There is something so surreal about going on a safari in Africa when you’re on a private game reserve that isn’t fenced in and the aninals roam free. One my first day out I saw so many animals up close and personal I felt like I had just stepped into a scene from Disney’s Lion King. In South Africa the top destination for a safari is Kruger National Park where you have everything from fenced government run game reserves to unfenced private game reserves. Where you decide to stay will likely depend on your budget as you’ll find a lot of very affordable options ( around 50 dollars a night) and then it jumps to luxurious small places to stay where you’ll find a lot more privacy and personalized service but will pay much more.
Since my trip to Kruger is a fast stop before heading to Malawi I wanted to see as much as possible so the folks I’m working with at the award-winning Siyabona Travel and they have set me up to stay at three different game reserves at Kruger that are all very unique and have something different and special to offer.
So far the highlight has been staying at the Djuma Game Reserve at Vuyatela were there are only 8 amazing suites and you are literally surrounded by animals. You even have your own private plunge pool overlooking the bush and your rain shower outside. It’s so much a part of the bush that at night you aren’t allowed to walk alone you must have an armed ranger walk you to where you need to go because just around the corner you could find a lion or a leopard ( and yes, that has happened!) That’s what’s so magical about Africa, you never know quite what you’re going to find and every minute is an adventure!
Staying at this beauty will cost you about $1000 dollars a night for a couple but that includes all your meals, drinks and a 3 hour morning safari , afternoon safari walks and another 3 hour sunset safari. Even just sitting at the property having lunch you can see Zebras roaming by. It’s surreal!
I love what one of the guides told us. Safaris are work! You’re not in a zoo, you are in the wilds of Africa and to find the animals you have to be dedicated and patient and be willing to get up at 6 in the morning.
In just the first morning safari we took off in open air jeeps and we saw 4 of the BIG FIVE animals that everyone sets out to see within the first two hours with one of the highlights being two lions. We also saw elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, giraffe, zebras, and so much more. The photographs and video I got are amazing and I can’t wait to share them on this blog!
When you get back to the property at about 9am they have breakfast waiting for you before you venture out again.
Internet, as you can imagine is very limited so I just wanted to give this quick update and I will have much more to come.
If you’re looking for some other top choices for private game reserves some of the best game reserves in South Africa at Kruger are:
Sabi Sabi
Mala Mala
Bungalow C
Singita
Many, including where I am at now at Vuyatela, even have their own safari spa offering some amazing treatments that feel wonderful after a day of safari and being in the bush.
If you’re trying to plan a trip to Africa and want to come to Kruger the choices can be overhwelming so it’s smart to go with a tour company that has a history of working in this area. That’s why I love Siyabona Travel so much. The group is based in South Africa and run by South Africans. Siyabona prides itself on the fact that its staff has stayed at all the different Game Reserves and has experienced all the different tour offerings so when you call with what you want to do they are able to match up your needs from experience.
I had some challenging requests and so far Siyabona has been spot on!
More to come!
