South Africa’s oldest Big 5 game reserve is an iconic wildlife destination for a reason. Sabi Sand has an incredibly high concentration of animals within its 160,000-acre border, as well as some of South Africa’s finest luxury lodges. Sharing a 30 mile unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, the reserve is particularly well known for sightings of its majestic big cats, including the elusive leopard.

Top Fact: Beyond the famous Big 5, Sabi Sand also offers its own list of 7 hard-to-spot, nocturnal animals - the Secret 7 (Aardvark, Pangolin, Porcupine, Civet, Large Spotted Genet, Serval, and African Wild Cat)

Where to stay: Both lodges offering luxurious facilities and extremely knowledgeable guides, Sabi Sabi Selati Camp is the perfect choice for an authentic and intimate stay, while Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge offers a family friendly base and plenty of wildlife-themed activities.

Steeped in history, this prestigious Big 5 reserve boasts 130,000 acres of pristine wilderness and a wide diversity of habitats. Located on the western edge of Kruger National Park, Timbavati’s strong conservation focus has ensured the reserve thrives with wildlife.

Top Fact: Home of the White Lions, this is the only place in the world where these animals naturally occur. With a rare genetic condition that causes their pale fur, numbers of these magnificent lions are low, and sightings never guaranteed.

Where to stay: With excellent facilities and activities for all ages (including children’s ranger training), Kambaku Safari Lodge is the ideal lodge for family safaris.

This 35,000-acre reserve is set in the heart of rolling lowveld savannah and shares an open border with neighbouring Timbavati Game Reserve. As well as the famous Big 5, the reserve is also home to spotted hyenas, giraffes, hippos and over 300 bird species.

Top Fact: In 2017 its eastern boundary fence was removed, allowing wildlife to freely roam between the reserve and 5 million acres of the Greater Kruger area. 

Where to stay: The original lodge within the reserve since 1961, Thornybush Game Lodge promises a memorable stay, combining knowledgeable guides with exceptional facilities.

Offering close proximity to Hoedspruit airport, Kapama Private Game Reserve boasts 32,000 fenced acres of pristine bushveld and a plethora of wildlife. In addition to the Big 5, including a large elephant population, you can also spot friendly giraffes, impalas and the blue wildebeest, plus over 350 bird species which thrive in this habitat.

Top Fact: The reserve has limits of only two vehicles at any wildlife sighting, preventing over-tourism and ensuring a peaceful safari experience. 

Where to stay: For a unique safari lodge, stay at Kapama Buffalo Camp, nestled in the treetops with wooden walkways connecting the buildings.

Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, quieter Klaserie covers nearly 150,000 acres and offers exceptional scenery, with the picturesque Klaserie River running through the heart of the reserve. Klaserie reserve is especially known for its prolific birdlife including the resplendently coloured Lilac Breasted Roller and Giant Eagle Owl.

Top Fact: This reserve was formed in 1969 when 36 landowners decided to combine their land. To this day community conservation remains at the heart of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. 

Where to stay: Offering an intimate safari adventure along the banks of the Klaserie River, Last Word Kitara is perfect for those seeking an authentic experience in the bush.

Nestled in the shadow of the northern Drakensberg Mountains, this 20,000-acre fenced reserve offers a diverse terrain of undulating hills, mopane bush and rocky outcrops, providing the ideal habitat for wildlife.

Top Fact: Positioned between four rivers, Karongwe’s lush landscape is a great location to increase your chances of spotting elusive leopards, who frequently hide amongst thick foliage.

Where to stay: Bordered by the dramatic Drakensberg Mountain escarpment and set on the dry riverbed of the Makhutswi River, luxurious Karongwe Becks Safari Lodge offers an idyllic stay in wildlife-rich surroundings.