It’s June, which means winter is officially upon us. I don’t know whether it’s the chilly weather or the drive to work in the dark, but this time of year I tend to long for the holidays of my childhood where we would wake up extra early to be the first ones out of the camp’s gate. Still in pajamas, a blanket and a cup of coffee to conquer the cold, face pressed up against the window – determined to be the first to spot a big cat.
Most of these drives ended with giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and if we were lucky, some elephants ticked off on our must-see list. This is why a private game reserve should be your first choice if you’re planning a wild winter holiday and want to avoid disappointment. TravelGround gives you the why and the where so that you and your family can have the ultimate safari experience.
Why should you book a stay at a private game reserve?
Service and comfort ─ At game reserves your breakfast will most likely be included or there will be a restaurant on the property where you can still those hunger pains after a long day of game viewing.
Limited vehicles ─ Most private game reserves do not allow private game viewing, so the game reserve’s vehicles are the only ones in the wild, ensuring less traffic, less tourists and more sightings.
Sightings ─ Vehicles are limited at a sighting, which means that you have the best view at all times.
Limited guests ─ Passengers are limited so you can almost be sure of an outside seat, making it easier to spot the shy game.
Professionals ─ Game drives are conducted by professionals and trackers, so guests have the best possible chance to see game while also learning more about the magnificent animals.
Off-road driving ─ The vehicles are permitted to drive off road, something you definitely cannot do in a national park. Your professional guide can therefore go looking for the big game’s hiding spots.
Night drives ─ Night drives are also unique to game reserves and you are almost guaranteed a phenomenal sighting.
Walking safaris ─ For the very adventurous, some game reserves offer guided walking safaris.
Family fun ─ Contrary to what you would expect, a lot of private game reserves are child friendly and offer babysitting services, so this is an ideal opportunity to teach them more about our magnificent animals.
Value for money ─ Not all private game reserves are as expensive as you think and the value for money is quite astounding. We have indicated the affordability of the game reserves with a handy icon.
And if you’re still not convinced, check out some of the amazing game reserves on TravelGround:
Bonamanzi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, KZN
Bonamanzi is a 4000 hectare private game reserve in Hluhluwe. Here, nyalas roam freely around the lodge. And if that isn’t exciting enough, you can go game viewing by foot, safari vehicle, boat or horse accompanied by experienced rangers who maximise every opportunity to ensure exceptional sightings.
Rate: From R440 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Horse Riding, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Bird Watching, Guided Walks, Swimming
Facilities: WiFi, Airport Transfers, Serviced Daily, Babysitting, Laundry Service, Spa Treatments, Concierge, Restaurant, Room Service, Self-catering, and more
Included: Dinner and Breakfast (Chalet and Combo only)
Child-friendly: Yes
Bona Bona Game Lodge, Klerksdorp, NW
Come experience the beauty of the North West Province at Bona Bona. Each room offers spectacular views of the surrounding bushveld and the water hole! So sit back, relax, enjoy a sundowner and listen to the lion’s roar in the distance while enjoying a dramatic sunset.
Rate: From R570 per night for 2
Activities: Bird watching, Game viewing, Swimming
Facilities: Wine Cellar, WiFi, Babysitting, Laundry Service, Restaurant, Serviced Daily, Spa Treatments, Self-catering
Included: Breakfast (Excluding Self-catering Units)
Child-friendly: Yes
Mount Savannah Game Reserve, Krugersdorp, GP
Mount Savannah Game Reserve is situated on 2 000 hectares of unspoiled grassland within the Cradle of Humankind, and provides the ideal setting for friends and family to enjoy the perfect safari experience. The scenic surrounds and sunset braais go hand in hand, so bring your grid goods and drinks and the lodge will provide a starch and salad for your braai.
Rate: From R900 per night for 2
Activities: Bird Watching, Game Viewing, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Swimming
Facilities: Babysitting, Kitchen Facilities, Personal Safe, Satellite TV
Included: Breakfast and 1 Game Drive
Child-friendly: Yes
OuKlip Game Lodge, Hammanskraal, GP
OuKlip Game Lodge is situated in the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve and is unique in the sense that it is possible to spot the Big 5 from your own tent. This privately owned eco-lodge will provide a memorable stay in a private self-catering tent house. Come relax and spend quality time with friends and family in the beautiful bushveld.
Rate: From R1100 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Swimming
Facilities: Serviced on Demand, Self-catering, Swimming pool
Included: A Memorable Experience
Child-friendly: Yes
Otterskloof Private Game reserve, Philippolis, FS
South Africa’s warm hospitality is clearly visible at Otterskloof Private Game Reserve. The Game Reserve consists of two lodges: the main Safari Lodge and the self-catering Bush Lodge. Rangers and trackers ensure that you can look forward to fantastic experiences with Africa’s wildlife on every game drive.
Rate: From R1200 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Bird Watching, Guided Walks
Facilities: Babysitting, Laundry Service, Satellite TV, WiFi, Bar, Restaurant, Self-catering, Airport Transfers, Personal Safe, Serviced Daily, and more
Included: Breakfast (Excluding Self-catering Units)
Child-friendly: Yes
Nyaru Game Lodge, Mossel Bay, WC
Nyaru Game Lodge is the perfect accommodation for guests who are looking for adventure and want to experience the beauty of South Africa firsthand. Nyaru invites guests to sip sundowners on the deck and relax to the sound and sight of the bush while their traditional South African meals are being prepared.
Rate: From R1495 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Horse Riding, Bird Watching, Guided Walks, Swimming
Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Serviced Daily, Babysitting, Satellite TV, Spa Treatments, Self-catering, and more
Included: Breakfast
Child-friendly: Yes
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, Oudtshoorn, WC
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge overlooks a whopping 5 hectare waterhole filled with hippos and offers guests luxury tented accommodation with breathtaking views and a variety of wildlife. This lodge is ideal for families as the hippos are ideal to keep the children entertained, while the parents have a moment to themselves.
Rate: From R2160 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Bird Watching, Swimming
Facilities: Babysitting, Personal Safe, WiFi, Bar, Spa Treatments, Satellite TV, Airport Transfers, Laundry Service, Restaurant, Serviced Daily, and more
Included: Breakfast
Child-friendly: Yes
Nkomazi Game Reserve, Badplaas, MP
Nkomazi Game Reserve is situated on the banks of the Komati River and is the ideal place to experience tranquillity and free-roaming wildlife. The luxury tents are designed and positioned to blend into the landscape and are all linked by walkways through the bush. Here, guests can expect safari-based activities and a very unique experience.
Rate: From R5420 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Stargazing, Guided Mountain Biking, Spa Treatments
Facilities: Transfers at Set Times, Private Plunge Pool, Electronic Safe
Included: Breakfast, High Tea, Dinner, 2 Game Drives Daily as well as Game Drive Beverages, Stargazing
Child-friendly: No children under 12 years
Zwahili Game Lodge, Modimolle, LP
At Zwahili Game Lodge you’ll experience the most spectacular sunsets from the wooden deck. Apart from the amazing game sightings, avid bird watchers can also be on the lookout for over 400 bird species. After game drives, guests will be greeted by a cosy camp fire, tribal drums and the smell of culinary delights that will please even the most discerning guests.
Rate: From R5960 per night for 2
Activities: Game Viewing, Bird Watching, Guided Walks, Swimming
Facilities: Bar, Spa Treatments, Airport Transfers, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Laundry Service, Personal Safe, Serviced Daily
Included: Guided Game Drives
Child-friendly: No children under 6 years
More often that not, a getaway to a game reserve will be more expensive than a visit to one of our national parks, but you get what you pay for. So no more excuses, visit Travelground.com and book a wild winter getaway for you and your better half or the whole family. You won’t be disappointed!
Feature image: Bona Bona Game Lodge (TravelGround)
