Where to go on Safari: National Parks v Private Game Reserves

Visitors to South Africa often ask where they should go for their safari. It is (possibly) a once in a lifetime experience and you want to be certain that you get the best out of your trip to Africa. Kruger National Park is well known across the world, but does this mean that this is where you should go when you visit South Africa?

On The Game Lodge Index, we have written detailed descriptions on National Parks and Private Game Reserves, but we'll attempt to help you choose the one that suits you best, on the blog. Both offer excellent game viewing but there are a few differences which can greatly affect your overall experience if you're not prepared or unaware. When referring to private game reserves, we are including the concept of concessions, that is, land within a national park that is used for a certain period in the same manner as a private reserve.

Vehicles
One of the major differences between the national park safari experiences the private reserves is the type of vehicle used for the game viewing. Kruger National Park is essentially a self-drive experience where you use your own vehicle to navigate the mixture of tar and gravel roads. The roads are usually accessible by most sedans.

This vehicle has been modified to accommodate 8-9 guests

On the private game reserves they tend to use vehicles that have been modified to accommodate
6-10 people and that can safely navigate the terrain.
The seats are also elevated to maximize the visibility for guests and they have special storage areas. Some vehicles have a roof to protect from the rain and sun and most private game reserves will supply their guests with ponchos to wear when the rain arrives.




Game Drive Times

Orpen Gate - Kruger National Park

In the National Parks there are strict opening and closing times for the gates surrounding the park and for the various camps. The times are guided by the hours of daylight and therefore you cannot take yourself on a night game drive which lessens your chances of seeing nocturnal animals. One of the major benefits of driving your own vehicle is that you can decide how long you want to go on game drive for and you are only limited by the gate closing time.
Private Game Reserves have more flexibility and their game drives usually occur during the optimal viewing times of early morning and late afternoon/early evening. There is an increased chance of seeing the day's transition. The game drives tend to last between 2 - 4 hours depending on the property that you are staying at.

The Service

A sundowner stop on a private reserve

When in a National Park, the service is as good as your own effort, that is, the food is what you've packed, the drinks are what you have supplied and the facilities depend on what you prepare for. There are rest stops and camps within a reserve that you can utilise, but it will take planning and your own equipment to enjoy these.
While on safari in a Private Reserve, the drives include a traditional sundowner stop where the ranger sets out some delectable snacks and offers you a beverage to go with it. There is often coffee/tea and treats during the morning game drive. These are the added touches that help you relax and give you, as the visitor, an extra way to enjoy the African bush.

The Knowledge
While on a game drive in a National Park, you are your own guide and your own source of knowledge. Even if you book to go on one of the private tours, the chances that your guide will be able to tell you too much about the animals, are slim.

Would you like to know more about her actions?

When on safari with a private game ranger, you have someone at your disposal who can tell you about almost everything around you, from the birds, to the trees and beyond. While on safari, when an animal is spotted, your ranger will stop, switch off the vehicle and tell you about what you are seeing. The guide will identify the animal and explain any unusual behavior. Do you want to know more? Then go ahead and ask your guide who will be able to explain and if not, will be able to research the answer and give you the information before you leave.

Your photo opportunities

Photo time!

In a National Park you are limited to the area that you can access. You have to stay on the road or possibly, stay behind the numerous other vehicles that arrived before you. Those amazing photos you see from Kruger? People with patience and possibly extra zoom on their cameras. Amazing photos are possible, but not for every visitor.
Your private ranger in a private game reserve will be able to take you closer to the animals or angle the vehicle so that the light is correct or the background is ideal. Often, guides are also photographers and can assist with camera queries or share handy tips on the animals movements thereby assisting you in getting your memorable once-in-a-lifetime photo!


A clear view 

What a great view of this cheetah!

National Parks have no limit on how many vehicles can view an animal at any time. It all depends on who passes by and who decides to stop. You may be lucky and enjoy a herd of elephants all around you or you may only catch a glimpse of a lion's ear as the vehicle around you blocks your view. That said, most visitors to National Parks are friendly and courteous and will enjoy the sighting before making room for you to join them.
In the Private Game Reserves, there is usually a 2-3 vehicle limit at a sighting but there is a time limit for each vehicle. At least you are guaranteed a good chance of seeing the animal!

The benefit of hawk eyes!

Would you have spotted this little bird?

How good are your bush eyes? Can you spot a camouflaged leopard in between the long grass? In the National Parks you rely on your own luck, timing and good vision to spot the smaller animals. On a Private Game Reserve your ranger knows what to look for, how to spot the animals and can see what stands out. You, as the guest, benefit from their amazing eyes! Of course, being in radio contact with the other vehicles also helps. They share knowledge of where the animals have moved and this assists them in showing you what is out there. Being in the bush every day also helps the rangers track the movements and pick up on habits.

There is lots more information on where to go and what to expect on The Game Lodge Index

You can decide for yourself where you want to go and every experience in the African bush is magical in it's own way! There is no right or wrong!