Sun Destinations

Booking a safari holiday, one can easily get confused as to where one should book. While many opt for booking in public parks such as the Kruger National Park, there is a whole host of options at private reserve that many are not aware of.

Imagine the moment you’ve been waiting for on safari: your very first lion sighting. In the public parks, there is no limit on vehicles per sighting, as you are self-driving along with the majority of other people entering the Kruger National Park.

In a Private Game Reserve, the experience feels very different. As your guide and tracker follow fresh tracks through the bush, you might turn a corner and find a pride of lions resting in the grass – with only your vehicle there. The engine is switched off, the bush goes quiet, and you’re able to simply watch the moment unfold.

What does the Greater Kruger mean?

When talking about the Kruger, many people believe that the area is just made up of the Kruger National Park, which is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks). However, there is also a range of private reserves such as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Balule Nature Reserve, the Selati Game Reserve, and Olifants West Nature Reserve.

Many travellers are surprised to learn that private reserves in the Greater Kruger form part of the same wilderness as Kruger National Park. These reserves share unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely across the entire ecosystem. A leopard seen in a private reserve today could easily wander into the Kruger National Park tomorrow. The wildlife is the same; the real difference lies in the safari experience for guests.

Off-road driving experience

When staying at a private game reserve, you head out on safari with a dedicated and highly experienced guide. Many reserves also include a tracker on the vehicle, working together to interpret tracks, sounds, and subtle signs in the bush.

Unlike in national parks, where vehicles must remain on designated roads, guides in private reserves are able to carefully leave the road when appropriate. This allows them to follow tracks, position the vehicle for exceptional viewing or photography, and offer guests a closer look at wildlife in its natural environment.

There are fewer vehicles at sightings.

At private reserves, there are strict vehicle limits, which are usually two vehicles per sighting. There are also time limits to ensure that rotations can take place and that animal’s livelihood is respected. In public parks, there are no formal vehicle limits, and self-driving vehicles can cause congestion at predator sightings, which is not good for the animals. This is also not an ideal way to experience sightings.

Night drives and bush walks

At public parks, movement is much more regulated. Guests are not allowed to go on self-drive safaris at night, and walking is only allowed in structured park-run programs. Whereas private reserves allow for night drives with an experienced guide (such as what you find at Sun Destination’s properties), off-road tracking, and guided walking safaris, such as what is found at Africa on Foot and Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails. This adds more depth and adventure to the safari experience.

The quality of the guides and trackers

In public parks, guests usually self-drive, and there are limited ranger interactions. Whereas in private reserves, there are highly trained rangers, dedicated trackers, and radio communication between guides. In private reserves, you’re not just looking, you’re learning.

Camps are more intimate and exclusive.

Public parks have a range of accommodation options that range in scale and price, while private reserves usually focus on exclusive, personalised service. For example, Chacma Bush Camp in the Maseke Game Reserve only sleeps 10 guests, serves traditional cuisine, and has a large focus on guest experience.  

Price vs value

While visiting a public park may be more cost-effective, private reserves offer great value. The price for accommodation in private reserves often includes accommodation, meals, safari activities, lower vehicle density, skilled staff, and a higher guide-to-guest ratio. All game drives are also standard with your booking and do not need to be booked separately.

It depends on the type of traveller.

Private reserves are better for first-time safari-goers, photographers and luxury travellers, while public parks are ideal for self-drivers, budget travellers, and those who enjoy independence.