National Parks v Private Game Reserves
A self-drive in the Kruger National Park or a safari in a private game reserve? A question asked by tourists and locals alike, time and time again. Surely the animals are the same? One could even argue that between the Kruger and a private game reserve such as the Sabi Sand one could see exactly the same elephant, since the animals have the luxury of roaming freely between the two reserves. But that’s rubbish. And here’s why…
My first ever sighting of a hyena was on a main road in the Kruger National Park – it was a hyena pup. What a sight! But instead of being able to follow the hyena through the bush in a 4×4, we were jostling for a vantage point with a bunch of other tourists. In a closed VW Golf. Heads and cameras were outstretched in an ungainly attempt to get a half-decent photo. After half an hour we reached the front of the queue and our reward was a 30 second view of the adorable pup before being hooted at – yes…hooted! Time to move on in search of our next impala.
Private Game Reserves take the safari experience to new heights
A real safari is about the overall experience. Tales over pre-dinner drinks from courageous rangers and the sudden use of the flash light during dinner to see the hippo in front of the deck all create the memories that urge us to return at the first opportunity.
It’s about submerging yourself in a African while at the same time seeing real nature in all its spectacular (and at times brutal) glory ; about stepping up onto a safari vehicle in search of the Big 5 ; about the thrill of marauding through the bush after a pack of wild dogs in hot pursuit of an impala.
In a nutshell, it’s about the experience you will get in a private game reserve. Or one of the private concessions in the Kruger National Park.
Why is the game viewing better in a Private Game Reserve?
- It’s private! No cars of other tourists in a dazzling array of blinding colours.
- Safari vehicles can go off road. In a national park you will be limited to animals visible from the main roads.
- The best and most knowledgeable rangers in the business work at the private game reserves.
- Rangers are not restricted to national park hours, which means that they can go on night drives. It also means that you can stay as long as you want on a sighting!
- Elevated, open-top safari vehicles give you the best view possible so you can get the perfect photo.
- Rangers can lead walking safaris so that you can get that perfect photo right up the rhino’s nostril!
- The traversing rights in Private Game Reserves
P.S: You might often hear about about ‘traversing rights’ in reference to your safari experience. So what are traversing rights? Traversing rights allow neighbouring lodges to drive on each others’ land which means more space for you to explore and find animals. The larger the traversing area the better! More land = more biodiversity. Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal for instance supports 7 different ecosystems – each one attracting a unique variety of life.
Why is the food and accommodation better in a Private Game Reserve?
The best lodges in South Africa are located in the private game reserves. Luxury private lodges such as Singita, Lion Sands and Londolozi set the standard for style, service and cuisine. Imagine being driven round a Marula tree – after your second or third leopard sighting of the day – to arrive at sundowners and canapés lit by lanterns hanging in the tree, or perhaps a pancake breakfast or a bush braai (BBQ for the Brits) – treats reserved for the private game reserves.
The variety of lodges means that there is something for everyone. Whether you are in search of contemporary design, fine dining and health spas at the likes of Royal Malewane or Tintswalo or whether you are looking for a more rustic experience at Nottens. Eperience the african chic of Rhino Post Safari Lodge or a luxury tented safari at Ngala in the Timbavati?
At Singita – 5 time winner of the Conde Nast Traveller Hotel of the year award – tasting menus and wine pairings are the norm making use of their extensive wine cellars and expert chefs.
Private Game Reserves are about luxury
Wherever you choose to stay, a private game reserve will create the memories that last a life time. But be warned…Africa will get under your skin, and your next trip could be sooner than you think.
- Read more about Rhino Africa’s top 10 lodges in South Africa.
The general rule about the safari experience is that you get what you pay for. For many, a trip to Africa is a once in a life time opportunity that is the result of years of putting pennies in a jar on the coffee table and sacrificing those much needed weekend trips to Paris. So why compromise the experience by cutting costs where it counts?
Ready for your own Private Game Reserve safari?
Planning your ultimate safari can be a logistical challenge. Our expert travel consultants have first-hand knowledge and will be able to tailor your safari to meet your time constraints, style and budget – they’re here to give you all the advice you need, so contact Rhino Africa today and let’s start planning your African adventure of a lifetime…
A bit nerve racking!
We had a similar experience @ Ngorongoro in the 90’s we were crossing a small bridge & Elly decided he was going first. He set his Tusks on the Bonnet, I let the hand brake of & he pushed us backwards till there was enough room to move on lifted the tusks off gave us a belly rumble and headed of into the swamp. A M azing…….
But , wait ! Your car now comes with an extra trunk !
Great blog, Michelle . Feels like I was there
One reason, is that on a private reserve, the guides can go off-road looking for wildlife. It was amazing at Kirk’s Kamp in SA.
ah ! Je ne voudrais pas être à la place du chauffeur
Great article, well explained! Love the last picture! 🙂
I was fortunate to experience a tour in the Serengeti during “off season” and migration. I did not see the big five and don’t have a memory for lavish suppers with other guests. I had a beautiful place to stay and pretty much my own driver. It was “quiet”. I had 3 days and 2 of the days were just me and my escort. The experience was incredible! We did not see the elusive hippo but we did see a cheetah approach for a kill. My highlight came one day near evening. Myself and my escort saw a Topi who was clearly separated from it’s pack and was becoming frantic. We followed from a distance with hope in our hearts that he/she would find some pack to join for the night. It was incredible as we saw our Topi friend running and running frantically until finally we all saw a pack of gazelles in the distance. The Topi then settled and made it’s way to the pack. This was greater than the chase for the big 5 and there was nothing “fancy” about my experience -raw and real.
Great