Sun Destinations

A beginner’s guide for those new to the safari experience

Are you considering or have you taken the exciting leap and booked your first ever safari in the Greater Kruger region?
Waking up to the dawn chorus, heading out into the crisp morning air to discover what the creatures of the night got up to, stopping for freshly-brewed coffee alongside a herd of zebra at a watering hole… and that’s all before breakfast!

Golden savanna, luscious green bushveld, and spine-tingling encounters await you in South Africa’s most pristine wilderness. Think watching rhinos take mud baths or witnessing lion stalk prey through the Klaserie.

Our only warning is that once the safari bug has bitten, you’ll want to come back again and again.
Luckily, there are endless discoveries to be made and a vastly diverse region to explore.

The History of the Greater Kruger

“You cannot know where your people are going if you don’t know where your people have been.”
Forrest Carter, The Education of Little Tree

Twice as the size of Lebanon and about the same size as Wales, the Greater Kruger area is an astounding expanse of African Wilderness. This vast region spans 344000 ha of protected land to the west of Kruger National Park, which it shares an unfenced border with.

The Greater Kruger is one of conservation’s greatest success stories. The first significant fence removal between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, one the oldest of the private reserves, and the Kruger National Park occurred in 1993. This pioneering move began a domino effect with other private reserves following suit.

Dropping fences with the Kruger National Park was a significant triumph for conservation. For the first time in decades  animals could roam freely and migrate seasonally. It also reduced the pressure on vegetation.

The removal of fencing coincided with South Africa’s transition towards democracy and represented a massive shift from an isolated conservation philosophy to a more integrated and collaborative conservation approach.

The success of these initiatives has led to even larger conservation visions. The establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in 2002 aimed to connect Kruger with protected areas in neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The Greater Kruger Park area in South Africa comprises of 20 around privately owned game reserves including Sabi, Olifants West, Klaserie, and the Balule. These private farms were united in the aim of upholding and maintaining the best wildlife conservation practices.
While fences have been dropped between The Greater Kruger and the Kruger National Park, some private reserves within the Greater Kruger have fencing that remains.

All of our lodges and camps within the Greater Kruger regions have had their fencing removed. That being said, dependant on the landscape and vegetation, the camps themselves may or may not have fencing. Some our camps have elephant fencing to keep elephants from destroying vegetation in camp while others have elevated accommodation and elephant wander through camp freely. 

Enquire with our dedicated and passionate reservations team here to find out which of our incredible camps best suits your needs on your first safari.

The privately owned reserves of the Greater Kruger have limited numbers of visitors ensuring an intimate and exclusive safari experience. Escape the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of remote African wilderness.

Wildlife viewing

Each and every day is a new adventure on safari. There is no moment that is ever the same. Who knows what sightings the day will hold. You could walk the same track everyday and there would always be something new to discover. 

Every one of our camps and lodges offer twice-daily game drives, one at dawn and one at dusk. You’ll rise with the dawn chorus of birdsong and head out in the crisp morning air while colours of a new day begin to paint the sky.
The reason for an early morning and early evening game drive are because it is prime wildlife viewing time. Remember prime time tv, it’s like that but the wildlife version. Predators and nocturnal creatures are still active from nighttime activities or they are awakening from the lull and heat of the day.

There is no predicting what wildlife you will see. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. All of our camps and lodges are within Big 5 territory and many guests experience spotting all 5 within a couple days. With over 140 mammals and 500 bird species in the Kruger, there is so much more than to see!

Some of our camps offer walking safaris which are an immersive way to experience the bush. On foot, there are intricate details easily missed from a vehicle. Think a chameleon disguising itself on the branches of a tree or a trap door spiders ingenious hiding spot or identifying the tracks of an elusive leopard.

Eat, read, relax, repeat (when not on thrilling game drives)

Most camps and lodges have viewing decks and a swimming pool as well as boma area complete with campfire for stargazing in the evenings.

Some lodges have a small gym on-site for those seeking to move their bodies.

Depending on the season (read our previous post on ‘When to go on safari’) you may spend quiet moments between game drives relaxing at the pool, getting lost in a book, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature all around you.
Oh, and eating plenty delicious food of course.

All our camps are surrounded by wild nature meaning sightings don’t stop because you’re not on a vehicle. There are over 500 bird species so grab your binoculars, a copy of Robertson’s and getting spotting.

What to pack

• Neutral, light coloured clothing (Mosquitoes are drawn to navy, black, orange, reds and teal colours!)
• Layers (All depends on time of year but layers are always best as temperatures can change throughout the day. Summer temperatures can soar while winter mornings can be icy!)
• Comfortable walking shoes + shoes to lounge in
• Swimming costume
• Mosquito repellant
• SPF sunblock, sunhat, and sunglasses
• Binoculors 
• Books, notebooks
• A little day pack for exploring 

Safaris are the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Africa has a magic that seeps into our souls. Not only do safaris awaken a sense of awe and wonder, they remind us of the immense importance in conserving the wild places of our world. 

For unforgettable adventures that have lasting impact, book your next safari holiday.