Private Reserves in South Africa - Seeking Advice.

I'm thinking of going to South Africa later this year and basing the trip around several private game reserves.

I did a similar trip 2 years ago and had mixed experiences - at a couple of reserves game was both very scarce and extremely skittish, while elsewhere the game viewing was among the best I have experienced in 6 trips to Africa. I have pretty much decided that private reserves in the Kruger area have the potential to offer the best value for game viewing and photography, provided you choose the right ones (particularly at the present exchange rate).

Has anyone out there stayed at these reserves:

Kwa Mbili Mohlabetsi Elephant Plains

If so, what were they like? They are all relatively cheap, but I have found that price does not necessarily correlate with quality of game viewing.

Alternatively, does anyone have suggestions for other, similar reserves?

I will probably spend some time in Kruger as well, but the curfew and requirement to stay on the roads (understandable though they are) are very frustrating.

Thanks for any info.

I've booked into Djuma Game Reserve for 3 nights in late June of this year. Djuma is in the Sabi Sand area outside of Kruger. www.djuma.co.za I've never been to Africa before but have done a lot of research. The Djuma website is excellent and contains info on the owners, their mission, as well as info on staff. Check out all the photos submitted by guests!! The rate is under $200 US per night. Has anyone stayed at Djuma?

Julie D.

Anyone stayed at Tembe Elephant Park located on the Mozambique border in northern Kwazulu-Natal? check out www.tembe.co.za

Rates are only $83 US a night for a single!!

Julie D

Thanks Julie

I have found lots of similar websites, but missed this one.

Yes, Julie, we stayed at Galago and visited Vuyatela while we there as well. Not a ton of animals but beautiful and peaceful. Kirsten