Game Parks

**Out into the Wild!**
Most visitors wish to visit at least one of the country’s protected wilderness areas, so they can experience, first hand, the wonder of nature. The country is one of the best places in Africa for seeing the “Big Five” – elephant, lion, rhino (black & white), leopard and buffalo, in addition to cheetah, giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope types, hippo and crocodile. South Africa has one of the greatest diversities of bird and plant species in the world.

Best months for viewing:

Although game viewing is highly enjoyable throughout the year, the ideal time is during the South African winter. In wildlife areas most rain falls during the South African winter. In the wildlife areas most rain falls during the South African summer, encouraging lush vegetation and making wild animals more difficult to see.
From May to August, the grass is short and game is easily spotted. From August through to mid-October – the last months of the dry season in most of the country- game tends to concentrate near waterholes, which makes them ideal viewing areas.

Best time of the day:

The early morning and late afternoon through to dusk when the animals are at their most active is when most drives take place. Night drives, where the animals are illuminated by bright spotlights, are also rewarding experiences. In the heat of the day the animals retreat to the shadows, so you will have to look for them sheltering under trees or bushes.

Types of Parks and Game Reserves

South Africa’s wildlife sanctuaries fall into three main categories; nature parks, private game reserves and national reserves.
Nature parks are not so much noted for their wildlife as their scenic beauty, walking and hiking trails.

National Parks

National game reserves are generally explored by tourists in their own vehicles or hired car (although game drives are organised by some) and generally involve self-catering (again there are exceptions). However escorted tours can be arranged in most parks, particularly Kruger. Specialist ground handlers will make all arrangements, including catering.

While many visitors will opt for a private game reserve, it is a god idea to explore one or two of the National Parks. Tourists generally stay in rest camps, usually cottages or chalets. Most have kitchens and bathrooms/showers. It is best to buy food outside the park, although some camps have grocery shops for basic requirements and occasionally restaurants.

Reservations should therefore be made well in advance. Accommodation ranges from large, fully self-contained camps to bushveld and private camps. Ranger guided day and night safaris in open vehicles are a new and popular feature.

Private Game Parks

Private game reserves appeal especially to the international visitor and are frequently featured in the programmes of tour operators.
The highly-personalised service offered ensures the best of game viewing opportunities – while the ambience in the lodges and camps, often furnished to luxurious standards, is relaxed and enjoyable. Games drives in open-topped vehicles are operated by experienced rangers who take guests “off the beaten track” and into the bush.
Walking safaris may also be offered. Many private game reserves have swimming pools, where guest can cool off during the day, and most offer well-stocked bars. Meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided while evening braais (barbecues) often take place around a campfire in an open, circular, reed enclosure called a “boma”.

The majority of private game reserves are located on the western border of the Kruger National Park and there are others in northern KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. To really enjoy the wildlife experience , it’s best to spend at least two or three nights at each camp.

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Kruger National Park

Allow at least two days to visit. The park caters for about 700 000 visitors a year, yet because of its size and its infrastructure, it creates an impression of unspoilt wilderness, particularly in the less frequented northern section. Kruger Park has the greatest concentration of mammals in the world including about 8 000 elephants, 2 500 white rhino, 300 black rhino, 20 000 buffalo, 2 000 lion, 900 leopard, 250 cheetah, 4 600 giraffe, 13 000 wildebeest and 30 000 zebra. In addition there are 500 species of birds. Anti-malaria precautions necessary.

Some great links

Follow these links to many resources on this subject in South Africa

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Wine Routes