Looking for the nearest Big 5 Game Reserve?

This is one of the smaller game reserves spanning around 1 200 hectares. It is situated in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountain Range. Here you will experience the likes of Hippo, African python and Nile crocodile as well as the big five.
Sadly this reserve does not allow day trips but they do offer accommodation which includes all meals and two safari activities. Activities at this reserve include horse safaris, bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, snake demonstrations, archery and spa treatments.

Directions from Pretoria to Mabula:

Once on the N1, take the Pietersburg highway turn to Bela Bela.
Take the Codrington off-ramp and turn left at the yield sign 5 km after the yield sign, turn right at the T junction. Turn left at the garage, pass the Forever Resorts Aventura. Turn left at the traffic circle left onto the Thabazimbi/Rooiberg road After 34 km, turn right onto Rooiberg Road and follow the signs

Dinokeng lies in the catchment area of two rivers that flow into the Olifants and Limpopo rivers. The reserve is believed to be the first free-roaming Big 5 game reserve next to an urbanized area.
The grassland bushveld habitats of Dinokeng support an abundance of indigenous wildlife. The region is home to a range of game including zebra, hyena, giraffe, buffalo and eland across the five provincial nature reserves of Rust de Winter, Mdlala, Mkhombo, Leeuwfontein and Roodeplaat and a number of conservancies.

Directions to Dinokeng

Take the R21 North then N1 highway North towards Polokwane, Proceed through Pumulani Toll Plaza, Take the Hammanskraal/Boekenhoutkloof Turnoff/exit, Turn into easternly direction (right over highway from Jhb/PTA) onto tarred road towards Boekenhoutkloof
Turn left onto the tarred Rust de Winter Road at the Dinokeng Game Reserve sign and follow the road for 1 km, Proceed through Tau Gate at the Dinokeng Game Reserve

One of the most prestigious of all South African reserves Phinda Private Game Reserve is perfectly positioned along the borders of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
It's proximity to the coast and the wetlands helps Phinda boast five different ecosystems. Choose from a variety of Luxury Phinda Lodges in the 23 000 hectare area, each has it's own unique character and charm but all have luxury facilities in common. Enjoy twice daily game drives where expert rangers lead you through your unforgettable bush break adventure, or truly connect with your surrounds during a bush walk.
The game viewing is superb with cheetah an exciting specialty!

Directions from Durban to Phinda:

Take the N2 highway northbound towards Stanger/KwaDakuza; There are 3 toll roads on route to Phinda, Remain on the N2 until 10 km after the town of Hluhluwe. Take the sign-posted “Phinda” off-ramp and at the top turn right onto the bridge and head towards T-junction, Turn left onto a gravel road and follow it for approximately 4 km until you reach a railway line Cross the railway line and turn immediately right
Ahead of you is the entrance gate to the Munyawana Private Game Reserve. Follow the signs to your lodge from there

The Mkuze Game Reserve is located in Northern Zululand and spans around 40 000 hectare. The Reserve was declared a protected area on the 15 February 1912. The Reserve is known for the diversity of habitats including savannah, woodlands, sand forests, riverine forest, pans, grasslands, cliffs and rocky ridges. The reserve makes up the north western spur of the st Lucia wetland park, which was declared a world heritage site in 1999. Costs: For more about accommodation and rates take a look at: www.mkuze.org

Directions to Mkuze

Do not confuse the National reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, with the Private Game Lodge of Mkuze Falls which is in the Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve

If you are heading to the one of coastal areas on the East Coast north or south of Durban, then Nambiti is a great place to break up your journey and get some quality game viewing in to make a perfect Beach and Bush holiday. Nambiti has a good selection of 4 and 5 star properties and the game viewing is excellent

Directions to Nambiti from Joburg

Direction from Joburg to Nambiti, Head towards Durban on the N3 for about 300km, Take exit 246 for R103 toward Ladysmith, Follow signage to N11 to Newcastle and the 1st Nambiti gate is on your right after about 20km. Make sure you know which gate you need to go through.

Directions to Nambiti from Durban

Drive to Ladysmith on the N3. Take the Ladysmith / Bergville Toll off-ramp. Turn right to Colenso and then left on the R103 to Ladysmith. Alternative link road presently has roadworks and can cause delays.
Enter the town, turn left and drive through exiting on the N11 road towards Newcastle. Approximately 20km from the last traffic light out of Ladysmith on the N11 is the southern Woodlands entrance and 7 kms after that is the Elandslaagte Gate turnoff to the 2nd gate