Safari in South Africa: choosing a game reserve and getting there
6 min read · Facts checked
The short answer
For the classic Big Five experience, choose Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves bordering it. For families or shorter trips, malaria-free reserves such as Pilanesberg, Madikwe and those in the Eastern Cape are excellent. Go in the dry season (about May to September) for the best game viewing, and consider a helicopter transfer to turn a long drive into a short flight.
Kruger National Park and its private reserves
Kruger is one of Africa’s largest and best-known parks, home to the Big Five and a remarkable variety of wildlife. Self-drive and rest camps suit independent travellers, while the private reserves along its western boundary offer guided game drives in open vehicles, off-road tracking and luxury lodges.
Malaria-free reserves
- Pilanesberg (North West): a Big Five reserve set in an ancient volcanic crater, within a few hours’ drive of Johannesburg.
- Madikwe (North West): a large reserve near the Botswana border with exclusive lodges.
- The Waterberg (Limpopo): mountain scenery and private reserves.
- The Eastern Cape: reserves near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), including Addo Elephant National Park.
When to go
The dry winter months, roughly May to September, offer the easiest game viewing. The green summer season brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and superb birding.
Getting there
- By road: a chauffeur-driven transfer from Johannesburg or Pretoria, with stops planned along the way.
- By scheduled flight: to airports serving the Kruger area, then a lodge transfer.
- By helicopter: direct to lodges and private airstrips. Flights are operated by licensed charter operators; the price depends on the pickup and landing sites, their safety, the destination and the weather.
Frequently asked questions
Which game reserves in South Africa are malaria-free?
Popular malaria-free options include Pilanesberg, Madikwe, reserves in the Waterberg, and the Eastern Cape reserves such as Addo Elephant National Park.
Can you fly to a game reserve by helicopter?
Yes. Many lodges and private reserves have helipads or airstrips. Envo Prestige arranges helicopter transfers with licensed operators, priced per flight according to landing sites, safety, destination and weather.
How many days do you need for a safari?
Three nights is a good minimum at one reserve; five or more lets you combine two very different areas.
Sources
Rules, advisories and schedules change. Always check the official source before you travel.
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Private Safaris
Private game reserve and Kruger safaris planned end to end, with road, flight or helicopter transfers.
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