Sabi Sands, Madikwe or Phinda

Sabi Sands Game Reserve; located adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park

• An exclusive concession of the world-famous Kruger
• Exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five
• Private concessions allow off-road game drives
• Luxury lodges and high-quality safari experiences

If you want to experience the world-famous Kruger and have an incredible Big 5 viewing, then there is no better place than Sabi Sands, which shares 50 kilometres of unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. As the boundary is unfenced, wildlife is able to move freely between the two areas.

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Madikwe Game Reserve; located in the North-West Province near Johannesburg

• One of the largest game reserves in South Africa
• Home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five
• Malaria-free zone, making it a suitable option for families.
• Diverse landscapes, including open plains and woodlands.

Larger than Sabi Sands and with arguably better-looking, Madikwe has a lot going for it. It is a malaria-free destination too, which has a big appeal for families with young children. When compared to the Sabi Sands, there is also more value to be had and there's some great lodging for honeymooners too.

Phinda Private Game Reserve; located in the KwaZulu-Natal near Durban

• Diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and coastal forests
• Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros)
• Unique activities such as black rhino tracking and marine safaris
• Ultra-luxurious lodges with stunning views and excellent service

Phinda Private Reserve is totally different from Sabi Sands and Madikwe. It has a diverse ecosystem, including grasslands, wetlands and coastal forests, and is also home to the Big 5. It has four ultra-luxury lodges, which are very good value considering the quality. Phinda stands out with unique activities like black rhino tracking and marine safaris. A big hitter for honeymooners and couples looking for that extra wow factor.