PRIVATE RESERVES
SAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
This reserve is on a mission to rewild its corner of the Great Karoo. No day visitors allowed.
DO THIS: If you stay in the reserve, you can track cheetahs on foot, sleep under the stars or picnic in the wild. ACCOMMODATION: Suites from R5 500 p.p. sharing.
Where? About 37 km south-east of Graaff-reinet.
Contact: 031 262 0324 (reservations); samara.co.za
SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
This private reserve runs wildlife rehabilitation centres and, together with the Born Free Foundation, a sanctuary for rescued lions and leopards.
Day visitor activities: Go for a guided game drive (three hours), lunch and a visit to one of the wildlife rehabilitation centres. R2 000 p.p. for a minimum of four people. Book a week beforehand.
ACCOMMODATION: Safari lodges, tented camps and bush camps from R4 900 p.p. sharing.
Where? About 9 km south-east of Paterson.
Contact: 042 203 1111;
shamwari.com
PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
You can see the Big Five (tick!) as well as rare white lions, hippos and cheetahs. More than 300 bird species have been recorded.
Day visitor activities: Two-and-ahalf hour guided game drive and lunch – R985 p.p. ACCOMMODATION: Chalets and lodge suites from R8 985 p.p. sharing. Where? About 25 km south-west of Makhanda.
Contact: 046 603 2000 (reception);
pumbagamereserve.co.za
KARIEGA GAME RESERVE
The Kariega and Bushmans rivers both run through this private reserve, where the Big Five roam the landscape. No day visitors are allowed.
DO THIS: Game drives, river cruises, guided bush walks, canoeing, and fishing for overnight guests. ACCOMMODATION: The reserve has a special for South Africans until 31 August 2022: All-inclusive lodge accommodation from R2 300 p.p. sharing for a minimum of two nights and 20 guests.
Where? About 14 km north of Kenton-on-sea.
Contact: 046 636 7904;
kariega.co.za
PREMIER RESORT MPONGO PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
At this Premier Resort you share the landscape with elephant, buffalo and giraffe. Have lunch at Huberta Restaurant (9 am to 4 pm) right next to a waterhole.
Day visitor activities: Two-hour guided game drive at 9 am or
3 pm – R595 p.p.
ACCOMMODATION: Lodge rooms from R1 314 for two people; breakfast included.
Where? About 45 km north-west of East London.
Contact: 043 742 9000/2/4;
premierhotels.co.za
INKWENKWEZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Experience the Wild Coast, close to the big city. The reserve has lions, leopards, buffalo and white rhino, a variety of biomes, and a tidal estuary.
Day visitor activities: Threehour game drive R985 p.p. (8 am or 2 pm); hour-long guided walk in an umtiza forest (R100 p.p; minimum four adults); guided quad-bike tour (from R295 p.p. for 30 minutes). ACCOMMODATION: Safari tents from R3 960 p.n. for two people. Where? About 48 km north-east of East London.
Contact: 043 734 3234;
visitbuffalocity.co.za