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!

Lodge of the Week - Singita Boulders Lodge

Singita Boulders Lodge - A Modern Masterpiece

Boulders Lodge is the younger sister lodge to Ebony and is also set close to the banks of the Sand River. The staggering architecture of the lodge is something to celebrate – a wonderful mix of stone, natural materials and flowing modern design sets the lodge apart. Ten private suites are spread out along the river bank - in addition there are two family units that can accommodate groups of four together. These family units can be used as exclusive residences away from the rest of the lodge - each has its own private entrance and personally catered meal options can be prepared in the attached kitchens. The rooms are inspiring and are all fitted with everything one would expect from a luxury lodge: bar, satellite TV, private pools to dip in during the heat of summer, personal fireplace to sit by on cool winter evenings and a host of accessories. As is synonymous with the Singita brand, no attention to detail or expense has been spared. The service is of the highest standard, the staff gracious and efficient and the setting is incredibly beautiful. A variety of meal options and a selection of fine wines from a remarkable wine cellar (built in to the rocks underlying the main lodge) make for an exceptional culinary adventure. For those looking to be further pampered a luxury on site health spa offers a selection of treatments. Industry-leading and on-going staff training is in place to ensure that everyone from guides and trackers to front and back room staff cater to the guest’s every whim.

Boulders Lodge is situated in the Singita Game Reserve in the centre of the world renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin on a 6000 hectare portion of the Sabi Sands. Singita has an additional traversing area of 12 000 hectares which gives it access to one of the largest traversing areas in the Sabi Sands whilst still maintaining exclusivity for guests - no more than three vehicles are allowed per sighting. With a lower density of vehicles and lodges than many other areas in the Sabi Sands, sightings are not rushed. Singita offers a very memorable safari experience with consistent lion, leopard and elephant viewing. The wildlife in general is placid - allowing vehicles to approach at a fairly close distance. The birding is good and the scenery is typically enchanting. Apart from game drives, an impressive assortment of activities is offered to guests from walking and cycling to archery and target shooting. One of Singita’s least sung praises is its active involvement in various social upliftment initiatives, where it greatly assists in projects in its local community.

Boulders Lodge is an ideal destination for the discerning traveller looking for a safari and lodging experience that is unparalleled. Although the rates are high, they are justified with what the lodge offers making it relatively good value for money. Everything from beverages (excluding French champagnes) to a good selection of daily activities is included in the price.

****Singita Boulder's Special Offer****

Perfectly suited to young and old travelling together, the family suites are connected by a common dining/lounge veranda area where you can dine and play together.

• 2010
• From ZAR 54 750 per night - four adults & two children (6+)
• Minimum 3 nights stay
• 01 January 2010 - 15 December 2010

• 2011
• From ZAR 59 375 per night - four adults & two children (6+)
• Minimum 3 nights stay
• 01 January 2011 - 15 December 2011

• Accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, teas and coffees.
• The services of a personal butler, private Land Rover and private guide, and private chef.
• All drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding French champagne).
• Two open Land Rover safaris a day and walking safaris accompanied by an experienced guide and tracker.
• Return surface transfers from the airstrip to the lodges/camp.
• Laundry and valet services.
• Activities for children including board games, DVDs, wildlife shows, cooking with chefs, a cosmic safari (astronomy), survival in the bush, flower-pressing and nature quizzes.

This offer is mutually exclusive and subject to availability

Click for RESERVATIONS or for the SINGITA website 

Eyes on Africa

Core Ratings:
Lodge and Camp	9.1
Safari Experience	8.8
Service	10.0
Facilities	8.9
Unique Rating	7.6
Conservation	5.8
Social involvement	8.9
OVERALL RATING:	9.7

Save the Leopard

Photo courtesy of Marlon du Toit from Singita Game Reserve - Kruger National Park

Save a Leopard - Landmark Foundation

The charismatic  leopard is the top predator species in the mountainous regions of the Cape of South Africa. 

They are increasingly coming into conflict with farmers who use lethal methods of predator control. Although they are not officially classified as endangered, the leopard populations are becoming so isolated that they may not be genetically viable for much longer.

The Landmark Foundation is a South African charity that is run on a shoestring and has been doing amazing work.  Not only saving the lives of many animals but fighting hard to change the attitude of farmers and a culture going back generations.  Landmark is demonstrating the negative impact that traditional, lethal methods of predator control have on the whole eco-system - it’s not just leopards, but caracal, jackal and eagles that suffer the same fate.

Photo courtesy of Marlon du Toit from Singita Game Reserve - Kruger National Park

Landmark is proving that innovative, predator friendly methods can be more effective.   They have been trialling the use of alpacas and livestock guarding dogs (such as Anatolian Shepherds) to guard the sheep. They are very protective of their charges!  Even the use of simple, inexpensive, plastic and metal collars that protect the neck of the sheep – making them impervious to attack by solitary predators like leopards – are proven to be successful.   

Photo courtesy of Marlon du Toit from Singita Game Reserve - Kruger National Park

Landmark has been running their rescue and rehabilitation project, researching the local leopard population and their movements in order to demonstrate the scale of the problem.  Leopards caught in gin traps often need veterinary treatment to avoid a lingering, painful death.  Capturing at-risk leopards in live traps means that they can be collared and released in a safer area.  So far they have rescued, released and/ or relocated 24 leopards between 2004 and 2009.    

Help us to help them to continue this vital and worthwhile work.

                     

The best lodges for Leopard viewing in South Africa

Where in South Africa should you go for the best Leopard viewing? Here's The Game Lodge Index list:

Top End Lodges that offer excellent leopard viewing:

• Singita Lodges - Boulders and Ebony
• Sabi Sabi Lodges - Earth Lodge, Selati and Bush Lodge
• Rattray's on Mala Mala
• Mala Mala Sable Camp
• King's Camp - Timbavati
• Chitwa Chitwa
• Simbambili Lodge

Malaria Free leopard viewing

Leopard sightings in the malaria free areas are not as frequent or as up close as the lodges mentioned above. Yet there is still a strong chance of seeing leopard in:

• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Shamwari Game Reserve 

Best Affordable Lodge to view Leopard?

• Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Why not search The Game Lodge Index to find other Leopard viewing options?

This is a very special leopard found in Madikwe Game Reserve and spotted while our review teams where staying at Tuningi Safari Lodge and Royal Madikwe

Deon from Jaci's Lodges also captured this full body picture of him.

If you've been to Madikwe Game Reserve, please support their Leopard monitoring program here

Interesting facts about: Leopards

The leopard is Africa’s most efficient hunter with a 40% success rate

Adult male leopards reach 65cm (26 in.) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 Kg (132 lb.). The female are predictably smaller, averaging 60 cm (24 in.) at the shoulder and weighing 55 Kg (121 lb.)

The leopard’s most distinctive feature is the black spots on its tan coat, which makes it able to camouflage itself extremely well, hence being known as the elusive cat.

Leopards are very successful as a species, and have adapted well to their ever diminishing natural habitats. They have even settled quite comfortably in the midst of agricultural communities, feeding off the very vulnerable livestock.

Dense bush in rocky surroundings and riverine forest are their favorite habitats, but leopards adapt to many places in both warm and cold climates.

Leopards are primarily nocturnal, usually resting during the daytime in trees or thick bush.

These cats are opportunistic hunters and will take smaller alternative prey such as baboons, monkeys and hares.

Leopards can also obtain all their water requirements from kills, and are therefore not dependent on water. They will however drink if water is available.

Leopards are the quintessential stalking predators, and the term “leopard crawling” is well founded. They prefer to hunt at night, and seek to crawl as close as possible to their chosen prey.

Although they are the second largest of the African predators their kills are often vulnerable and can be taken from them by lion, spotted hyena, wild dog and even jackal when they are in numbers.

The leopard, being the strongest cat weight for weight has the ability to drag a carcass high into trees. The carcasses could be its own weight or more, and the cat claws its way up a vertical tree trunk with the animal in its mouth.

Leopards growl and spit with a screaming roar of fury when angry and they purr when content. They announce their presence to other leopards with a rasping or sawing cough.

The elegant, powerfully built leopard has a long body, relatively short legs and a broad head. Its tawny coat is covered with dark, irregular circles called "rosettes."

Leopard marking in Kruger Park

Photo of the Week - Leopard

Leopard are rarely seen in the thickets of the Eastern Cape bush so it's with great excitement that Riaan and Julie tell of how they "spotted" one recently. You can read the entire sighting story on their blog. They run an lovely camp that is one of the most affordable luxury safaris in South Africa. The camp is called Quatermain's and you can find out more from the website. If you want to read what reviewer, Jaime, thought of his experience, follow the link to The Game Lodge Index 

You can also read the incredible story of how wild leopards are being spotted in the Betty's Bay area, in the Western Cape.