If you are looking for a luxurious Game Reserve, Thanda private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, will tick off all your boxes - even ones you never thought you had.
This award-winning game reserve is ultra-luxurious, having been acknowledged as a leader in first-class luxury accommodation. ‘Love’ translated into Zulu is Thanda, and here at Thanda Game Reserve, you’ll certainly feel it - from the peace and quiet of nature to the unbelievably attentive service. At Thanda Safari you will certainly get more than you bargained for, with not only exquisite landscapes but sightings of some of the world’s most coveted species. Thanda is home to the big five including buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino, and elephant. A Safari in South Africa is always one that will never be forgotten.
2. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park is found in the northeastern corner of Botswana. There are private lodges and tented camps scattered throughout the national park situated in untouched, natural environments which makes for a great place to explore the surrounding ecosystems and catch sight of various wildlife species - in fact, some may even come to pay a visit at your camp. Safari enthusiasts will have an opportunity to an African wilderness experience with all its wonder and beauty from both land and water. Chobe prides itself on being home to the rare African wild dog as well as buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant, antelope and hippo to name a few, as well as hundreds of bird species.3. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia, is a world-renown game reserve, and a little different, with its unique desert landscape. Etosha means ‘the great white area’ so fitting as the main characteristic is the salt pan, which is so large it can be seen from space. It’s also the largest salt pan in Africa, and when it rains water pools are created bringing thousands of beautiful flamingos to the area, which is breathtaking to see. Etosha National park is also home to rare wildlife such as the cheetah as well as giraffe, leopard, lion, elephant and two species of zebra, springbok, eland and more. The lodges are beautiful and well equipped, each have a private patio where you can view and be part of the wilderness around you. At all the main camps the waterholes are floodlit giving a unique experience of viewing the animals at close range.4. Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Adjacent to the Kruger National Park is one of the most famous private game reserves, Sabi Sands. Sabi Sands offers an incomparable safari experience with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Here you will likely see the shyest of the big five, the leopard which Sabi Sands is known for. There are no fences blocking entry between Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park, giving wildlife freedom to roam freely in this natural environment. Sabi Sands have a fantastic range of beautiful luxury lodges that will suit everyone's needs. Around the area of the Kruger National Park are other popular game reserves such as the Ulusaba Lodge which means ‘place of little fear’ owned by Sir Richard Branson, as well as the world-renowned Singita Lodge which means ‘place of miracles’. Although The Kruger National Park is one of the famous of them all, it is certainly the most touristy, so be prepared for the crowds!5. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve South Africa is known to have some of the largest private game reserves but Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is the largest of all at 114 000 hectares and boasts some of the rarest wildlife of which they are very proud, such as roan antelope, black-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah, and the desert black rhino. Tswalu not only has a large number of wildlife but also approximately 70 mammal - the smallest animals can keep you rather entertained, such as the adorable meerkats and 230 bird species of all colors and sizes. Tswalu offers not only game drives but also walking safaris and guests can opt to sleep-out under the stars, making this a very unique experience. There are only two lodges to choose from; the main lodge is The Motse, with eight small suites with en-suite bathrooms and inside and outside showers, and Tarkuni which has five luxury rooms that can take ten guests for exclusive use only. Both lodges are fitted with air conditioning for those hot summer African days.