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Here is our list of the most popular places to go in Mpumalanga and for safari. We combined them because Mpumalanga is home to most of the mighty Kruger National Park and contains many of the top private game reserves in SA. In no particular order….

Southern Kruger National Park & Surrounding Private Game Reserves (Mpumalanga)

With it’s origins as a nature reserve stretching back to 1898, Kruger has long been synonymous with African big five safari. It is a truly enormous Park – more than 35,000 square kilometres when you include the recently opened up areas in Mozambique – with a range of environs but mainly scrubby bush interspersed with sandy river beds, although this in turn varies wildly between summer (more vegetation and very humid) and winter (drier with a better chance to see game). You can tackle it in many ways: from self-drive trips along the network of tarred roads to staying at bush camps; from multi-day wilderness trails to five-star luxury camps like Londolozi and Thornybush.

The up-market private game reserves are actually not part of the Kruger Park itself, but have no fences to Kruger proper. This means that the game can roam to and from the whole of Kruger, so you don't get that zoo-like feeling that you do in some smaller reserves. These lodges offer a more private and luxurious experience.... Kruger Park, especially the southern end, can become very busy during the South African holiday season and weekends.

Most international tourists opt for this exclusivity and their wallets take an appropriate hit. Safari can be very, very expensive and there’s no easier way to save money on a trip to SA than to look to where the locals are going. Numerous private game reserves (for example Timbavati) are very popular with South Africans, offering a cheaper version of rustic luxury and often the locals demand a higher standard of ranger which makes the difference. Big discounts are available for those willing to make late bookings and, due to an over-supply, there is nearly always availability outside of SA holiday periods.

For first-timers, we don’t recommend a self-drive – you’ll miss most of the action and won’t know what it is when you see it. Also, consider anti-malarials especially during the summer time.

Madikwe Game Reserve (North-West Province)

Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West Province offers the archetypal safari experience in a non-malarial and less humid area just a few hours from Johannesburg. There’s more open savannah than in the Kruger area where undergrowth can impede viewing and an appreciation for the scale of the place. It’s also got the Big Five, but is renowned for the packs of endangered African Wild Dog, which you have a reasonable chance of seeing. This remarkable hunting animal was almost extinct, but places like Madikwe are helping it make a comeback. There’s a range of accommodation alternatives, mostly up-market, with good savings to be had for late bookings. 

Addo Elephant National Park (Eastern Cape)

This 120,000 hectare park is not far from Port Elizabeth and was opened to protect the wild elephant population that had been wiped out from most of the Eastern Cape. Even driving yourself you’ve got a good chance to see elephants, but play the percentage game and ask at the gate for advice on where to go. You may also see a wide range of antelope, zebras, warthogs and - if you’re very lucky - some of the big cats that have been re-introduced. If it’s been raining a lot or you want to understand more about what you’re seeing, let us organise for you to go on drive with the rangers. There are plenty of five star safari lodges in private conservancies within the Park itself, our favourite being the ultra-luxurious Nguni River Lodge which provides eclectic style in a secluded setting so that you have a good chance of seeing game as you enjoy their fine dining or private massage. There are other cheaper, but still superb, lodges just outside the main gate. Even better value is the SANParks accommodation within the reserve, especially the rondavels overlooking the waterholes where you have a good chance of seeing rhino.

Shamwari Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)

If you don’t have the time or the money to head up to safari country in the north and east of South Africa, this is well worth a good alternative. Take that one photo of big game that you’ll show to friends back home, hiding the hundreds that didn’t come out. Shamwari Game Reserve is a good, if more expensive, alternative to Addo Elephant Park. You have a good chance to see the Big Five and the ranger we had was engaging and informative – always a good sign that the place is well run. There’s a wide range of accommodation alternatives (including a lodge that caters specifically for children, complete with creche etc.) but also consider the two day camping trail.

Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal)

A fantastic example of conservation at its best, St Lucia Wetland Park is an expanse of varied and un-touched wilderness. Twitchers will love the birds drawn to the unique flora that grows in the wetlands. Beach lovers will appreciate the wide open beaches bordered by some of the largest forested dunes in the world. There is plenty of game within the reserve, but you have an especially good chance to see hippos and crocs. Consider doing one of the many hikes – some of which are overnight – or even the excellent horse-ride safaris.

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