South Africa’s Lesser-known Safari Destinations
South Africa is a country rich in biodiversity, and each corner of the country offers something different in terms of natural splendour. Whether you’re on a rocky coastline or a sandy beach, a desert-like landscape, a floral kingdom, a montane forest, or an open savannah, the beauty of the country is bursting at the seams. There is wildlife everywhere you look, and some of South Africa’s private reserves have repopulated areas with indigenous botanical and animal species to restore areas that were lost during eras of human settlement. We are huge advocates of South African tourism, and in this article, we want to share some of our favourite South African private nature reserves where you are guaranteed a holiday of a lifetime as a couple, a family, or a handful of travelling friends; there is a bounty of wild and wonderful offerings.
Kicking off in the Eastern Cape is the Kariega Game Reserve, which incorporates 10 000 hectares of wilderness which surround two prominent rivers. It has the Big 5 species among many, many others, and it is ideal for family retreats. This is Kariega’s Homestead Lodge, which is booked out on an exclusive basis by a group of 14 at the most. Activities are diverse and the experience is exclusive with a private guide and chef and a team of skilled staff to keep things ship shape for you to enjoy your family vacay.
Another of South Africa’s unique and magnificent landscapes is the Waterberg Biosphere, which is an area estimated to be about 2 million hectares in size and is full to the brim of ancient archaeological and biological artefacts. The Waterberg mountain range one of Limpopo’s most significant and it is visually astounding with enormous protrusions of igneous rock, thickly vegetated slopes, and supreme animal and birdlife. Marakele National Park is located in the western corner of the Waterberg and this is where the iconic and mesmerising Marataba Safari Lodge settles itself. Surrounded by geological masterpieces and embraced by the UNESCO-protected indigenous wildlife, this is a luxury lodge with breath-taking views, walking, boating, and game drive activities, and superior service and cuisine. A magical place vastly undiscovered in South Africa, off the beaten track, and well worth a visit.
Speaking of undiscovered South Africa, take a look at this gem located just 12km from the Kruger’s Pafuri Gate: Named “place of rest”, Awelani is a wonder of ancient human rock art, superb rock formations creating caves and arcs and nooks and crannies that boggle the mind. Gazing up through a tunnel of rock to a twinkling velvet sky will be some of the most breathtaking stargazing you’ll do in your life, and adventures through this long forgotten wilderness will imprint on your memory forever. Awelani has simply perfect safari tents offering self-catering facilities for visitors seeking solitude in nature just at the Kruger National Park’s doorstep.
The Cederberg is an area of unprecedented natural beauty in South Africa. Under 300km from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is all about the history of people, the unique geology of the Cederberg, the element of well-being that overcomes you when you breathe in the scent of the indigenous fynbos and paddle in the cool mountain streams. This pocket of South Africa’s Western Cape is everything it promises to be: an experience of unadulterated nature, cultural discoveries in the 130 sites of Bushman rock art on the property, supreme luxury in the award-winning accommodations, and a wining and dining extravaganza to write home about. Bushmans Kloof is an iconic South African destination where the rare Cape mountain zebra lives among 35 other mammal species on the reserve. Worth a visit? We insist on it!
Shamwari is not only one of South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserves, but it is also one of the largest and most successful conservation areas in the country. Accommodating guests in a selection of phenomenal lodges, and offering game drives that are full of up close and exciting wildlife encounters; Shamwari is a complete experience. The landscape is lush, rich in fauna and flora, scenically astounding with rock features and towering cliff faces that leave the grand structure of Eagle’s Crag Lodge looking diminutive in comparison. The birdlife matches the indigenous plants in colour and interest, and the population of rare and protected species fill this area with a wealth of wild beauty. Shamwari Eagle’s Crag is one of South Africa’s more exclusive safari destinations, and we’ve found it unforgettable.
As we explore South Africa’s less well-known tourist areas, the more we uncover the corners of the country that are full of wildlife, lush landscapes, cultural history, serene silence, living energy, and a handful of spectacular farmhouses, safari lodges, treehouse chalets, and beach bungalows that showcase these magnificent places. Here in KwaZulu Natal’s historic Battlefields, Fugitive’s Drift is nestled in an area rich in human heritage. It is declared a World Heritage Site, and its cosy and quaint guesthouse overlooks two important sites of the 1879 Cold War: Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. A place to reflect on natural and human history and to absorb the breath-taking scenery. Families and couples alike will enjoy walking safaris, bird watching, hiking, bike riding, and game drives. Fugitive’s Drift is yet another South African holiday spot worth discovering.
The Kruger Park is South Africa’s most well known and popularly visited natural areas, but upon the park’s northern border lies the Makuleke concession. This is arguably one of the most diverse and geologically astounding regions of the country. Africa’s most spectacular landscapes unfold here with mountains and gorges in the west giving way to plains, pans, baobabs, and fever tree forests in the east. The image of towering baobabs with spidery branches reaching into the sky and thick yellow-green density of the fever trees engulfing and dwarfing enormous elephants are simply outstanding. Pafuri Camp is located at a river confluence called Crookes Corner where its luxurious facilities and accommodation overlook the floodplains that are alive with wildlife. This is where walking safaris and bird watching really come to life. It is certainly one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Situated in the bountiful Overberg region of South Africa, nestled between the quaint town of Arniston with its white-washed fishing village, and the mouth of the Breede River, the coastal reserve is known as De Hoop attracts nature lovers of every description. Fynbos botanicals meet the white dunes, combining sunbird territory with that of sandpipers and oystercatchers. Beach strolls and rock pool paddling brings an element of serenity and closeness to the shores that are eternally massaged by the Indian ocean. The De Hoop Collection offers a variety of old fashioned and entirely endearing self-catering chalets, plus a selection of beautifully maintained and furnished guesthouses to host romantic couples and family alike in fully-catered comfort. This little nook of the Western Cape coastline is quiet, wild, tranquil, and energised and it is right up there in our Top 5 South African getaway spots.
Tilney Manor: Karoo cheetah spectacular. Sanbona Reserve is located on the historic, quirky, meandering Route 42 in South Africa’s western cape and it is a phenomenally scenic piece of landscape that is bursting at the seams with wildlife and natural biodiversity. Tilney Manor has three luxury units each containing two bedrooms with superior views, infinity pools, game viewing activities, and that unbeatable Karoo appeal.
