The Greater Kruger area forms one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, blending the famed Kruger National Park with a network of private reserves and concessions along its western boundary. For some private concessions directly bordering the national park, animals can roam freely across more than two million hectares of diverse habitat, offering exceptional game viewing. Other private reserves and concessions are standalone, large fenced reserves, where their fences serve to manage wildlife populations and protect the surrounding farmland, while ensuring animals roam freely within a substantial landscape.

Some of the well-known private reserves in this region include the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Timbavati, Klaserie, Thornybush, Manyeleti, Balule, Makalali, and Mluwati concessions. These areas offer a more exclusive safari experience with limited vehicle numbers and the ability to drive off-road and at night.

The Greater Kruger is home to a range of distinctive camps and lodges, each providing its own unique atmosphere and safari style. Among these are Garonga Safari Camp in the Makalali Reserve, known for its relaxed, intimate setting; Hamiltons Tented Camp in the Mluwati Concession, offering a classic, old-world safari experience; Shindzela Tented Camp and Mantobeni Camp, both nestled within the Timbavati; Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, also in Timbavati, offering stunning views over a waterhole; Arathusa Safari Lodge, situated in the renowned Sabi Sand; KwaMbili Game Lodge in Thornybush; and Umkumbe Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand’s southern region.

A quick overview of the Greater Kruger highlights:

• Over two million hectares of protected wilderness

• World-class Big Five sightings, with excellent chances to see lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, along with cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, hippo, and zebra

• Some of South Africa’s best leopard viewing, particularly within Sabi Sand

• Opportunities for off-road game drives, night drives, and walking safaris in the private reserves

• A diverse birdlife, with over 500 species recorded, including notable raptors and waterbirds

• A variety of habitats ranging from riverine forests to open savannah, attracting a rich array of wildlife year-round