The origin of the private safari experience was all about exploration and discovery in wild natural habitats largely uninhabited by humans.
With the evolution of the African safari over decades, highly populated reserves – such as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve – have gained fame due to the calibre of their animal sightings and their many exceptional lodges. Animal sightings are virtually guaranteed, considering the length of time the reserves and their conservation initiatives have had to mature, coupled with the number of vehicles (and people), out on safari at any given time.
The Timbavati and Klaserie private reserves are also part of the greater Kruger National Park, and are home to an abundance of animal species – including the coveted Big 5. Their landscapes differ, as do their habitats, but what truly sets them apart is the raw authenticity of the safari experience they afford. Instead of being led to animals, guests are part of the immersive experience of tracking and finding them. Due to the exponentially lower density of vehicles and humans per square kilometre, sightings are unhurried with plenty of time to simply BE in each moment.
Timbavati Private Game Reserve is a vast tract of 53,000 hectares of preserved land (or 131,000 acres). It comprises savanna bushveld with a diverse mix of open plains, thornybush savanna, mopane and combretum woodlands. Here you can still observe at close quarters the natural relationship between predator and prey, with lion, leopard, hyena and even wild dog often seen. Leopard sightings are particularly good in the Timbavati as the semi-wooded landscape suits them.
The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa, at 60,000 hectares (or 148,000 acres). This vast tract of land is characterised by beautiful trees and riverine vegetation near the magnificent Klaserie River. This river is a mecca for a vast array of wildlife, and here you will likely find large herds of elephant and buffalo, many hippo pods, as well as predators a-plenty. The reserve offers a diverse habitat, from flat plains to rocky outcrops to hilly landscapes.
Regardless of which reserve and lodge you may choose, you can rest assured that your guests will enjoy an exceptional and authentic safari experience – just as the original pioneers did.
To read more about each of the reserves, click on the links below.
https://www.simbavati.com/region/kruger-timbavati/
https://www.simbavati.com/region/kruger-klaserie/
