Annual or six monthly Green Rhino `passports`, allowing entry to all reserves, are available.
South Africa`s first game reserve was founded in Zululand in 1895, primarily to protect the endangered rhino. This reserve has since grown to become the Hhluhluwe-Umfolozi and St. Lucia conservation area. Next to be proclaimed was the Giants Castle Game Reserve in 1903, set up to save the eland in the Drakensberg. Today KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation controls around 60 game reserves and nature parks throughout the province.
Opening times: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter.
Ndumo Game Reserve
Malaria free.
Due to its grasslands, swamps, lakes and pans, this park is often referred to as a smaller version of Botswana`s Okavango Delta. It is also known for its diversity of trees - there are over 200 types, the Malbury Fake Tree and the Fever Bush amongst them. Safaris by 4x4 vehicles or on foot are offered.
Location: Maputoland, towards the northern border with Mozambique, 470 km north of Durban, about 90 km from the N2 (north of Mkuzi).
Accommodation: The rest camp, which sleeps up to 21 people in seven thatched cottages, has a cook to prepare the food. Ndumo Wilderness Camp, built on stilts, is more luxurious; offering eight twin-bedded tents each with its own shower and toilets. There are no camping or caravan facilities.
Road network: Look out for potholes on the last 20 km before the camp. Within the camp the roads are OK. There is a filling station two km from the camp.
Wildlife: Ndumo boasts an abundance of birds, over 60% of the 800 species found in South Africa have been recorded here, with tropical migrants from East Africa as well as many storks, flamingos and pelicans. There are large numbers of hippo and crocodile although the lush vegetation makes it difficult to spot animals like buffalo and nyala.
Mkuzi Game Reserve
Anti-Malaria precautions necessary.
Within easy reach of the St Lucia Wetland Park, this park has a fascinating variety of habitats, from flat dry savannah to sandy reaches, riverine forests, pans and swamps.
Location: Off the N2 at Mkuze, north of Hluhluwe.
Accommodation: Main camp is self-catering with 11 cottages, 19 huts, camp sites.
Wildlife: Large mammals are prolific and include elephants, rhino, giraffe, numerous antelope species, hippo as well as crocodile and a stunning variety of birdlife.
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
Anti-Malaria precautions necessary.
A visit to this park is worthwhile, even for those who have already seen Kruger, as the hilly topography and lush vegetation is quite different and there`s a good chance of seeing rhino. Hluhluwe and Umfolozi (joined in 1992) were set up to save the rhino from extinction in 1895. Umfolozi was the first park in South Africa to offer wilderness trails - between March and November the park can be explored on foot (or horseback) in small groups on three-day safaris, accompanied by experienced rangers.
Location: In north-east KwaZulu-Natal, in the heart of Zululand, about 280 km north of Durban.
Accommodation: Award-winning Hilltop Camp, with its 24 chalets, 40 rondavels, restaurant and swimming pools, has stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Mpila (two cottages, 6 chalets, 21 rondavels) and Masinda Camps (luxury lodge, six huts, swimming pool).
There are four luxury bush lodges ideal for private game viewing, all with cooks and game wardens (for hiking trails). Camping is not allowed.
Road network: The park can be explored by a network of gravel roads. Speed limit is 40 km/hour and parking is only allowed at camps and picnic sites. Hilltop and Mpila Camps have filling stations.
Wildlife: The park is best known for its large numbers of white rhino and smaller population of black rhino. Lion and elephant may also be seen, while the nyala, rare elsewhere, is common here. Other antelope species are also plentiful. The diversity of birdlife is stunning.
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park
Anti-Malaria precautions necessary.
An incredible diversity of eco-systems surrounds the 40 km. long Lake St Lucia, from mangrove swamps to grass- and bush-land. The world`s most southerly coral reef runs along the coast. Snorkelling and diving take place off the Sodwana Bay coast. In December and January, leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beaches here. Two-hour, guided cruises of the lake and wilderness trails are offered.
Location: In north-east KwaZulu-Natal; access via St. Lucia village from the N2 near Mtubatuba, or via Charters Creek and Fanies Island, 20 km north of the Nyalazi River, or 26 km on the road from Hluhluwe to False Bay Park (clearly marked).
Accommodation: Albert Falls Public Resort, near Hanover - 13 cottages, 15 rondavels, two camp sites; Cape Vidal Public Resort - 35 huts, 50 camp sites, one bush lodge; Charters Creek, St Lucia - one cottage, 15 huts; Chelmsford Public Resort, near Newcastle - eight chalets, 34 camp sites; Coleford Nature Reserve - 11 cottages, 60 huts. Visitors can also stay in St. Lucia village.
Road network: The N2 provides access to the lake at Mtubatuba, Nyalazi and Hluhluwe. Swampy areas along the Mkuzi River can only be negotiated with a 4x4 vehicle (which can be rented in Sodwana). The Mkuzi Game Reserve (16 km north of Hluhluwe) has 80 km of gravel road.
Wildlife: Birdlife is prolific, particularly during the summer, when migrating species add to the resident colonies of waterbirds such as pelicans, storks and ibis. Crocodiles and hippos are plentiful, while kudu, waterbuck, buffalo and the occasional rhino and leopard may be seen. In the Mkuzi area impala, nyala, kudu, warthog and recently also elephant, are now commonly observed.
uKhahlamba- Drakensberg Park
Malaria free.
Consists of two parks and other reserves, the Giant`s Castle and the Royal Natal National Park. The Drakensberg Mountains are a popular holiday paradise. The park boasts spectacular topographical features like the Amphitheatre, a four km. basalt crescent rising 1,800 m. high, Cathedral Peak and the Giant`s Castle plateau. A great way of experiencing the grandeur of the scenery is to follow one of the numerous hiking trails. San (Bushmen) rock art can be viewed in some caves.
Location: In the Drakenesberg Mountains, on the western side of KwaZulu-Natal near the border with Lesotho.
Accommodation: Various camps, though no restaurants. Main camps are the Giant`s Castle (18 cottages, 3 mountain huts), main camp (28 cottages, 50 camp sites, swimming pool), and Tendele, where there are luxury lodges. Most camps accommodate caravans and campers. Alternatively there are a large number of hotels to choose from in the vicinity.
Road network: Reached via various roads from the N3. If requested many hotels collect guests from the intercity bus stop along the N3. Within the Park drivers must stick to the camp access roads.
Wildlife: The park is not especially known for its game, however numerous antelope as well as jackal, baboon and other mammals may be encountered. Rare species of vultures are amongst the bird species nesting here.
Itala Game Reserve
Anti-malaria precautions necessary.
Main appeal of this comparatively unknown reserve is its pristine wilderness qualities. Daily wilderness hikes, game drives in safari jeeps or longer wilderness trails are on offer. Details obtainable from main camp of a 30 km round trip known as the Ngubhu Noob Auto Trial.
Location: North of KwaZulu-Natal, 5 km from Louwsburg, and about 500 km north of Durban. Altitude varies from 335m to 1440 m above sea level.
Accommodation: Ntschondwe Camp, the main camp, consists of 39 thatched chalets fully-equipped for self catering, plus restaurant, swimming pool and shop. Guided game drives/night drives offered. A luxury lodge for six is available plus, for the adventurous, three bushcamps.
Road network: There are gravel roads only.
Wildlife: A wide range of mammals live here including white and black rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, brown hyena and various antelopes like eland, impala, kudu, and tsessebee. A wide range of bird species has been recorded.
Other South African National Parks
Golden Gate Highland National Park
Malaria free.
With its massive, sandstone rock formations, this is an excellent area for hiking, climbing and horse riding.
Location: Free State, 54 km southeast of Bethlehem.
Accommodation: Two rest camps with shops, sports facilities and riding opportunities. Brandwag Camp has a hotel with seven single and 30 double rooms, plus 33 fully equipped cottages and individual chalets; Glen Reenen camp has 13 chalets and 45 caravan sites, a youth hostel, swimming pool and filling station.
Road network: The tarred R712 leads through the park from west to east. (Phutaditjhaba) fuel station at Glen Reenen.
Wildlife: White-tailed wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, oribi and zebra. The 140 bird species here include interesting birds of prey like the rare bearded vulture, rock buzzard and black eagle.
Mountain Zebra National Park
Malaria free.
Sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra. Park consists of grasslands and the arid Great Karoo.
Location: Eastern Cape, 25 kms south west of Cradock.
Accommodation: Twenty cottages, 20 camp sites with restaurant and shop.
Road network: There are 37 km of good gravel roads and a filling station.
Wildlife: Besides 200 zebra, the park is inhabited by wildebeest, eland, kudu, springbok, desert fox and meerkat.
Addo Elephant National Park
Malaria free.
This is the most concentrated elephant reserve in Africa.
Location: Eastern Cape, 70 km north of Port Elizabeth
Accommodation: Three cottages and 20 rondavels with restaurant and shop, self-catering accommodation, swimming pool, caravan and camping site.
Road network: The main road to the rest camp is tarred; 43 km dirt and gravel road within the camp. Fuel station (no diesel).
Wildlife: Some 300 elephant are the main attraction. Also Cape buffalo, rare black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and various other antelope species may be seen.
Tsitsikamma Forest and Coastal National Park
Malaria free.
This area, typified by lush forests, rocky coastlines and superb beaches, is a great recreational area, particularly for hikers (the 42 km Otter Trail is well known), anglers and divers.
Location: Eastern Cape and Western Cape towards the eastern end of the Garden Route.
Accommodation: Coastal Park - Storms River Camp has 58 cottages, 49 camp sites a restaurant, shop and swimming pool.
Wildlife: Animals not particularly abundant, however, the endangered otter is often sighted. The marine life is rich; whales occasionally give birth close to the shore. Birds to look out for include the green Knysna Lourie and the colourful, extremely shy Narina-Trogon.
Wilderness National Park
Malaria free.
This wooded park, containing numerous lakes, is ideal for hikers. Swimming and watersports, such as windsurfing, canoeing and rowing are permitted on the
lakes - water-skiing too on Swartvle and Island lakes.
Location: Western Cape, on the Garden Route, 15 km south-east of George.
Accommodation: Two camps, Ebb & Flow North has 15 cottages, 45 caravan/tent sites, Ebb & Flow South has 33 cottages, 90 caravan/tent sites.
Wildlife: Birds are a major attraction, including five species of kingfisher. Whales can be seen from the coast between September and November.
Bontebok National Park
Malaria free.
Created as a refuge for the Bontebok antelope, this park is set in an area of Cape flora at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.
Locations: Western Cape, 6 km south-east of Swellendam.
Accommodation: Camping, caravan sites, and shop.
Road network: About 5 km of main access road and 15 km gravel roads, filling station.
Wildlife: About 300 bontebok of a total of 1,000 in South Africa live here together with mountain zebras and other antelope types.
Karoo National Park
Malaria free.
A semi-desert park that includes part of the Nuweveld Mountain range. Rocks contain fossil remains spanning 310 million years, recording the appearance of the first fish to the dinosaur era. Hiking trails are a feature.
Location: Eastern Cape, north west of Beaufort-West, (main gate 6 km south of Beaufort-West).
Accommodation: Camp with 28 huts, 24 camp sites, restaurant, shop, swimming pool and caravan/camping sites.
Road network: Round-trip track for 4x4 vehicles only.
Wildlife: Zebra, kudu, klipspringer, jackal and baboon may be seen. The black eagle is notable amongst the bird species.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Anti-Malaria precautions necessary.
Here the Orange River flows into a 150 m deep gorge, causing a spectacular series of waterfalls. Hiking trails are popular.
Location: Northern Cape, Orange River, 120 km west of Upington.
Accommodation: Nine cottages, 50 rondavels, with restaurant and shop, self-catering accommodation; caravan/camping sites with laundry facilities.
Road network: Main access road is tarred; 30 km of gravel road within the park. Filling station (no diesel).
Wildlife: Black rhino, various antelopes, especially klipspringer, but also giraffe, porcupine, springbok, eland, baboon, meercat and leopard.
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Anti-Malaria precautions recommended.
This park, known for its red sand dunes and camelthorns, is home to the black maned Kalahari lion and other species adapted to the semi-desert environment.
Location: Northern Cape, 350 km north of Upington, 385 km north-west of Kuruman.
Accommodation: Three rest camps with shops, filling stations - Twee Rivieren with 31 huts, 30 camp sites, restaurant, shop and swimming pool in the south, Mata Mata (five huts, 15 caravan sites) and Nossob (10 huts, 20 camp sites).
Road network: From the main entrance at Twee Rivieren, two sand/gravel roads serve Mata Mata and Nossob, with tracks linking the main routes.
Wildlife: The park`s 250 Kalahari lion are the prized encounter. Also found are hyena, cheetah, leopard, jackal, wild dogs, gemsbok, springbok, wildebeest, squirrels and meercats. More than 200 species of bird may be seen including ostrich, secretary birds, various eagle, vulture and falcon.
North West Province Game Reserves
Pilanesberg National Park
Malaria free.
This park`s proximity to Sun City makes it a favourite safari option for those staying in the resort hotel complex. Guide walks or game drives through the bushveld are offered.
Location: North-eastern North West Province, 12 km from Sun City, around a 190 km from Johannesburg.
Accommodation: Main camp - 60 chalets, 80 camp sites, 110 caravan sites, three swimming pools; Metswedi safari camp - seven luxury tents, Mankwe bush camp - 10 huts, 10 safari tents.
Wildlife: The park, once farmland, was returned to nature in 1970 and re-stocked with game, including the `big five` - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo in a project known as Operation Genesis. Today the park offers excellent viewing opportunities.
Filer Facts
Advice for safari-goers:
The roads in the parks are frequently not tarred and care needs to be exercised on their uneven surfaces. Low speeds are enforced to ensure viewing is both safe and sensitive to the surroundings, so slow progress around the park should be anticipated. Drivers should not stray off the purpose-built tracks.
If hiring a car, it`s a good idea to get one with air-conditioning. Keep a close eye on the fuel gauge. Some camps have filling stations but there may be considerable distances between them so it`s best to fill up at every opportunity.
For safety`s sake, keep your windows closed. Caution should be observed when you are near animals - don`t get too close, if they feel threatened they might try to attack, or, much more likely, run away. Otherwise they will probably ignore the vehicle, particularly if the occupants remain quiet and avoid sudden movements.
You should never open the car door or leave your vehicle. If the car breaks down or runs out of petrol you should stay inside and wait for a passing vehicle to send for help. It is a good idea to carry a supply of soft drinks and maybe some snacks as an emergency pack.
The golden rule for those travelling in a national park is to respect its wildlife qualities. This applies to simple disciplines like not leaving litter or throwing cigarette butts from the car.
Remember that you`re only guests in the reserves, visiting the homes of the wild animals who live there.
By exercising care and restraint, paying sensible regard to personal safety - and taking the time to look and listen - you will enjoy a profoundly rewarding insight into the natural world.