A safari out in the wild is an experience you should enjoy at least once in your lifetime. It is so important that we take time out to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul and being out in the bushveld does just that. It is about slowing down the pace enough to clearing your mind and just savor the sights and sounds of nature.
South Africa is home to some of Africa’s top game reserves and so it can be challenging when choosing a safari destination. There are two parks in particular that are accessible by road from Johannesburg and we explore what makes them unique and worth the visit.
Driving north of Johannesburg for approximately 2½ to 3 hours drive, you are greeted by vast open plains and the dramatically beautiful Waterberg Mountains. The Waterberg region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the same size as the Okavango Delta. It is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, offering the most magnificent scenery and a diverse collection of wildlife and bird species. There are more than 5,500 species of plants, of which 43% are endemic to the region. The area is also one of the most important San rock art areas in South Africa.
The Waterberg Region is well known for its luxurious and private game lodges as well as a number of family friendly safari lodges. The private Welgevonden Game Reserve is a popular destination choice, boasting 36,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and home to the Big Five. Private reserves such as this one offer guided open-vehicle games drives and some may even offer walking safaris.
The Kruger National Park is renowned as a top Big Five safari destination in South Africa and is one of the largest game parks in the world. The park encompasses two million hectares of pristine wilderness and has as many as 147 mammal species and over 500 species of birds. The southern Kruger Park has a particularly lush vegetation and tends to attract large concentrations of game. The Kruger Park offers travelers the choice to self-drive and stay at one of the SanParks camps or enjoy a touch of luxury and stay in one of the 3 star luxury lodges that nestle in the surrounding private reserves. These lodges generally include your meals and two guided safari activities a day.
Whether you choose to stay in self-catering chalets or private lodges, you have the opportunity to enjoy guided game drives and bush walks. If you’ve never been to the Kruger, it is recommended that you book at least one guided game drive so that you can familiarise yourself with the layout of the park and how to safely position yourself when observing dangerous wildlife. The rangers are highly knowledgeable and have the ability to track animals so that you can have the best game viewing experience.
