Klaserie Private Game Reserve

Klaserie is one of the beautiful wild extensions of Greater Kruger Park. The reserve lies north of Timbavati and west of Kruger Park in one of central Kruger's prime game viewing areas. It is easily accessible from Hoedspruit Airport and can also be reached from Phalaborwa Airport. Klaserie receives fewer visitors than other private reserves, making it a desirable destination for an uncrowded safari in South Africa.

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Overview

Klaserie consists of a group of farms that comprise some 60 000 hectares, which makes it one of the most extensive privately-owned nature reserves in South Africa.

The reserve operates within the full spectrum of nature conservation and is entirely non-governmental. Klaserie Private Game Reserve is home to a handful of lodges, some of which cater specifically to walking safaris in the wilderness of the Greater Kruger. Being the least developed of the reserves that fringe the national park, Klaserie offers an authentic safari experience, with fewer feet and cars traversing the reserve, ensuring the area is pristine and genuinely wild.

Size:
600 km²
Established
1972
Special Specie
White lion
Province
Limpopo
Wildlife initiative
Ground hornbill project

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Safari Lodges at Klaserie

African Sky's favorite lodges in the Klaserie Private Reserve are listed below.

Africa On Foot

This tented-style safari camp focuses on exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot and interacting intimately with the many mammal, plant, and bird species that inhabit the African wilderness.

Baobab Ridge Game Lodge

At Baobab Ridge, you will enjoy an upmarket yet authentic safari with daily open 4x4 game drives and walks into the wild led by experienced rangers and trackers.

Misava Camp

Misava Camp is a luxury, intimate lodge that overlooks the Klaserie River; the lodge is ideal for honeymooners and those seeking an opulent safari experience in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Simbavati Amani

Simbavati Amani is an intimate lodge set beneath ancient trees in well-maintained gardens in the heart of Klaserie, one of the premier private game reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Simbavati Camp George

The tastefully decorated suites at Camp George offer a luxury stay in Klaserie. Each suite has a private deck with glorious views of the surrounding bush, and animals can often be spotted while relaxing here.

Simbavati Homestead

Homestead is an ideal family retreat in Klaserie. The self-catering lodge is for exclusive use, with luxury accommodations and daily safari drives conducted by trained rangers and trackers.

Reasons to Visit Klaserie

1

Bountiful Birding

It is an excellent destination for birders, with many well-known and rare species of the Greater Kruger frequenting the area. It is notable for its conservation of the Ground Hornbill. The Ground Hornbill Initiative aims to gain more insight into this vulnerable species. Guests will enjoy great sightings of these peculiar birds while on safari.

2

On Foot

A guided bush walk is one of the best and most exciting ways to experience the wilderness. The walks are both informative and adrenalin-charged. They offer a unique immersion into nature and a great way to observe more minor details not apparent from the game drive vehicle. Bush walks are accompanied by armed rangers.

3

Exclusivity

Ever wonder what it would be like to have the Kruger National Park to yourself? Klaserie comes very close. Although there are other guests, you will never see queues of cars or wait in long lines. Here you can combine luxury with exclusivity and an all-encompassing experience of the fauna and flora of Kruger.

Experiences to Savor

Its tranquility makes Klaserie Private Game Reserve stand out from its neighbors. With minimal lodges and essentially only intimate ones. Savor this exclusivity and the wildlife.

Sounds of the Night

Klaserie is quiet at night, with only the sounds of the wild to lull you to sleep. The roar of the mighty lion, the distant Hyena laughs, and the calls of nightjars in camp are delightful. A choir of frogs will add to this nighttime medley if your lodge is near a water source.

Relax and Take a Dip

Between game drives and other activities, you can relax in camp, gaze into the surrounding bush for possible movement, and stare into the trees to spot the many birds in the camp. You can relax with a book on the main deck or the porch of your room. A dip in the pool is a great way to cool down.

Elephant Insights

The long-term strategy to conserve elephants at Klaserie has resulted in more than a decade of intensive research on the behavior of these giant pachyderms. Your guide will provide details surrounding the study and its conclusions - to inform you about the focus of conservation efforts.

FAQ

Is the reserve vulnerable to rhino poaching?
Unfortunately, yes, as is the case in South Africa's national parks and reserves that host rhinos.
Is there an airport nearby?
The closest airport is Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit, roughly a 40-minute drive from Klaserie.
What safari activities are available?
Guests at Klaserie can enjoy bush walks, and two game drives daily - in the early morning and late afternoon.
How can I contribute to the Eco-Children initiative?
Donations can be made to the Kit-a-Kid and Santa Shoe Box initiatives.
Why aren't fences between the Klaserie reserve and the Kruger National Park?
The lack of fencing between the two conservation areas allows for the natural migration of animals.
How hot does it get?
In summer, the average day is about 30°C, and in winter, the temperature averages 23°C.
Can you swim in the rivers?
Swimming in the rivers is not allowed, but swimming pools are available at the lodges to cool down.

Useful Travel Info

Getting There

By Air

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, guests are assisted in transferring to a flight to the Eastgate Airport situated right outside Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province. The flight duration is approximately one hour and is the best way to travel compared to the busy city roads.

By Road

Klaserie is about five hours from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Guests travel to the park in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. It is an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with South Africa's landscape and start exercising your ability to spot animals.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

Klaserie is in a sub-tropical region; therefore, sweltering humidity and high temperatures characterize summer. During this time (October to March), the park receives annual rains, and thunderstorms can occur in the late afternoon, influencing outdoor activities.

The winters are dry, and the days are warm and bright. Additionally, the animals tend to flock to the water sources during the dry season, which makes for easier wildlife spotting. The temperatures can drop in the evenings, and early morning drives are chilly but not at all unbearable. If you plan a safari, the winter months (April - September) are the best time to visit.

History

A group of friends led by Paul Mouton and Daan du Preez started buying up farmland in the Klaserie area. In 1969, they introduced the idea of forming a private game reserve on both sides of the Klaserie River. Convincing all the landowners in the Klaserie area to support the idea was no easy feat, and many meetings were held between owners, farmers, and conservationists. Eventually, despite all the problems and negotiations, the Klaserie Private Game Reserve was formed.

The first game ranger in Klaserie was Van Reenen Van Vuuren - who took up his post on 1 March 1970. Poachers were very active then, and the ranger made it his primary duty to stem the tide. His first success was the arrest of two poachers in Germiston for the poaching of 23 impalas, one giraffe, one kudu, and one wildebeest. Through careful management, the reserve has since been well-stocked with at least three breeding buffalo herds and many other animal and bird species.

Wildlife

The reserve aims to provide animals with pristine natural ecosystems and as little human influence as possible. Klaserie is the perfect place for your first safari in Africa, as it contains all of the Big Five. Even though sightings can never be guaranteed, guests will undoubtedly spot lions, elephants, buffalo leopards, and maybe white rhinos. Hippos and crocodiles occur in the Olifants River and should be encountered on either the morning or afternoon game drive.

The most common antelope in the area are impala, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, blue wildebeest, and waterbuck. You may also see some of the small antelope like duiker or steenbok. The area is home to large numbers of giraffes and zebra. With enough patience and luck, there is a chance of encountering cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs.

Birdwatchers will be delighted, as rollers are around in season, fish eagles call from the trees on the riverbank, and the rare ground hornbill, as well as various vultures and birds of prey, are spotted frequently.

Vegetation & Terrain

The Olifants River forms the northern border of the reserve, while the Klaserie River traverses it. Large trees line the riverbanks and provide shelter to the birdlife in the area. Wooded savannah of varying degrees of density is the primary vegetation type. Shrubland and Mopani veld typify the northeastern reaches of Klaserie.

Activities

The primary activities in Klaserie are open 4x4 game drives conducted during the early morning and late afternoon by resident rangers and trackers. Most lodges also offer short bush walks shortly after the morning game drive and breakfast. Birding is popular at camp, and the area also has several bird hides.

Longer walking safaris primarily focused on exploring the region on foot are available at some lodges. On each day of your safari, the morning walk would start shortly after sunrise and return to camp during the mid-morning. Relaxation in camp and an afternoon hike rounds out the day. 

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to gain insight into the many research and other projects conducted here. Projects range from educating local youth in wildlife conservation to the ground hornbill project and elephant and other mammal research projects. 

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