Kruger National Park and the private reserves that share its unfenced border offer spectacular Big Five game viewing. Nearby is the aptly named Panorama Route, whose standout feature is the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon.
Kruger National Park is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa
Sabi Sands is one of several private reserves that share an unfenced border with Kruger; it offers arguably the best Big Five game viewing in Africa
The private reserves of the Greater Kruger are home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive lodges in South Africa
The Panorama Route offers some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery
A highlight of the route is Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world
Kruger National Park is perhaps the most famous park in Africa, home to all the Big Five and a mass of other wildlife. To the west lie the private reserves that share its unfenced border, creating the Greater Kruger. The oldest of these reserves, Sabi Sands, is renowned for offering the best Big Five game viewing in the country. And thanks to a long history of sensitive interaction, the wildlife is mostly relaxed, allowing unsurpassed viewing and photographic opportunities. Other popular reserves include Ngala Private Game Reserve, famous above all for its leopard sightings, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, a great option for families, and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a conservation success story known for its rare white lions. Some of South Africa’s most luxurious and exclusive lodges can be found in these private reserves.
But it isn’t all about the wildlife. Kruger is also a great jumping-off point for a drive along the appropriately named Panorama Route, whose standout feature is undoubtedly Blyde River Canyon. At nearly 30 kilometres long it’s one of the world’s longest and deepest canyons, offering dizzying views across steep, gaping chasms at places like God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Three exclusive, ultra-luxury lodges, each overlooking riverbeds in the game-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve, with top-drawer accommodation and superb dining.
Londolozi is one of South Africa's original private game reserves - a family-run business that's been raising the bar on experiential travel for nearly 100 years.
Within the exclusive MalaMala reserve, lies MalaMala Rattray’s Camp, a bastion of colonial elegance and a tribute to the pioneering age.
A chic and sophisticated tented camp overlooking the Timbavati riverbed in the game-rich Ngala Private Game Reserve.
Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in a privately owned concession within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Set on the banks of the Sand River and shaded by enormous trees, Singita Ebony is the original Singita lodge and was inspired by the charm of old-world explorer camps.