South Africa, possibly one of the most geographically diverse places on earth, is home to two of the world's most renowned National Parks, the Kruger National and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Parks.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier game reserve, with the widest variety of wildlife anywhere in Africa.

Birth of a world-renowned park

In 1898, Paul Kruger, then president of the Transvaal Republic, proclaimed the area between the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers as the Sabie Game Reserve, with the intention of creating an area where wildlife could breed and replenish hunting stocks. After 4 years of conflict during the Anglo-Boer war, the reserve was again proclaimed by the British, who forcibly removed local inhabitants from the land.

Scotsman, James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as the reserve's first warden, and he championed the cause for the extension of the park as far as the Luvuvhu River, which decades later, would be the foundation for the greater Lowveld conservation area.

On 31 May 1926, the proclamation of the National Parks Act, and the accompanying merger of the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves, led to the formation of the Kruger National Park.

1927 saw the entry of three cars into the park, in what could perhaps be considered the first-ever game drive. The first motorists entered the park for a fee of one pound, and by 1929, nearly a thousand vehicles were visiting.

Wealth of diversity

Established in 1926, the park stretches over a mammoth 19 633 km2 of territory and is home to an amazing number of species. There are around 50 fish, 30-odd amphibian, nearly 120 reptile, more than 330 tree, over 500 bird and close to 150 mammal species in the park.

Of these many species, it is probably the Big Five; the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo, that attracts most of the park's half a million annual visitors.

No fences make good neighbours

Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves. Until about a decade ago, these were all fenced off from the main park. With the removal of the fences, the park was increased in size by about 15 percent. Since there are no longer fences separating the reserves from the Kruger, it effectively creates one huge, continuous reserve area across which the animals are free to roam.

Private Game reserves

Since the early days of safari, things have come a long way. While it's still possible to experience a rough and rugged adventure safari of the type early visitors would have experienced, the majority of modern visitors to area prefer to combine the best of Africa with the best in comfort and hospitality. It is here that the private game reserves and private safari lodges come to the fore.

These private parks and lodges are the epitome of luxury and comfort in the bush. It makes for a magical combination and an experience that stays with visitors forever.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

One such property is the Sabi Sabi private game reserve. Located to the west of the park, in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Sabi Sabi comprises four luxury game lodges; Earth Lodge, Selati Camp, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp.

Earth Lodge

The internationally-acclaimed Earth lodge, with 13 luxury suites, is in itself a memorable experience. The lodge is sculpted into the earth, with a subterranean dining and living area. Each suite boasts a private butler, and the specially commissioned furnishings, like the natural sculptures of Geoffrey Armstrong, lend a special touch.

Selati Camp

Furnished with a historic Railway theme and 19th century charm, Selati has eight luxury thatched suites. The novel railway theme includes original steam engine name plates and original shunter's lamps.

Bush Lodge

Set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld, the bushcamp overlooks a watering-hole, giving it excellent game viewing potential. The thatched suites feature some exquisite wooden carvings, created from wood salvaged from the bushveld.

Little Bush Camp

This, the newest addition to Sabi Sabi, is located on the banks of the Msuthlu River. Its six suites are fully equipped and feature contemporary African design and a stunning private viewing deck.

Timbavati Safari Lodge Accommodation

The Timbavati Safari lodge is another of the private game reserves sharing a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park. Accommodation at Timbavati includes colonial style game lodges, traditional thatched bush lodges and luxury tented safari camps. Timbavati offers a choice of family or luxury safari lodge accommodation

Family Lodge Accommodation

This is the ideal choice for a family safari holiday. It provides facilities for children of all ages, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy the safari experience with total peace of mind.

Luxury Lodge Accommodation

Combining the essence of a traditional safari with total comfort and luxury, this is the choice for the visitor looking to enjoy the beauty of the bushveld in African style luxury.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve

This wildlife paradise, also in the Sabi Sands reserve, is situated on the Sand River. It is considered on of the best places in the world for viewing Leopards in their natural habitat. The reserve includes four luxurious camps: Bateleur Camp, Founders Camp, Pioneer Camp and Tree Camp

Regardless of your choice of Luxury safari accommodation, the Kruger National Park and its neighbouring private game reserves are sure to provide and experience to delight and inspire. The wide range of options means visitors are spoilt for choice and there's something to suit every budget. An African safari in the Kruger Park is an experience you won't soon forget.