Not many people can afford to travel thousands of kilometers for a safari here in South Africa every year, so it is understandable that they would like to see the famous Big 5 (Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo & Leopard). For this particular reason (and many others), visitors to South Africa enjoy going to the Kruger National Park. Being so popular among the tourists, Kruger National Park tends to fill up pretty quickly during peak season, to the disappointment of many tourists. We have decided to share some lessor known facts on the other Nature Reserves where you can find the Big 5 in South Africa.
Madikwe Game Reserve
The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. It is situated 3 1/2 hours drive from Johannesburg on the border with Botswana. On this game reserve you will find the famous Madikwe River Lodge, Jaci’s Safari Lodge & Jaci’s Tree Lodge (yes, the lodge is in the tree tops, which makes for great viewing).
Shamwari Game Reserve
Malaria free & situated in the Eastern Cape, you will find the Shamwari Game Reserve. The reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve lies in the heart of Zululand, where ancient trails lead through the thornveld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established wilderness area. Besides the elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo and rhino, it harbours the elusive cheetah, wild dogs and many other well-known bushveld species inhabit the park, offering visitors a rich game viewing experience.
Aquila Game Reserve
Aquila is not yet another luxury game reserve and lodge, its primary purpose is to offer an educational experience to all who visit in the hope that knowledge will enrich our understanding of the importance of living in harmony with Mother Nature.
Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated on the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic crater and is the fourth largest national park in South Africa. Not only will you find the Big 5 here, you will also find the cheetah, hippo, giraffe, a large variety of antelope and over 350 species of bird.
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Or how about working with the Big 5?…
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain range, the reserve guards the entrance to South Africa’s world famous Garden Route coast. This malaria-free, private game reserve is home to an abundance of animal and bird life, including the Big 5!
This project offers you an absolutely incomparable volunteer experience in practical knowledge and diverse hands-on encounters with the world famous Big 5 animals of Africa.
Get up close and personal with lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinoceros, as well as other South African wildlife in a safe, malaria-free, private game reserve.
http://www.edgeofafrica.com/volunteer/apply/big-5-wildlife-project/