Private game reserves of the Greater Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe

The ecosystems of the Greater Kruger support a massive variety of species which thrive thanks to conservation efforts of the private reserves which make up the area. Combining a trip to both South Africa and Zimbabwe allowed us to experience the varied diversities of both countries.

An overnight flight to Johannesburg enabled us to arrive early in the morning to pick up a light aircraft flight direct to Garonga Safari Camp’s airstrip which is located in the Greater Makali Private Nature Reserve, west of the Kruger National Park. Landing on the hard, red gravel airstrip and being greeted by two giraffes popping their heads out of the dense bush is something I will never forget.

Garonga Safari Camp consists of three Camps, Garonga, Little Garonga and MCH Luxury Tented Camp. We had a wonderful few nights in the new MCH Camp which comprises of just four tents that embody a luxurious but authentic safari style. Being perched on top of a kopje (little hill) we had the best extensive views and sunsets over the wild Makalali and the Drakensberg Mountains beyond.  Through land rehabilitation and conservation the reserve, which was once fragmented farmland, has been restored to its original bushveld state and is now home to the Big Five and many more animals and birds. The game drives were just fantastic with natural and authentic wildlife sightings. This being the result of the exclusivity of the Makalali conservation projects such as anti-poaching initiatives and endangered species studies. During our stay we also had the opportunity to spend a night on the Sleep Out Deck where we were fully immersed in nature and fell asleep under the stars listening to the sounds of the bush.

From Makalali we drove to Kambaku Safari Lodge located in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. A great family friendly option with owners that know just how to keep kids happy with a range of interactive and educational activities. Timbavati’s landscape offers a variety of ecosystems which range from dense riverine forests to open savannah grasslands, rocky outcrops and thick bushveld. This is quite different to the landscape of Makalali, however, rather than impacting our game viewing it enhanced it as the diverse topography supports different wildlife species.

Then it was onto the Savanna Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands which is renown for its big cat sightings, especially leopard which we were delighted to see a number of times in addition to two young brothers playing around a waterhole. Most of Savanna’s suites offer under-canvas type accommodation which is quite unique in the Sabi Sands. The suites are huge, private and nestled within indigenous trees which attract a variety of birdlife. The Savanna Trust supports a number of community projects, one of which is the Marbahule Youth Choir, and we were wowed one evening by a powerful song and dance show.

A short transfer took us to Dulini Moya Private Reserve Game, also within Sabi Sands, which comprises of just six spacious thatched suites with heated plunge pools overlooking the Mabrak River. Our breakfast and lunches were served on the terrace in the shade of Ebony and Leadwood trees on the banks of the river and evening meals were enjoyed in the dining sala whilst lions roared in the distance. Wildlife sightings and sundowners were truly memorable and I won’t forget seeing a pride of lions and two young cubs feeding on their zebra kill.

From South Africa we flew north to Zimbabwe to experience the iconic Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe. Whilst Victoria Falls and the Zambezi attracts wildlife and nature lovers it also draws adventure enthusiasts looking for excitement and adrenaline activities. There are many adventure activities on offer that range from white water rafting, jet boat tours, helicopter rides, canopy tours, flying fox, zip lining and bungee jumping. We took part in the more leisurely activities which included a private tour of The Falls and a wonderful sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River during which we spotted a variety of game including elephants, hippos and crocodiles as well as many different bird species. We were also blessed that evening with the biggest blood moon, a first sighting for me!

A few nights in Victoria Falls was just enough and then it was time to venture in the Hwange National Park. A short 30 minute light aircraft flight over vast open bush took us to Camp Hwange, a rustic, traditional camp of eight canvas-walled units beneath cooling thatch, overlooking one of the natural waterholes remote in the wilderness of Hwange National Park. The guiding and walking safaris we experienced here were phenomenal, tracking a male elephant on foot was a daunting experience but knowing we were in the capable hands of our expert guide made me feel much more at ease.

The variety of wildlife I saw during the 10 days away was incredible, all of the Big 5 – lions, leopard, elephants, rhino, buffalo along with cheetah, wild dog, hippos, wart hogs, zebra, giraffe, crocodiles and lots of little less known nocturnal animals. There is something so calming about being in a remote location in the African bush. From the diverse wildlife to sitting around a campfire to the vibrant sunsets, from gentle bird calls to the distant lion roars. It’s a place of raw, beautiful nature and whilst one moment it can feel thrilling, the next moment peaceful, it offers the opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and it just makes you want to go back for more.

Helen travelled to South Africa and Zimbabwe in March.